Do I need TCPShield / NeoProtect / Cloudflare on top of your protection? — Minecraft

Wondering whether you need a third-party protection service on top of what HumbleServers provides? For most servers the answer is no. This article explains what is already covered and when an extra layer actually helps.

What is already included

Our nodes include DDoS protection, so an additional service is not required for a typical server. You get baseline mitigation automatically with no setup.

When an extra layer helps

Some owners of large or public servers choose to add a Minecraft-aware proxy for extra IP hiding and layer-7 (application-level) filtering. This is optional and complementary, not a replacement for what you already have.

TCPShield and NeoProtect are Minecraft-aware proxies that hide your real IP and filter Minecraft traffic specifically. Add one only if you run a big public server and want the extra layer.
Cloudflare's standard proxy does not work for Java Minecraft — it only handles DNS, not the game protocol. Do not rely on it for protection.

Tip: Add a Minecraft proxy for reputation and IP privacy on a large public server — not as a fix for lag, which is almost always a TPS problem instead.

Frequently asked questions

Is TCPShield or NeoProtect required? No. Our built-in protection covers most servers. These proxies are an optional extra layer for large public servers that want additional filtering and IP hiding.

Can I use Cloudflare to protect my Minecraft server? Not for the game traffic. Cloudflare's proxy only covers DNS for Java Minecraft, so it will not shield your server. Use a Minecraft-aware proxy instead if you want an added layer.

Will adding a proxy improve performance? No. A proxy is about protection and IP privacy, not TPS. If you have lag, pull a spark report to find the real cause.