XRayLogger: Anti-XRay Logging for Minecraft Servers
Every Minecraft server administrator knows the frustration. Players using X-Ray cheats see through solid rock, walking straight to diamond veins and gold clusters as if the terrain were transparent. Standard anti-cheat plugins often miss these offenders because, on the surface, the player simply appears to be digging in the right direction. There is no flying, no speed hacks, no obvious glitches. The cheat is invisible to most detection systems.
This is precisely where XRayLogger: Anti-XRay Logging for Minecraft Servers changes the game. Instead of trying to catch cheaters in the act, it takes a smarter approach: it watches the numbers. By analyzing how many valuable resources a player extracts within a short window, the plugin flags behavior that simply does not add up for legitimate mining. It is not a sledgehammer that auto-bans everyone; it is a precise tool that gives administrators the evidence they need to make informed decisions.
Why Logging Beats Blocking
Many anti-cheat solutions try to automatically punish suspicious players. The problem? False positives. A player might have a Fortune III pickaxe, or they might have stumbled upon a massive cave system. Automated bans can ruin the experience for honest players and create endless appeal tickets. XRayLogger sidesteps this entirely. It does not judge; it records. The plugin quietly tracks ore collection rates, and when a player exceeds the configured thresholds for diamonds, gold, or lapis lazuli, they are added to a watchlist. The administrator then reviews the logs, compares the data with typical gameplay, and decides whether to issue a warning or escalate to a ban.
This human-in-the-loop approach is the core strength of the plugin. It eliminates the risk of false positives while still catching cheaters who mine at impossible rates. The system itself is lightweight, adding negligible load to the server, and remains completely invisible to regular players. They never know they are being monitored, which keeps the gameplay experience smooth and unbothered.
Digging into the Command Suite
Getting hands-on with the plugin is straightforward, even for newer administrators. The command structure is logical and mirrors the naming conventions familiar to anyone who has managed a Bukkit or Spigot server. Here are the essential commands you will use daily:
- /logs.check - Inspect the mining activity of a specific player. If you omit the username, the plugin checks your own stats, which is handy for testing.
- /logs.clear - Wipe the entire log history to start fresh, perfect after resolving a batch of reports.
- /logs.look - Display a comprehensive list of all recorded violations across every player on the server.
- /logs.hidden - View which players are currently exempt from tracking, so you always know your blind spots.
- /config.reload - Apply changes to the configuration file on the fly without restarting the server.
- /config.purge - Reset all settings to their defaults and clear the logs after a restart, useful for troubleshooting.
One detail that stands out is the flexibility of the check command. If you type /logs.check without a name, it evaluates you. This small design choice reduces the chance of errors when typing commands quickly during a busy admin session.
Permissions and Role-Based Access
Running a server often means delegating tasks. XRayLogger supports this with a granular permission system that lets you define exactly who can see what. The permission nodes are intuitive:
- xl.check - Grants the ability to inspect other players. Assigned to operators by default.
- xl.admin - Unlocks full control, including hiding players from logs and editing the configuration.
- xl.hide - Makes a specific player invisible to the tracking system. Useful for trusted helpers or when testing the plugin on yourself.
- xl.check-self - Allows players to view their own statistics. Enabled for everyone by default.
This structure allows you to build a clear hierarchy. Moderators can review logs and spot cheaters, while senior administrators retain the power to manage the system and exempt trusted users. You never have to give someone full console access just to let them check a few reports.
From Simple Logger to Full Anti-Cheat Suite
The plugin has evolved significantly since its early days. It began as a fork of a simpler project called FlatCrafter, but it quickly grew into a standalone tool. Version 1.2.1 introduced an optional auto-ban system; set the value to yes in the config, and repeat offenders are blocked automatically. Version 1.3.2 added support for tracking lapis lazuli, and version 1.4 brought integration with Vault, enabling automatic fines for suspicious activity.
Later updates focused on convenience. The auto-update feature, activated by editing two config values, ensures you always run the latest build without manual downloads. The plugin maintains compatibility with Minecraft 1.6.2, 1.6.4, and all newer builds, making it a reliable choice for legacy and modern servers alike. The source code is available on GitHub, allowing the community to audit every line and contribute improvements.
Practical Tuning for Real Servers
Out of the box, the plugin works, but to get the best results, you should adjust the limits to match your server's economy. A threshold of 10 to 15 diamonds in ten minutes is a solid baseline for a player using an unenchanted pickaxe. For gold and lapis lazuli, you can set slightly higher values since these ores are more common. The goal is to catch cheaters without penalizing players who are just having a lucky run.
If you are running a modded client setup, you might also want to explore launchers that streamline mod management. Many administrators prefer using a dedicated launcher to switch between different mod profiles quickly, especially when maintaining multiple servers. This saves significant time when preparing for sessions on heavily modded worlds.
Another tip: review the logs after peak hours. Cheaters often log in when the server is busiest, hoping their suspicious activity gets lost in the noise. A quick scan of the /logs.look output during off-peak times can reveal patterns you might otherwise miss.
Final Verdict: Worth the Install
If you are tired of players exploiting X-Ray cheats and want a fair, balanced mining economy on your server, this plugin deserves a spot in your toolkit. It is lightweight, transparent, and puts the decision-making power back in your hands. The permission system is robust, the logging is detailed, and the development history shows a commitment to continuous improvement.
To get started, the process is simple. First, ensure you have a compatible loader for your Minecraft version. Then, download XRayLogger: Anti-XRay Logging for Minecraft Servers from a trusted source and place it in your plugins folder. For installation guidance, check the official documentation or community forums for step-by-step instructions on how to install. The configuration file is well-commented, so even first-time users can set realistic limits without confusion.
XRayLogger: Anti-XRay Logging for Minecraft Servers for Minecraft is more than just a logging tool; it is a deterrent. Knowing that their mining patterns are being recorded is often enough to make cheaters think twice. And for those who ignore the risk, the logs provide undeniable proof. Restore fairness to your mines, protect your server's economy, and give honest players the experience they deserve.