WatchDog AntiCheat — Protect Your Minecraft Server from Cheaters

Why Every Modded Server Needs WatchDog AntiCheat

Running a modded Minecraft server is a balancing act. You want players to enjoy custom mechanics, but you also need to keep out hackers who slip in with unapproved client mods. Standard anti-cheat plugins rarely understand Forge environments, leaving your carefully built pack vulnerable. WatchDog AntiCheat (WAC) fills that gap by enforcing a strict mod whitelist, ensuring only the exact client mods you allow can connect.

What Exactly Is WatchDog AntiCheat?

WatchDog AntiCheat is a Forge mod that acts as a gatekeeper between your server and every player’s client. Unlike server-side plugins, it requires installation on both ends, which means it can compare the cryptographic fingerprints of loaded mods against a whitelist you define. If a client has extra mods, missing mods, or even a slightly altered version of an allowed mod, the connection is refused. This makes it incredibly difficult for cheaters to use X-ray, flight hacks, or any other client-side exploit hidden inside a modified jar.

The mod supports a wide range of Minecraft versions: 1.7.10, 1.12.2, 1.16.5, 1.18.2, and 1.19.3+. It’s designed with modpack authors and server admins in mind, giving you full control over exactly what runs in your world.

Core Features That Keep Your Server Safe

• Mod Whitelisting – The heart of the system. Only mods whose MD5 hashes match the server’s whitelist are permitted to join.
• Auto Clicker & Gamma Checker – Built-in detection for common unfair advantages (available in 1.16.5 and newer).
• Discord Webhook Integration – Receive real-time alerts in your Discord server whenever a player is kicked for unwhitelisted mods.
• In-Game Admin Commands – Quickly update whitelists without editing config files manually.
• Client-Side-Only Mod Support – Safely whitelist purely visual or quality-of-life mods that don’t need to be on the server.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Installing WatchDog AntiCheat is straightforward, but the exact config file format differs between older and newer Minecraft versions. Follow the steps for your specific version.

For 1.7.10 & 1.12.2 Servers

• Place the mod JAR into the mods folder of both your client pack and your server. No client-side configuration is needed.
• Start the server once to generate all necessary files inside config/WatchDogAC.
• Open generated-mods-list.txt and copy the entire second line exactly as it appears (avoid extra spaces).
• Paste that line into the whitelistModsMD5= field inside watchdog-ac-common.cfg.
• Restart the server. Players with matching mod sets can now join.

For 1.16.5, 1.18.2 & 1.19.3+ Servers

• Add the mod to both client and server mods folders.
• Launch the server to generate the config folder at config/WatchDogAC.
• From generated-mods-list.txt, copy the second line.
• Paste it into the "Whitelisted Mods" entry inside watchdog-ac-common.toml.
• Restart the server. Done.

If you prefer a streamlined experience, the foxygame.net launcher offers a convenient way to add WatchDog AntiCheat to your modpack, letting you manage and install mods right from its interface without manual file handling. This modern launcher syncs client and server setups effortlessly, so you spend less time in config folders and more time playing.

Whitelisting Client-Side-Only Mods

Some mods (like minimaps or HUD enhancements) only need to be on the client. To allow them without putting them on the server:

• Place those client-only mods into the config/WatchDogAC/ClientMods folder on the server.
• Start or restart the server. The generated-mods-list.txt will now include their hashes.
• Copy the new second line and paste it into the whitelist config (CFG or TOML, depending on version).
• Restart the server again. Now those client-side mods are approved.

Useful Admin Commands

Once you have operator permissions, these commands simplify maintenance:

• /wacchat – Toggle chat notifications when a player is kicked by the anti-cheat.
• /wacwhitelistmods – Automatically update the server whitelist using a trusted player’s client mod list. First whitelist the player’s name in the server config, then run the command.
• /wacwhitelisttp – Same concept, but for texture packs. It pulls the whitelisted player’s resource pack list and updates the server config.

Setting Up Discord Alerts

Stay informed even when you’re offline. The Discord webhook integration sends a message to a channel of your choice every time someone is kicked for unwhitelisted mods.

• In your Discord server, open the channel settings and go to the Integrations tab.
• Create a new webhook, give it a name, and copy its URL.
• On your server, open config/WatchdogAC-server.json and paste the URL into the DISCORD_WEBHOOK_LINK field.
• Save the file and restart the server. Notifications will start flowing immediately.

Common Questions

Which Minecraft versions are actively maintained?
1.7.10, 1.12.2, 1.16.5, 1.18.2, and 1.19.3+ receive updates. Older versions may still work but are not guaranteed.

Why can’t I join even though I have the mod installed?
The most common cause is a mismatch in Forge versions between client and server. Even a tiny change to a mod file alters its hash, so double-check that your client pack is an exact copy of what the server expects. Re-copying the whitelist line after any mod update is essential.

Can I use this in my public modpack?
Absolutely. You may include WatchDog AntiCheat in your modpacks and servers as long as you credit the original author, MaxIsH0t. Join the community Discord at discord.gg/SdkMsaQU5u for support and updates.

Final Thoughts

WatchDog AntiCheat turns the often chaotic world of modded server security into a manageable, rule-based system. By verifying every single client mod against a cryptographic whitelist, it stops cheaters before they ever load into your world. The addition of auto-clicker checks, Discord logging, and quick admin commands makes it a complete solution for serious server owners. Whether you’re running a small private server or a large public network, WAC gives you the confidence that every player is on a level playing field. Set it up once, keep your whitelist updated, and enjoy a hacker-free experience.