HackerBuster review
A free, extensible foundation for building custom Paper anti-cheat checks.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
HackerBuster is an open-source Minecraft anti-cheat plugin project for developers working with Paper servers. It provides basic anti-cheat checks alongside an architecture for adding or improving checks, making it a better fit for solo developers and small teams building their own server protections than for operators seeking a ready-made detection suite. The project targets the Paper server ecosystem and runs through self-hosted deployment.
Its strongest feature is the development model. HackerBuster includes a custom check development API, manifest-based check registration, and support for loading separately compiled check JARs from the hackerbuster/checks directory. This structure gives developers a defined way to organize and extend checks without treating the built-in functionality as the endpoint. ProtocolLib integration further connects the plugin to a common part of the Paper plugin stack. The available build configuration targets the 1.20.4 Paper API and includes a 1.20 test-server configuration.
The trade-off is scope. HackerBuster is centered on basic checks and custom development, so its value depends on whether a team wants to build and maintain its own detection logic. It is not the natural choice for server owners who want broad, preconfigured anti-cheat coverage with minimal development work. Choose it when an open-source, self-hosted foundation and control over custom checks matter most; choose another plugin when ready-to-run detection breadth is the priority.
HackerBuster pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free and open-source for self-hosted Paper servers
- Custom check development API with manifest registration
- ProtocolLib integration and compiled check loading
- Where it doesn't
- Provides basic checks rather than broad detection coverage
- Supports Paper server architecture only
- Requires developer-led setup and custom check development
HackerBuster fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update