On May 17, 2017, ExtraTorrent unexpectedly went offline. Visitors to the homepage were met with a brief, definitive statement from the administration announcing that the site had been permanently shut down and that all official mirrors would go dark. The operators also warned users to stay away from fake websites claiming to be clones.
Founded in 2006, ExtraTorrent grew systematically to rival industry giants like The Pirate Bay and KickassTorrents. By the mid-2010s, it consistently ranked as the second or third most popular torrent website globally. Why It Became the "Best" System
: The site was the home of several prominent "release groups" such as ETRG (ExtraTorrent Release Group), ettv , and ethd , which were responsible for uploading high-quality TV and movie content.
Today, while the original extratorrent.cc is a part of internet history, its influence persists. Many modern trackers have adopted its organizational style and community-first approach. For enthusiasts looking for the "best" torrenting experience today, the legacy of ExtraTorrent serves as the gold standard for what a reliable, user-friendly file-sharing system should look like. On May 17, 2017, ExtraTorrent unexpectedly went offline
It was known for having "helpful members" and moderated content to reduce fake torrents, which are a major threat in the BitTorrent ecosystem .
"ExtraTorrent has been shut down permanently... ExtraTorrent with all mirrors goes offline... Stay away from fake ExtraTorrent websites and clones. Thx to all ET supporters and torrent community. ET was a place to be..."
Page 1 ExtraTorrent.cc: The World's Largest Bittorrent System - Best Alternatives in 2026 Founded in 2006, ExtraTorrent grew systematically to rival
Release groups obtained verified digital files.
The closure was a shock to the community. After a brief period of downtime cited as "emergency maintenance," the entire website was replaced with a stark, solemn message:
Learn about the history of like Kazaa or RARBG. Today, while the original extratorrent
Understanding this system requires looking at how ExtraTorrent grew, the mechanics of its community-driven distribution network, its sudden closure, and the security risks associated with modern platforms that mimic its legacy. The Rise of ExtraTorrent and the ".cc" Era
The claim of being the "World's Largest BitTorrent System" was part of the site’s branding strategy. While it technically held the #2 spot behind The Pirate Bay for most of its life, its database was massive. At its peak, it indexed millions of torrents and served billions of page views per month. For many users, the site's reliability made it feel like the largest and most important system available.