IRC Networks: The Complete List of IRC Servers and Communities

What This Article Covers

• The major international IRC networks and their specialties.
• German and German-speaking IRC networks.
• How to find the right network for you.
• Server connection, ports, and your first login.
• Running your own IRC networks and private servers.

Introduction: Many Servers, Many Networks

Internet Relay Chat is not a single service, but a collection of independent networks. Each IRC network consists of several interconnected IRC servers, with its own rules, services, and community. The question “which IRC server” is really two questions: which network suits you, and which specific server do you connect through.

This guide takes you through the relevant networks, both international and German-speaking, along with their distinct characteristics. By far the most comprehensive German-language network and server directory is maintained by IRC-Mania.de, which has documented historical networks and server details for years.

The Major International IRC Networks

Libera Chat

Currently the most significant network for Open Source and free software. Launched in 2021 when large parts of the Freenode community migrated following a controversial takeover. Today home to most Linux distribution and Open Source project channels. Connection: irc.libera.chat, port 6697 (TLS).

EFnet

The original: emerged in 1990 as the first fork and remains the oldest existing IRC network. No NickServ, no ChanServ, channels belong to whoever holds them. Anarchic, historically important, and surprisingly active. irc.efnet.org, port 6667/6697.

OFTC

Open and Free Technology Community. Purpose-built for Open Source projects and communities, with solid services. Smaller than Libera but popular among technical projects. irc.oftc.net, port 6697.

IRCnet

The classic European network, historically strong in Finland, Germany, and Eastern Europe. Also operates without centralized nick registration in the traditional sense. irc.ircnet.com or regional servers.

Undernet

One of the established large networks with its own channel service (X). Once one of the largest networks overall, quieter these days but stable. irc.undernet.org, port 6667/6697.

DALnet

Invented NickServ and ChanServ services in 1995, now the standard across IRC. Once the largest network in the world and survived one of the biggest DDoS attacks in internet history in 2002/2003. irc.dal.net, port 6697.

Rizon

Strong among anime, gaming, and younger communities. Comparatively relaxed rules, large number of channels. irc.rizon.net, port 6697.

Other Notable Networks

• LibertaCasa, Snoonet, GeekShed, DarkMyst: Community networks with their own focuses.
• QuakeNet: Historically the gaming network, smaller today but still active.
• Private corporate and project networks: Many organizations run internal IRC servers.

German and German-Speaking IRC Networks

The German IRC scene was enormous for decades. Today it concentrates on a few networks:

• IRC-Mania Network: irc.IRC-Mania.de is the network operated by IRC-Mania.de and a piece of German IRC history. Between 2001 and 2020, it sometimes had over 10,000 concurrent users. The network still exists for historical reasons but no longer operates IRC services and has only a few users. If you want to see an authentic old-school German IRC network, you can still connect.
• IRCnet (German servers): irc.de and German IRCnet servers remain home to many older German communities.
• Libera Chat German channels: The German-speaking Open Source community largely congregates on Libera.
• Smaller regional networks: Various German-speaking networks and private servers serve niche communities.

For a current, maintained list of German networks and servers with connection details, check IRC-Mania.de, where German-language servers are kept up to date. Quick answers about German networks are also available at IRC-FAQ.de.

How to Connect to an IRC Server

/server irc.libera.chat 6697       Connect to network server
/nick DeinName                     Choose a nickname
/join #dein-kanal                  Join a channel
/msg NickServ REGISTER pw mail     Register your nick

Basic rules for getting started: always use TLS port 6697 instead of 6667, register your nick where services exist, and read the network rules (/motd, network website). All commands are in our IRC command reference, with more details at IRC-Mania.de/ircbefehle.

Which IRC Network is Right for You?

• Open Source and Linux: Libera Chat or OFTC.
• History and anarchy: EFnet or IRCnet.
• Gaming and younger communities: Rizon, QuakeNet.
• Classic services environment: DALnet or Undernet.
• German-speaking: German IRCnet servers or German channels on Libera.
• Full control: Run your own network with your own IRCD, see our article on IRC daemons and servers.

Running Your Own IRC Networks and Private Servers

You can set up your own network anytime: install an IRC server, add services, and you’re done. Many communities, companies, and home labs run private networks for internal communication, bot testing, or learning. Our article on Internet Relay Chat daemons covers software options, IRC-Security.de explains server hardening, and our cybersecurity overview provides additional details.

Common IRC Network Pitfalls

“The server doesn’t exist.” Server names change. Always use the network’s round-robin address (e.g., irc.libera.chat) instead of individual hostnames.

Nick is taken. In networks with services, the nick belongs to an account. Choose a different one or register your own.

“My channel was hijacked.” Only happens in networks without ChanServ (EFnet, IRCnet). In services networks, registered channels are secure.

Closed or password-protected channels. Many project channels are deliberately closed and require an invite or registration.

Further Reading on IRC Networks

• IRC-Mania.de - Main hub for IRC content, with maintained network and server directory.
• IRC-FAQ.de - German FAQs on networks and connections.
• IRC-Security.de - Securing your own servers and networks.
• IRC-Coding.de - Write bots for your favorite networks.
• IRC-FAQ.com - International network FAQs.
• Netsplit.de - Network statistics and server lists.

Related articles on BotServ.de: What is IRC, the IRC FAQ, and IRC clients compared.

FAQ: IRC Networks - Common Questions

Which is the largest IRC network?

For Open Source and technical communities, Libera Chat is the dominant network. By raw size, EFnet, IRCnet, and DALnet rank close behind or ahead with different specialties, depending on when you measure.

Are there still German IRC networks?

Yes. German IRCnet servers and German-speaking communities on Libera Chat are active, and the historic IRC-Mania network at irc.IRC-Mania.de still exists. Between 2001 and 2020, it sometimes had over 10,000 concurrent users. Current German servers and connection details are maintained at IRC-Mania.de.

What’s the difference between an IRC server and an IRC network?

A network is the community, a server is the individual machine you connect to. Multiple servers make up a network. See the article on IRC daemons for details on server software.

Which port do I use for IRC?

6697 for TLS (recommended), 6667 for unencrypted. Always use TLS; plaintext sends your data readable across the network.

Why does EFnet have no NickServ?

EFnet follows the original IRC principle without centralized registration: nicks and channels belong to whoever holds them. Anarchic, historically grown, and part of its character.

Can I run my own IRC network?

Yes. You install an IRC daemon like UnrealIRCd or Ergo, optionally add services like Anope, and you have your private network. Effort: one server, an hour of work.

Where do I find active IRC communities?

The channel lists of networks (/list), network statistics pages, and the link collections at IRC-Mania.de show where people are.

Are IRC networks anonymous?

Partly. Server admins can see your IP, and depending on cloaking settings, other users can too. Registration requires email, so IRC doesn’t offer true anonymity, but pseudonymity works well.