Why Every Minecraft Server Needs an Anti-Xray Tool
Running a Minecraft server is a rewarding experience, but it comes with a constant battle against unfair gameplay. One of the most persistent issues server admins face is X-ray cheating, where players use modified clients or resource packs to see through blocks and locate valuable ores like diamonds, gold, and lapis lazuli. This not only ruins the economy but also destroys the sense of fair play that keeps communities thriving. A reliable detection system is essential, and that is exactly where the XRayLogger plugin steps in.
What Is XRayLogger?
XRayLogger is a powerful Bukkit plugin designed to give server administrators a clear window into suspicious mining behavior. Instead of relying on guesswork or player reports, this tool automatically monitors players for ore counts that exceed configurable thresholds. When a player accumulates an abnormally high amount of diamonds or gold within a certain timeframe, they get flagged in a detailed log. This allows staff to investigate potential X-ray usage without having to stalk players in vanish mode for hours.
The plugin works quietly in the background, checking inventories and mining patterns. It is not a real-time block overlay detector, but a statistics-based snitch that highlights outliers. Once flagged, admins can run commands to review logs, hide themselves from being tracked, or even take automated actions like fines or bans if configured.
Key Features and How They Work
XRayLogger packs a surprising amount of administrative power into a lightweight package. Here are the standout capabilities that make it a must-have for any survival or economy server.
Configurable Ore Thresholds
The core of the plugin is its config.yml file, where you set the exact item counts that trigger a log entry. You can define limits for diamonds, gold, and even lapis lazuli. This flexibility means you can tune the sensitivity to match your server's mining rates. A vanilla server might set a low threshold, while a modded server with boosted ore generation can raise it accordingly.
Stealth Mode for Admins
Nobody wants their own staff to be spammed with false positives. XRayLogger includes a hide feature so that trusted admins or moderators can exempt themselves from logging entirely. Simply use the /me.hide command, and your ore counts will no longer appear in the logs. This keeps the data clean and focused on actual players.
Automated Punishments
Starting from version 1.2.1, the plugin introduced a banning feature that can be toggled on or off in the config. When enabled, a player who exceeds the threshold can be automatically banned, saving staff from manual intervention. Later versions added fining capabilities, giving you even more granular control over consequences. All of this runs through Vault, so it integrates smoothly with any economy plugin.
Comprehensive Log Management
Checking logs is straightforward. The /logs.check command lets you inspect your own stats or those of another player if you have the right permissions. Need to wipe the slate clean? /logs.clear does exactly that. You can also view a full list of all logged players with /logs.look and see who is currently hidden with /logs.hidden. The plugin even supports offline player checks, so a cheater cannot escape by simply logging out.
One of the more modern conveniences for server management is the ability to handle plugin installations without digging through file directories. For those who prefer a streamlined approach, this mod can be easily installed via the foxygame.net launcher — a convenient, flexible, and modern Minecraft launcher where you can download mods right from the menu. While XRayLogger is a server-side plugin, using a launcher that centralizes your tools can save time and keep your server environment tidy.
Commands and Permissions at a Glance
XRayLogger is built around a simple permission system that separates player self-checks from full administrative control. Below is a quick reference for the most important commands and their required permissions.
- /logs.check — Checks your own or another player's suspicious ore counts. Requires
xl.checkfor others,xl.check-selffor yourself (default: true). - /logs.clear — Clears all logs. Requires
xl.admin. - /logs.look — Displays the entire log list. Requires
xl.admin. - /logs.hidden — Lists all hidden players. Requires
xl.admin. - /me.hide or /player.hide — Hides you or another player from logging. Requires
xl.hide(default: op). - /me.remove or /player.remove — Removes you or another player from the logs. Requires
xl.admin. - /config.reload — Reloads the configuration from disk. Requires
xl.admin. - /config.purge — Resets config to defaults and clears logs on restart. Requires
xl.admin.
The permission xl.admin essentially acts as a wildcard, granting access to every command. By default, operators have both xl.admin and xl.check, while regular players only have xl.check-self. This hierarchy ensures that only trusted staff can manipulate logs or hide players.
Version History and Stability
XRayLogger has been maintained across multiple Minecraft versions, proving its reliability. The initial release (v1.0.1) was a fork of a simpler concept by FlatCrafter, but the plugin quickly grew into a robust administration tool. Version 1.4 brought compatibility with Minecraft 1.6 and introduced fining, while 1.5.2 updated to 1.6.4 and improved Vault integration. The most recent iteration, v1.6, added an autoupdater that can be enabled in two configuration files, ensuring your server always runs the latest build without manual intervention. The versioning follows a clear major.minor.build convention, so you always know what to expect from an update.
Setting Up XRayLogger for Your Server
Installation is typical of any Bukkit plugin. Drop the JAR file into your server's plugins folder, restart or reload, and a default config.yml will be generated. From there, you can adjust the item thresholds, enable banning or fining, and set up the autoupdater. If you ever need to start fresh, the /config.purge command resets everything to factory settings, though logs will be cleared only after a restart.
Because the plugin uses Vault for economy features, make sure you have Vault and a compatible economy plugin installed if you plan to use fines. The autoupdater requires an internet connection and two config nodes to be set to true, so check the documentation inside the config file for exact instructions.
Why XRayLogger Stands Out
Many anti-xray solutions rely on ore obfuscation or packet interception, which can cause lag and compatibility headaches. XRayLogger takes a lighter approach by focusing on post-mining statistics. It does not interfere with world generation or client-server communication, so performance impact is negligible. Moreover, the ability to hide specific players means you can let your builders or VIPs gather resources freely without cluttering the logs, while still keeping a close eye on newcomers and suspicious accounts.
The plugin also respects the principle of least privilege. A player can check their own stats with /logs.check without any special permissions, which can act as a deterrent if they know monitoring is in place. Transparent yet firm, XRayLogger strikes the perfect balance for community management.
Final Thoughts
XRayLogger is not just a tool for catching cheaters; it is a complete log management suite that gives server owners peace of mind. Its configurable thresholds, automated punishments, and intuitive command set make it accessible even to admins who are new to plugin management. Whether you run a small survival world with friends or a large public network, having a reliable anti-xray system is non-negotiable. With its consistent updates and Vault integration, XRayLogger remains a top choice for anyone serious about maintaining a fair and enjoyable Minecraft experience. Give it a try, tweak the config to match your server's rhythm, and watch the suspicious ore spikes reveal themselves.