In the competitive and complex world of Hypixel SkyBlock, players dedicate countless hours grinding, collecting rare items, and building up wealth. Unfortunately, with such valuable progress on the line, a growing number of players have experienced a nightmare scenario: getting ratted. This term refers to the act of unknowingly downloading malicious software commonly disguised as mods or tools that steals Minecraft login credentials. Once infected, the victim’s account can be completely wiped or stolen, often without any way to recover what was lost. Understanding how players get ratted in Hypixel SkyBlock, how to prevent it, and what to do if it happens is essential for keeping your account and progress safe.
What Does ‘Getting Ratted’ Mean?
In Minecraft and the broader gaming community, ‘getting ratted’ means having a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) installed on your computer. In Hypixel SkyBlock, this usually happens when players download what they think is a helpful mod, profile viewer, or macro tool, only to end up installing malware instead. This malicious software allows hackers to access Minecraft credentials, including session tokens, without needing a password.
Why It Happens So Often in Hypixel SkyBlock
Hypixel SkyBlock is a mod-heavy experience for many players. With popular tools like NEU (NotEnoughUpdates), Skytils, and SBE (Skyblock Extras), the community is accustomed to using third-party modifications to improve quality of life. Unfortunately, this reliance on mods creates a perfect opportunity for bad actors to disguise malicious tools as legitimate ones.
Additionally, the in-game economy and the value of rare items like Hyperions, Necron’s Armor, and expensive pets make SkyBlock accounts especially attractive targets. A single hacked profile can yield hundreds of millions, or even billions, in coins for the attacker.
Common Methods Hackers Use to Rat Players
Fake Mod Downloads
The most widespread method is distributing fake mods via Discord, YouTube videos, forums, or direct messages. These files often look harmless and are advertised as useful SkyBlock tools, like:
- FPS boosters
- New SkyBlock mods or addons
- Insider profile viewers or money-making macros
Once downloaded and opened, the file installs a RAT that silently runs in the background, stealing session tokens or login data the next time the Minecraft launcher runs.
Fake Clients or Launchers
Some attackers bundle malicious code inside cracked Minecraft clients or custom SkyBlock launchers. Players looking to bypass bans or gain an unfair advantage are more likely to fall for these, thinking they are downloading something exclusive or powerful.
Token Logging
Instead of stealing passwords, many modern RATs steal Minecraft session tokens. These tokens allow an attacker to log into your account without needing to know your actual Mojang or Microsoft password, which makes it more dangerous. Even changing your password won’t immediately kick them out unless you fully log out of all sessions.
Signs You’ve Been Ratted
Getting ratted is often silent at first, but there are some red flags to look out for:
- Your account suddenly logs out, and you can’t log back in.
- Valuable items in your Hypixel SkyBlock profile are missing.
- You log in to find yourself in the hub with an empty inventory or a wiped island.
- Friends or co-op members report strange behavior from your account.
Sometimes the RAT stays undetected for days before it’s used, giving hackers time to harvest accounts without being noticed.
How to Prevent Getting Ratted
Only Download Mods from Trusted Sources
One of the most important steps in avoiding being ratted is verifying the authenticity of your mods. Always use sources like Modrinth or CurseForge, and never trust random links from Discord or YouTube comments.
Use Antivirus Software and Scan Downloads
A strong antivirus program can detect and block RATs before they run. Always scan downloaded.jar files before opening them, especially if they weren’t sourced from official sites.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Using Microsoft’s two-factor authentication can add an extra layer of security. Although it won’t stop session token theft, it can protect your account in other scenarios where your password is compromised.
Log Out of All Sessions If You Suspect an Issue
If you think you’ve downloaded something suspicious, immediately log out of all active sessions through your Microsoft account. This forces a re-login, invalidating stolen tokens.
Keep Backups of Your Minecraft Folder
Some malicious mods can modify or delete your Minecraft files. Regular backups allow you to restore your game to a clean state if needed.
What to Do If You Got Ratted
Step 1: Disconnect Your Computer from the Internet
Prevent any ongoing access by immediately cutting off your network connection. Unplug your Ethernet cable or turn off Wi-Fi.
Step 2: Run a Full Malware Scan
Use a trusted antivirus tool like Malwarebytes or Windows Defender to scan your PC. Quarantine or delete any detected threats. It’s also a good idea to use multiple tools to confirm your system is clean.
Step 3: Change Your Passwords and Log Out of All Sessions
After your system is clean, log in to your Mojang or Microsoft account and change your password. Make sure to log out of all sessions to invalidate any stolen tokens. If your email or Discord account was involved, change those passwords as well.
Step 4: Report to Hypixel Support
Unfortunately, Hypixel’s policy is that they do not restore items or coins lost due to account compromise. However, reporting the incident helps them track patterns and prevent future scams. It’s worth notifying them even if you don’t expect item recovery.
The Community’s Role in Prevention
Stopping the spread of RATs requires community awareness. Players should never share suspicious files and should warn others if they come across phishing or scam attempts. Hypixel Discord communities and subreddit mods often act quickly to remove harmful content, but staying vigilant is everyone’s responsibility.
Educating New Players
Veteran players should take time to educate newer members about the risks of downloading mods. Many young players may not realize the dangers or may be easily persuaded by clickbait videos and download links promising free coins or cheat mods.
Getting ratted in Hypixel SkyBlock is a devastating experience that can erase months of progress in just seconds. By understanding how RATs operate, where they come from, and how to protect yourself, you can significantly reduce the chances of falling victim. Use trusted sources, avoid sketchy downloads, and always keep your account secured with strong passwords and session monitoring. As the Hypixel SkyBlock community continues to grow, promoting security awareness will be key to keeping the experience fun and fair for everyone.