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- License was intended to be GPLv3 per earlier commit of GPLv3 LICENSE FILE - This is confirmed by the inclusion of libraries that are incompatible with GPLv2 - This is also confirmed by KLS and the agreement of KLS's predecessors - Added GPLv3 license headers to the compilable source files - Removed Folly licensing in strings.h since the string functions do not match the Folly functions and are standard functions - this must have been left over from previous implementations - Removed individual contributor license headers since the project has been under the "developer" mantle for many years - Removed comments on files that were previously automatically generated since they've been manually modified multiple times and there are no automatic scripts referencing them (removed in 2023)
EQEmulator Server Platform
EQEmulator - A Fan-Made Project Honoring a Legendary MMORPG
EQEmulator is a passion-driven, open source server emulator project dedicated to preserving and celebrating the legacy of a groundbreaking classic MMORPG.
For over two decades and continuing, EQEmulator has served as a fan tribute, providing tools and technology that allow players to explore, customize, and experience the legendary game's iconic gameplay in new ways. This project exists solely out of deep admiration for the original developers, artists, designers, and visionaries who created one of the most influential online worlds of all time.
We do not claim ownership of the original game or its assets. All credit and respect belong to the original creators and Daybreak Game Company, whose work continues to inspire generations of players and developers alike.
EQEmulator has for over 20 years and always will be a fan-based, non-commercial open-source effort made by players, for players—preserving the legacy of the game while empowering community-driven creativity, learning and joy that the game and its creators has so strongly inspired in us all.
Technical Overview & Reverse Engineering Effort
EQEmulator represents over two decades of collaborative reverse engineering, building the server from the ground up without access to the original source code. This effort was achieved entirely through community-driven analysis, network protocol decoding, and in-game behavioral research.
💡 How We Did It
Reverse Engineering Every system, packet, opcode, and game mechanic has been reconstructed through countless hours of live packet sniffing, client disassembly, and in-game experimentation by dedicated contributors over the years.
No proprietary code or server sources were ever used.
All implementations are the result of clean-room engineering.
🛠️ Technology Stack
C++ Core Engine
- High-performance networking and gameplay logic built in C++
- Cross-platform support for Linux and Windows
MySQL / MariaDB Backend
- Fully structured schema with over 200+ tables
- Supports content customization, expansions, and custom worlds
Scripting Engine
- Native support for Perl and Lua scripting
- Powerfully extendable for quests, NPC behaviors, and custom events
Open Source Content Database
- Includes ProjectEQ’s world data up through Dragons of Norrath
- 100% customizable to create entirely new game worlds
🚀 Why It Matters
🧬 EQEmulator stands as a technical preservation project, ensuring that the magic of classic and custom servers lives on for future generations of players, tinkerers, and game designers.
We humbly acknowledge and thank the original developers for creating one of the most influential online experiences in gaming history.
🧑💻🖥️ Supported Clients
| Titanium Edition | Secrets of Faydwer | Seeds of Destruction | Underfoot | Rain of Fear |
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📚 Resources
| Resource | Badges | Link |
|---|---|---|
| EQEmulator Docs | |
docs.eqemu.dev |
| Discord Community | |
Join Discord |
| Latest Release | |
View Releases |
| License | |
View License |
| Build Status | |
View Build Status |
| Docker Pulls | |
Docker Hub |
| Contributions |  |
Closed PRs & Issues |
🛠️ Getting Started
If you want to set up your own EQEmulator server, please refer to the current server installation guides. We've had 100,000s of players and developers use our guides to set up their own servers, and we hope you will too!
🗂️ Related Repositories
| Repository | Description |
|---|---|
| ProjectEQ Quests | Official quests and event scripts for ProjectEQ |
| Maps | EQEmu-compatible zone maps |
| Installer Resources | Scripts and assets for setting up EQEmu servers |
| Zone Utilities | Utilities for parsing, rendering, and manipulating EQ zone files |