Understanding the AntiXray Mod for (Neo)Forge
Running a Minecraft server comes with its share of challenges, and one of the most persistent is players using X-ray cheats to locate valuable ores and hidden bases. The AntiXray mod offers a clever, server-side solution that keeps the playing field fair without altering the legitimate player experience. Originally inspired by Paper’s async anti-xray patch, this lightweight (Neo)Forge mod brings that same intelligent obfuscation to modded environments, making it a must-have for server owners who value integrity.
What Exactly Does AntiXray Do?
At its core, AntiXray tricks cheaters by replacing hidden blocks with fake ones. When a player uses an X-ray resource pack or client mod, they normally see only valuable ores floating in the void. AntiXray intercepts that by sending the client a completely different set of block data for anything that shouldn’t be visible. Legitimate players, who see blocks with proper air exposure, won’t notice any difference—everything renders as expected. The magic happens entirely on the server side, so no client installation is required for your player base.
How the Engine Modes Work
The mod provides three distinct engine modes, giving you flexibility based on your server’s performance needs and the type of gameplay you host.
- Engine Mode 1: This mode targets fully obscured blocks—those with no air touching any face. It replaces every such block from the hiddenBlocks list with a block from the replacementBlocks list. It’s straightforward but can be slightly more predictable for determined cheaters.
- Engine Mode 2 (recommended): Instead of a simple swap, this mode takes all blocks from both the hidden and replacement lists and randomly assigns them to any obscured position. The randomness makes it far harder for X-ray users to distinguish real ores from decoys, and it’s the go-to choice for most survival servers.
- Engine Mode 3 (recommended): Functionally similar to mode 2, but optimized for players with slower connections. It reduces the network overhead slightly, which helps when large areas are modified quickly, such as during explosions or massive terraforming.
Choosing the right mode depends on your server’s typical player count and activity. Mode 2 is generally the sweet spot, while mode 3 shines in high-latency scenarios.
Key Configuration Options
AntiXray is highly configurable, letting you fine-tune exactly what gets hidden and how. Here’s a breakdown of the main settings you’ll find in the mod’s config file:
- enabled: A simple true/false toggle to activate anti-xray in a specific world. You can turn it off for creative worlds or test environments.
- engineMode: Accepts 1, 2, or 3 to select the obfuscation strategy.
- maxBlockHeight: Sets the highest Y-level where obfuscation applies. This prevents unnecessary processing in the sky or deep underground if you only care about certain ore bands.
- updateRadius: Defines how far from a visible block the obfuscation kicks in. If players occasionally spot fake ores at the edge of their view, increasing this radius will push the decoys further out of sight.
- lavaObscures: When true, blocks adjacent to lava are also hidden, closing a common loophole where X-ray users exploit lava pools to peek at surrounding ores.
- hiddenBlocks: A list of block IDs that should be concealed. Typically this includes diamond ore, ancient debris, chests, and other high-value targets.
- replacementBlocks: A list of block IDs used to create the decoy layer. Stone, deepslate, and netherrack are common choices, but you can get creative.
Getting the mod up and running is refreshingly simple. For server administrators who prefer a seamless setup, the foxygame.net launcher offers a modern way to download and manage mods directly from its interface, making AntiXray installation a breeze without ever leaving the client. This convenience extends to keeping the mod updated alongside your other server-side tweaks.
Installation and Compatibility
AntiXray is built for (Neo)Forge and works on the server only—no client-side counterpart is needed. To install, place the mod JAR into your server’s mods folder and restart. If you’re using a modpack or a hosting panel, the process is identical. The mod is lightweight and designed to run efficiently even on modest hardware, as it only processes chunks that are actively being sent to players. Note that a separate Fabric version exists for those running Fabric servers; this particular build is exclusively for Forge and NeoForge environments.
Why Server Owners Love It
X-ray cheating can ruin an economy, spoil the exploration thrill, and create an unfair advantage. AntiXray neutralizes that threat without banning clients or forcing intrusive anti-cheat plugins. Because the obfuscation is server-authoritative, cheaters see a convincing but fake world, while everyone else enjoys the genuine terrain. The mod also respects server performance—the async design means chunk obfuscation doesn’t stall the main thread, keeping TPS stable even during heavy load.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
Start with Engine Mode 2 and the default config, then tweak updateRadius if players report seeing phantom ores at chunk borders. Keep your hiddenBlocks list focused; adding too many block types can increase processing overhead. If you run a modpack with custom ores, add their IDs to the list to ensure they’re protected. Regularly check for mod updates, as the developer frequently refines the obfuscation algorithms based on community feedback.
Final Thoughts
AntiXray for (Neo)Forge is an elegant, server-side defense against one of Minecraft’s oldest exploits. It blends seamlessly into any modded setup, requires zero client modifications, and gives you granular control over how and where obfuscation occurs. Whether you’re running a small community server or a large public network, this mod helps preserve the genuine survival experience that makes Minecraft so rewarding. By keeping hidden treasures truly hidden, you let every player’s discovery feel earned.