Server raids happen when a large number of automated accounts or coordinated users join your Discord server simultaneously and spam messages, post harmful links, or disrupt conversations. Discord provides built-in AutoMod rules that detect and block raid activity before it reaches your members. This article explains how to enable raid protection using AutoMod settings, configure the default rules, and customize filters to match your server’s needs.
Key Takeaways: Enabling Discord Server Raid Protection With AutoMod
- Server Settings > AutoMod > Default Rules: Enables the pre-built raid and spam protection rules that block mass mentions, duplicate messages, and suspicious join patterns.
- AutoMod Custom Rules > Keyword Filter: Blocks specific words, phrases, or URL patterns commonly used during raids.
- Server Settings > Moderation > Verification Level: Increases join restrictions to slow down raiders and give AutoMod time to act.
What Discord AutoMod Raid Protection Does
AutoMod raid protection is a server moderation feature that automatically detects and blocks harmful actions during a raid. The system analyzes message content, user join rates, and mention patterns in real time. When it identifies raid behavior, AutoMod can delete offending messages, timeout the user, or prevent them from sending messages entirely. This feature does not require a bot or third-party service. It is built directly into Discord’s server settings.
Before enabling raid protection, you need the Manage Server permission on the server where you want to apply the rules. Server owners and administrators have this permission by default. You also need a server with at least one text channel where AutoMod can log actions. AutoMod works on all server sizes but is most effective on servers with 50 or more members where raid attempts are more common.
AutoMod raid protection consists of two parts: default rules and custom rules. Default rules cover common raid patterns such as mass mentions, duplicate messages, and rapid joins. Custom rules let you define specific keywords, URL patterns, and spam thresholds that match your server’s unique risks.
Steps to Enable AutoMod Raid Protection
Follow these steps to activate raid protection on your Discord server. You must have the Manage Server permission to complete this process.
- Open Server Settings
Click your server name at the top left of the Discord window. Select Server Settings from the dropdown menu. - Go to AutoMod
In the left sidebar, scroll down to the Moderation section. Click AutoMod. - Enable Default Raid Protection Rules
Under the Default Rules tab, you will see pre-built rules labeled Raid Protection, Spam Protection, and Mass Mention Protection. Click the toggle switch next to each rule to enable it. The toggle turns blue when active. - Configure the Raid Protection Rule
Click the Raid Protection rule to open its settings. Set the Join Rate Threshold to the number of joins per minute that triggers the rule. Discord recommends 10 joins per minute for smaller servers and 20 for larger servers. Choose an action: Disable Voice, Timeout, or Block Message. Select a duration for the action, such as 1 hour for timeout. Click Save. - Configure Spam and Mass Mention Rules
Click the Spam Protection rule. Set the Duplicate Message Threshold to the number of identical messages allowed within 10 seconds. Discord recommends 3. Choose an action, such as Delete Message and Timeout for 10 minutes. Click Save. Repeat for Mass Mention Protection and set the threshold to 5 mentions per message. - Set a Log Channel
Scroll down to the Log Channel section. Select a text channel where AutoMod will post alerts when it blocks raid activity. This helps moderators see what actions were taken. Click Save. - Create Custom Keyword Rules for Raid Blocking
Click the Custom Rules tab. Click Create New Rule. Give the rule a name, such as “Block Raid Links.” Under Keywords, add words or URL patterns that raiders often use, such asdiscord.gg/,free nitro, or@everyone. Choose an action: Delete Message or Block Member Message. Click Save. - Test the Rules
Send a test message that matches one of your custom keywords from a different account. Verify that AutoMod deletes the message or blocks the user. Check the log channel for an alert.
Common Issues After Enabling AutoMod Raid Protection
AutoMod Blocks Legitimate Messages
If AutoMod mistakenly deletes messages from real members, the keyword or threshold is too strict. Review the log channel to see which messages were blocked. Adjust the Duplicate Message Threshold to a higher number, such as 5 instead of 3. For keyword rules, remove common words that appear in normal conversation. Add an Allowed List in the custom rule settings to exempt specific users or roles.
Raid Protection Does Not Activate
The raid protection rule may not trigger if the join rate threshold is set too high. For example, setting it to 30 joins per minute on a server that normally sees 2 joins per hour means the rule never activates. Lower the threshold to 5 or 10 joins per minute. Also confirm that the rule is enabled and saved. Check the log channel for any recent raid events.
AutoMod Log Channel Stays Empty
If no alerts appear in the log channel, the rules may not be detecting any raid activity. Verify that the log channel is correctly selected and that the bot has permission to send messages there. Go to Server Settings > Roles and ensure the AutoMod system role has the Send Messages permission in that channel.
AutoMod Raid Protection Default vs Custom Rules
| Item | Default Rules | Custom Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Instant, pre-built | Requires manual creation |
| Target behavior | Mass mentions, duplicate messages, high join rate | Specific keywords, URL patterns, spam phrases |
| Customization | Limited to threshold and action | Full control over keywords, allowed lists, and actions |
| Best for | Quick protection for any server | Servers with known raid keywords or targeted attacks |
| Logging | Uses the same log channel | Uses the same log channel |
Default rules handle broad raid patterns and activate immediately. Custom rules give you the ability to block specific content that raiders use to bypass the default filters. Use both together for the strongest protection.
You can now enable AutoMod raid protection on your Discord server using the default rules and custom keyword filters. Start by activating the default rules and adjusting the join rate threshold based on your server size. For extra safety, add custom rules that block common raid phrases and URL patterns. Review the log channel regularly to fine-tune thresholds and prevent false positives. If your server grows, consider increasing the verification level in Server Settings > Moderation to require phone verification for new members, which further deters automated raids.