What is BattleHawk?

​BattleHawk is a powerful cheat detection system and by far the best anti-cheat solution we are currently using. BattleHawk aims to prevent every major detectable hack modules and to determine whether a person is cheating or not, by gathering, processing and analyzing data from every online players. When BattleHawk detects an user cheating, it logs and kicks them immediately with the reason "Unfair Advantage". After a few kicks were performed within a designated period of time, the user will then be punished with a temporary account suspension. We have trained BattleHawk ​for many months on how to successfully spot hackers, and now it can do it automatically. We can't reveal the exact details of how this works, but it's pretty cool.

​This is a supplementary document of the Penal Code.

Why was I banned by BattleHawk?

​If you were banned by BattleHawk, your ban message will include: [BATTLEHAWK CHEAT DETECTION].
That means, you were monitored, caught and confirmed to be in one or more of the following categories:

1. Actively cheating by using one or more blacklisted client modifications and/or 3rd-party programs.
2. Previously used one or more blacklisted modifications which has outstanding effects on your Minecraft folder.
3. Using one or more disallowed or unapproved modifications.
4. Anything that falls into the definition of cheating as defined in the Penal Code.
​
​Please read the guide about “What can I do to stop this from happening?” below to prevent further punishment.

How to appeal a BattleHawk ban?

​To appeal a BattleHawk ban, please refer to Appeal Against Conviction or Sentence. Appeals sent in any other ways (e.g. private messaging in-game, shouting in the public chat in-game/discord/facebook group and page, sending a mail in-game, using an alternative account to argue etc...) will only be directed back to the appeals section here with no further answers. You might also be punished in accordance with the public order ordinance (rules #2). We would only deal with appeals right in the appeals section here, not elsewhere.

What can I do to stop this from happening?

​1. Make sure you have read and followed the latest version of Penal Code and Approved Modifications.
2. Make sure you have not installed any unapproved client modifications and 3rd-party programs.
3. Make sure your Minecraft client is clean.
4. ​Do not edit your registry files on your OS and if you have, please make sure to remove it by restoring your registry files from your previous backup.
5. Do not use any automated or toggling macros.
6. Anything that alters vanilla minecraft behaviour and gives you an unfair advantage over others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is XXXX modification allowed on the server?
You can find out more about allowed modifications here. If the modification provides any forms of advantage over other users then we strongly recommend removing it.

Will I ever be 100% sure that my modifications are safe?
No. For that reason, we recommend a 100% vanilla client when possible.

Can I use Optifine on the server?
Yes, you can. As Optifine's main purpose is to provide an FPS (Frames-Per-Second) boost to players. Client performance improvement modifications are allowed.

Can an admin tell me if a modification is allowed?
No. We never approve modifications on request. However we can refer you to our list of whitelisted modifications here.

I have used modifications in the past, am I at risk of being banned?
No, as long as they are no longer installed and you are no longer using them on the server. But a Yes, if some modifications have found to tamper with .jar in your minecraft folder. Please make sure your minecraft client is clean.

If I have modifications installed but aren't actively using them, am I at risk?
Of course, you are! Some modifications interact with the server even if you aren't actively using them. Simply having them installed may be putting you at risk. Please consider to uninstall them.

I've used a 3rd-party program to change how my client works - will that be detected?
Yes, you might be at risk. If you are using it alongside other mods, a chain effect by a combination of mods could have been triggered and might provide your some kinds of unfair advantages. Our stance is still the same, it is not allowed. The safest way to be a legit player is just not to mess around with it. However, if you insist to use that, please use at your own risk.

Will I be banned for using an OS (e.g. Mac, Linux etc.) rather than Windows?
No. It's incorrect to say so as no one will  be banned just because they are using a different operating system.

Why does BattleHawk issue a kick instead of an immediate ban?
The reason why we do this is to build up a confidence level in verifying the machinery judgement made by BattleHawk. It is a measure in place to minimize the possible chances of issuing a false ban.

Why does BattleHawk kick with the reason "Unfair Advantage"?
The reason why we do this is that the cheaters will find it much harder to know which particular hack they were punished for.

Does BattleHawk access any of my computers files?
No, BattleHawk is entirely server side.

Will I be banned if I have a glitchy/laggy connection?
Maybe. Although BattleHawk knows the difference between someone lagging and someone cheating, you might still put yourself at risk. Please check your connection and avoid pvping when you are lagging.

Is there a chance I can be falsely banned by BattleHawk?
Very unfortunately, yes. Nothing is perfect, and even machines will sometimes make mistakes. However, we will only issue a ban that is 100% positively fit in one or more of the "Why was I banned by BattleHawk?" categories.

How does the stats wipe system work?
Players that are caught for cheating repeatedly may get their stats wiped to ensure fairness to the others.

​Does BattleHawk differentiate between VIPs and non-VIPs?
No, justice is blind. It does not care if you are a VIP or non-VIP.

Will there be a screenshare?
Yes, a staff might demand a player to take part in a compulsory screenshare session via AnyDesk or Discord when necessary. The invited player has to attend the session immediately without leaving the server. If the player refuse to cooperate, he/she would then be considered as cheating and will be punished accordingly.