CoreProtect-Anti-Xray: The Ultimate X-ray Detection Plugin for Minecraft Servers
Running a Minecraft server is a rewarding experience, but it comes with the constant challenge of keeping gameplay fair. One of the most persistent issues server admins face is X-ray cheating, where players use modified clients or texture packs to see through blocks and locate valuable ores with ease. While CoreProtect is already a household name for logging block changes and rolling back grief, the CoreProtect-Anti-Xray plugin takes things a step further by transforming those logs into a powerful anti-cheat tool. This plugin analyzes CoreProtect’s data to reveal suspicious mining patterns, helping you catch X-rayers before they ruin the economy or the server’s integrity.
What Exactly Is CoreProtect-Anti-Xray?
CoreProtect-Anti-Xray is an intelligent add-on that reads the block break logs generated by CoreProtect (version 2.0 or higher) and calculates how many ores a specific player has destroyed within a given time frame. Instead of manually digging through thousands of log entries, admins can use a single command to get a clear breakdown of a player’s ore-gathering habits. The plugin focuses on high-value blocks like diamonds, ancient debris, emeralds, and other ores, then displays the total count along with a percentage that represents the proportion of those blocks compared to all logged breaks. An abnormally high percentage often points directly to X-ray usage.
It is worth noting that the plugin does count blocks removed by WorldEdit if you have WorldEdit logging enabled in your CoreProtect configuration. This means large-scale terraforming or schematic pasting can skew the statistics, so it is best to check the context before issuing a ban. The percentage shown refers only to the listed ores, giving you a focused metric rather than a cluttered dataset.
Key Features and How It Works
Once installed on your server, CoreProtect-Anti-Xray integrates seamlessly with your existing CoreProtect setup. There is no need for a separate database or complex configuration. The plugin simply queries the CoreProtect logs and presents the results in an easy-to-read format. Here is what you can expect:
- Time-based analysis: You specify a player name and a number of days, and the plugin scans all ore breaks within that period.
- Ore-specific tracking: It monitors diamonds, emeralds, gold, iron, lapis, redstone, nether quartz, and ancient debris, giving you a comprehensive view of mining activity.
- Percentage calculation: The percentage value helps you quickly judge whether a player’s ore-to-total-break ratio is unnaturally high compared to legitimate miners.
- Lightweight performance: Because it relies on existing CoreProtect data, the plugin adds minimal overhead to your server.
- Anonymous usage statistics: The plugin uses mcstats.org to collect anonymous data. If you prefer to opt out, you can set 'useMetrics' to false in the config file.
If your server does not have CoreProtect installed, the plugin will not function. In that case, you can look for the stand-alone edition of CoreProtect-Anti-Xray, which bundles its own logging system so you are not forced to run CoreProtect alongside it. However, for most server owners, the CoreProtect-dependent version is the cleanest approach because it leverages a tool you likely already trust.
Commands and Permissions
Using CoreProtect-Anti-Xray is refreshingly simple. The entire functionality revolves around one main command, making it accessible even for staff members who are not deeply technical.
- /xlu <player> <time span in days> – This command runs the analysis for the specified player over the given number of days. For example, /xlu Steve 7 would show all ore breaks by Steve in the last week.
To control who can use this command, the plugin relies on a single permission node:
- cpantixray.use – Grants full access to the /xlu command. Assign this to moderators and admins who need to investigate potential cheaters.
There is no complicated hierarchy of permissions or subcommands, which keeps the learning curve flat and reduces the chance of misconfiguration.
Installing and Configuring the Plugin
Setting up CoreProtect-Anti-Xray is straightforward. First, ensure you have CoreProtect version 2.0 or newer running on your Spigot, Paper, or any compatible Minecraft server. Then, download the CoreProtect-Anti-Xray jar file from its official distribution page and place it into your server’s plugins folder. After a restart or a reload, the plugin will generate a default configuration file. You can tweak the metrics setting if desired, but most admins will find the default values perfectly suitable.
For players who enjoy enhancing their Minecraft experience beyond server plugins, a modern launcher can simplify mod management dramatically. Many users now rely on tools like the foxygame.net launcher to browse, install, and update mods directly from an intuitive menu, removing the hassle of manual file placement and version conflicts. While CoreProtect-Anti-Xray is a server-side tool, keeping your client-side mods organized through such a flexible launcher ensures you always have a clean and up-to-date game environment.
Once installed, test the plugin by running the /xlu command on yourself or a trusted staff member. This will confirm that CoreProtect is logging correctly and that the analysis engine is working. If you notice that WorldEdit actions are inflating the numbers, consider adjusting your CoreProtect logging rules to exclude certain worlds or users, or simply keep that in mind when interpreting results.
Why CoreProtect-Anti-Xray Matters for Server Integrity
X-ray cheating can destroy a server’s economy in days. When one player amasses stacks of diamonds while everyone else mines legitimately, it creates an unfair advantage that drives away honest community members. Traditional anti-Xray plugins often rely on ore obfuscation, which can cause performance issues and is not always foolproof. CoreProtect-Anti-Xray offers a complementary, evidence-based approach. Instead of trying to hide ores, it catches the cheater after the fact by analyzing their behavior patterns. This makes it an invaluable addition to any admin’s toolkit.
The plugin’s reliance on CoreProtect also means you get the best of both worlds: robust block logging for rollbacks and a smart anti-cheat layer without doubling your resource consumption. It is a practical, no-nonsense solution that respects your server’s performance while delivering actionable insights.
Future Development and Considerations
The developer has outlined several exciting features on the to-do list, including multithreading to speed up log queries on large servers, support for other logging systems like LogBlock, and a fully stand-alone option that eliminates the CoreProtect dependency entirely. These improvements will make the plugin even more versatile and accessible. For now, the current version remains stable and effective for any server already running CoreProtect.
When using the plugin, always combine its data with common sense. A player who has been strip-mining for hours might legitimately have a high ore count, but the percentage metric is your best indicator. A sudden spike in diamond percentage over a short period, especially in newly generated chunks, is a classic red flag. Pair the /xlu output with a quick visual inspection of the player’s tunnels using spectator mode, and you will have a solid case for any necessary action.
Conclusion
CoreProtect-Anti-Xray fills a critical gap for Minecraft server administrators who want to maintain a fair and enjoyable environment without resorting to heavy-handed obfuscation plugins. By harnessing the logging power of CoreProtect, it delivers clear, concise statistics that make X-ray detection almost effortless. The simple command interface and minimal permission setup mean your staff can start investigating suspicious activity within minutes of installation. Whether you are running a small survival server with friends or a large public network, this plugin provides a reliable, evidence-based method to keep cheaters at bay and protect the hard work of your legitimate players.