How to Use XDCC: Complete Beginner's Guide to Downloading Files from IRC

XDCC (eXtended DCC) is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to download files from the internet. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about using XDCC to download anime, movies, music, games, and more from IRC bots.

What is XDCC?

XDCC stands for eXtended DCC (Direct Client-to-Client). It's a file-sharing protocol used on IRC (Internet Relay Chat) networks. XDCC bots are automated programs that serve files to users who request them through simple commands.

Unlike torrents or other peer-to-peer networks, XDCC provides direct downloads from dedicated servers, resulting in faster speeds, better privacy, and no need to seed or maintain upload ratios.

Why Use XDCC Instead of Torrents?

  • Faster Downloads: Direct connection to high-speed servers with no peer dependency
  • Better Privacy: No peer-to-peer exposure of your IP address to multiple users
  • No Seeding Required: Download and go - no need to keep files seeding
  • Consistent Availability: Files remain available as long as the bot is online
  • No Ratio Requirements: Download as much as you want without uploading
  • Instant Start: Downloads begin immediately without waiting for seeders
  • Better for Rare Content: Old or niche files stay available indefinitely

What You Need to Get Started

  1. An IRC Client: Software to connect to IRC networks (mIRC, HexChat, AdiIRC)
  2. XDCC Search Engine: To find the files you want (you're already here!)
  3. Basic Computer Skills: Ability to copy/paste commands
  4. Stable Internet: For reliable downloads

Step-by-Step Guide to Downloading with XDCC

1 Choose and Install an IRC Client

First, you need an IRC client to connect to IRC networks. Here are the best options:

For Windows:

  • mIRC - Most popular, feature-rich, 30-day trial (continues working after)
  • AdiIRC - Free, modern interface, great for beginners
  • HexChat - Free and open-source

For Mac:

  • Textual - Paid but polished
  • LimeChat - Free alternative
  • Colloquy - Free and user-friendly

For Linux:

  • HexChat - Most popular Linux IRC client
  • Konversation - Great for KDE users
  • Irssi - Terminal-based, for advanced users
Recommendation: For beginners, we recommend mIRC for Windows or HexChat for Mac/Linux. Both are free, easy to use, and support XDCC perfectly.

2 Find a File Using XDCC Search

Use our XDCC search engine (on the homepage) to find the file you want:

  1. Enter keywords: "naruto", "avengers", "flac album", etc.
  2. Browse the results to find what you want
  3. Note the important information:
    • Network: Which IRC network (Rizon, SceneP2P, CoreIRC)
    • Server: The IRC server address
    • Channel: Which channel to join (e.g., #ELITEWAREZ)
    • Bot Name: The bot serving the file
    • Pack Number: The pack # to request
  4. Click "Copy" to copy the download command

3 Connect to the IRC Network

Open your IRC client and connect to the network:

In mIRC or AdiIRC:

  1. Click "Add Server" or go to Server menu
  2. Enter the server address (e.g., irc.rizon.net)
  3. Set Port: 6667 (or 6697 for SSL)
  4. Enter a nickname (anything you want)
  5. Click "Connect"

In HexChat:

  1. Open Network List (Ctrl+S)
  2. Find the network in the list or add a new one
  3. Enter your nickname
  4. Click "Connect"
Common IRC Servers:
• Rizon: irc.rizon.net
• SceneP2P: irc.scenep2p.net
• CoreIRC: irc.coreirc.net

4 Join the Channel

Once connected, join the channel where the bot is located:

Type in the input box at the bottom:

/join #channelname

For example:

/join #ELITEWAREZ

Press Enter. You'll now see the channel and users in it.

5 Request the File

Now paste the command you copied from the search results:

/msg BotName xdcc send #123

For example:

/msg [EWG]dumpMovie xdcc send #1234

Press Enter. The bot will automatically:

  1. Send you a DCC send request
  2. Your client will accept it (usually automatic)
  3. Download will start immediately
Important: Paste the command in the server/status window or in the channel window - NOT in a private message to the bot. The /msg command handles sending it privately automatically.

6 Monitor Your Download

Your download is now in progress! You can:

  • See download progress in the DCC window (usually View → DCC Transfers)
  • Download speed, time remaining, and file size are displayed
  • Files are saved to your default download folder (check client settings)
  • You can request multiple packs from different bots simultaneously

Common XDCC Commands

Besides the basic download command, here are useful XDCC commands:

  • /msg BotName xdcc send #123 - Request pack #123
  • /msg BotName xdcc info #123 - Get information about pack #123
  • /msg BotName xdcc list - Get bot's pack list (can be huge!)
  • /msg BotName xdcc search keyword - Search bot's packs for keyword
  • /msg BotName xdcc cancel - Cancel your current download
  • /msg BotName xdcc remove - Remove yourself from queue

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Download Won't Start

Solutions:

  • Check if your firewall is blocking DCC connections
  • Try /dcc trust BotName to allow connections
  • Enable "Auto-accept DCC" in client settings
  • Make sure you're still connected to IRC

Problem: "All Slots Full" Message

Solutions:

  • You've been added to a queue - wait your turn
  • Try requesting from a different bot with the same file
  • Wait 5-10 minutes and try again

Problem: Download Stops/Hangs

Solutions:

  • Type /msg BotName xdcc send #123 again to resume
  • XDCC supports resume - it will continue from where it stopped
  • Check your internet connection

Problem: Can't Find the Downloaded File

Solutions:

  • Check your IRC client's DCC settings for download folder location
  • Default locations:
    • mIRC: C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Roaming\mIRC\downloads
    • HexChat: C:\Users\YourName\Downloads

IRC Client Configuration Tips

Optimize mIRC/AdiIRC for XDCC:

  1. Go to Options → DCC → Folders
  2. Set your preferred download folder
  3. Enable "Auto-accept DCC sends"
  4. Increase "Max DCC" sends to 10 (for multiple simultaneous downloads)
  5. Enable DCC resume to continue interrupted downloads

Optimize HexChat for XDCC:

  1. Settings → Preferences → File Transfers
  2. Set download directory
  3. Enable "Auto accept file offers"
  4. Set "Max simultaneous downloads" to 5-10

XDCC Safety and Best Practices

⚠️ Safety Warning: Always scan downloaded files with antivirus software before opening. While most XDCC bots serve legitimate files, it's important to stay safe.

Best Practices:

  • Use reputable IRC networks (Rizon, SceneP2P, CoreIRC)
  • Download from well-known bots with good reputation
  • Check file sizes - if it's suspiciously small, it might be fake
  • Scan all downloads with antivirus before opening
  • Keep your IRC client and operating system updated
  • Don't click on suspicious links in IRC channels
  • Use a VPN if you're concerned about privacy

Advanced XDCC Tips

Batch Downloading

Download multiple packs at once by sending multiple commands:

/msg BotName xdcc batch 1-10

This requests packs #1 through #10 from the bot.

Using XDCC Scripts

Advanced users can use XDCC batch downloading scripts:

  • XDCC Downloader - Python script for automated downloading
  • XDCCget - Standalone XDCC downloader

Finding the Best Bots

Tips for finding reliable bots:

  • Look for bots with high download counts (popular = reliable)
  • Check bot uptime - bots online 24/7 are more reliable
  • Join channel announcements to see what's new
  • Ask channel operators for recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

Is XDCC legal?

XDCC itself is a legal file transfer protocol. However, downloading copyrighted material without permission is illegal in most countries. Use XDCC responsibly and only download content you have the right to access.

Do I need to pay for XDCC?

No! XDCC is completely free. The IRC networks, channels, bots, and our search engine are all provided at no cost. Never pay anyone claiming to provide "premium XDCC access."

How fast are XDCC downloads?

XDCC downloads are typically very fast, often maxing out your internet connection. Speeds of 10-50 MB/s are common, depending on the bot's server capacity and your connection.

Can I use XDCC on mobile?

Yes! There are IRC clients for Android (AndroIRC, Revolution IRC) and iOS (Colloquy, Mutter) that support XDCC downloads. However, the experience is better on desktop.

What if a bot goes offline during download?

If a bot disconnects, your download will pause. When the bot comes back online, send the same command again and the download will resume from where it stopped (if the bot supports resume).

Conclusion

XDCC is one of the most efficient ways to download files from the internet. With this guide, you now have everything you need to start downloading anime, movies, music, and more using XDCC bots on IRC.

Remember to always use XDCC responsibly, scan downloads for malware, and only download content you have the legal right to access. Happy downloading!

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