Trusted Clients
Running a Minecraft server comes with a unique set of challenges. While you can control what happens on the server side, keeping an eye on what your players have installed on their own clients has always been a blind spot. Cheat clients, X-ray resource packs, and other unauthorized modifications can slip through the cracks and ruin the experience for everyone. That is where the Trusted Clients add-on steps in, offering a lightweight and straightforward solution for server operators who want a clear picture of their players' setups.
What Is Trusted Clients for Minecraft?
Trusted Clients is a server-side administrative tool built for the Forge mod loader. It is designed to give you, the server owner, a simple yet effective way to see exactly which mods and resource packs a player has active when they connect. The add-on works by having the client send a list of its installed mods and resource packs to the server upon connection. The server then logs everything that is present on the client but not on the server itself. This creates an immediate, readable record of who is running what, allowing you to spot potential troublemakers at a glance.
A Practical Tool, Not a Silver Bullet
It is important to understand the scope of what Trusted Clients can do. This is not a sophisticated anti-cheat system designed to catch skilled hackers. Rather, it is a basic countermeasure aimed at script kiddies and low-level threats. The mod's primary purpose is quick identification of unwanted mods through its logging mechanism. This makes it an excellent fit for small servers where a human operator can review the logs and take action. For larger communities, the whitelisting and blacklisting functionality helps automate the identification of widespread or known mods, assisting operators in keeping their servers clean without constant manual review.
Key Features and Configuration
The configuration for Trusted Clients is handled through a single file located at ./config/ezac-common.toml. Every option is described with comments, making it easy to adjust the settings to meet your specific needs. The add-on offers three distinct modes of operation:
- BLACKLIST mode: Flags all client mods that appear on your list of prohibited items.
- WHITELIST mode: Flags all client mods that are not on your allowed list. This is the stricter approach, ensuring only approved modifications are permitted.
- NOTIFY, RESTRICT, and BAN actions: Once a flagged mod is detected, you can choose how to respond. NOTIFY simply logs the event and messages operators. RESTRICT prevents the player from joining until they remove the offending mod. BAN takes the harshest route, permanently banning the player until an operator pardons them.
Resource packs are also handled within the same configuration. You can define a list of allowed resource pack names, and any pack that does not match will be flagged according to your chosen action. This is particularly useful for blocking X-ray texture packs that give players an unfair advantage.
Example Configuration
A typical WHITELIST setup might look like this. The mods array is left empty, meaning every mod that is not on the server will be flagged. The resourcePacks list contains only "TotallyLegitResourcePack.zip", so that is the only pack allowed. The action is set to RESTRICT, which means players with flagged mods cannot join until they clean up their client.
How to Install Trusted Clients for Minecraft
Installing the add-on is a straightforward process. First, ensure you have the correct version of Forge installed on your server and client. The mod is available for various Minecraft versions, and you should always download the build that matches your setup. To begin, download Trusted Clients from a trusted source and place the JAR file into the mods folder on both your server and your client. After restarting the server, the config file will be generated. From there, you can edit the TOML file to set your preferred mode and actions. For players, the installation is just as simple; they drop the same JAR into their own mods folder, and the add-on will automatically start reporting their installed content upon connection.
If you are looking for a hassle-free way to manage your mods, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install feature for Trusted Clients, ensuring you always have the correct version for your Minecraft setup without hunting through multiple websites. The launcher's add-on catalog keeps everything organized, and its auto-update functionality means you will never fall behind on compatibility patches for the latest game releases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a version for Fabric or NeoForge?
Currently, Trusted Clients is only available for Forge. The developer has stated that ports to other loaders are not in the works at this time. If you are running a Fabric or NeoForge server, you will need to consider alternative solutions or stick with Forge for this specific add-on.
Can I use this in my modpack?
Yes, absolutely. The add-on is open for inclusion in any modpack, provided you follow the standard distribution guidelines. This makes it a popular choice for pack creators who want to enforce a specific mod list on their servers.
Final Thoughts on Server Oversight
Trusted Clients for Minecraft is a practical, no-nonsense tool for server admins who want to maintain a fair playing field. While it does not replace a dedicated anti-cheat system, its logging and automated actions provide a solid first line of defense against casual rule-breakers. The configuration is accessible, the installation is simple, and the peace of mind it offers is well worth the minimal setup effort. For small to medium servers, this add-on is a smart addition to your administrative toolkit.