UnrealIRCd is a free, open-source IRC server for Linux, macOS, and Windows with SSL/TLS, spam filtering, and a JSON-RPC API. Serving networks since 1999.
UnrealIRCd is free, open-source server software for running an Internet Relay Chat (IRC) network. Development began around May 1999, building on DALnet's DreamForge ircd, and the project has been continuously maintained ever since, passing its 25th anniversary in 2024.
It is one of the most widely deployed IRC server implementations, commonly cited as powering roughly a third of the publicly listed IRC networks tracked by directory sites, and is distributed under the GNU General Public License.
The server runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and is designed around a modular architecture that lets network operators add or remove functionality through plugins rather than modifying the core codebase.
UnrealIRCd supports the modern IRCv3 protocol extensions alongside classic IRC, with SSL/TLS encryption available for both client connections and server-to-server links. Security tooling includes IP cloaking to hide users' real addresses, GeoIP-based restrictions and labeling, and a built-in Spamfilter along with anti-flood protections to curb abuse.
For accessibility, UnrealIRCd includes native WebSocket support so browser-based IRC clients can connect directly without a separate gateway, broadening how users can join a network.
Administrators can manage and automate the server through a JSON-RPC API, enabling scripted configuration, monitoring, and integration with external tools rather than relying solely on manual configuration files.
UnrealIRCd is entirely free and open source under the GNU General Public License. There is no paid tier, license fee, or commercial edition; anyone can download the source code or precompiled binaries and run it on their own server at no cost.
Because there is no vendor hosting the service, users are responsible for their own server infrastructure, and any costs come from that hosting rather than from UnrealIRCd itself. Support is community-driven through documentation, forums, and IRC channels.
It is server software used to run an Internet Relay Chat network, letting users connect and chat in real time across channels.
Yes, it is free and open-source software distributed under the GNU General Public License.
It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Development began around May 1999, based on DALnet's DreamForge ircd codebase.
Yes, it supports SSL/TLS encryption for both client and server-to-server connections.
Yes, it includes native WebSocket support so browser-based IRC clients can connect without a separate gateway.
It is commonly described as the most widely deployed IRC server, powering a large share of publicly listed IRC networks.
Yes, it includes a built-in Spamfilter along with anti-flood protections.