How to Create a FiveM Server in 2025 – Complete Setup Guide

Want to run your own FiveM server so you and your friends can play? No worries! This guide will walk you through each step, and I’ll keep it simple.

Want to create your own FiveM server? This guide makes it easy. Really easy. We’ll go step-by-step. Setting up your server? Check. You’ll need to know what it takes to host it too. Don’t worry, we’ll tell you everything. Your server is live? Awesome. But you’re not done yet! You’ll need rules. And a whitelist. These are the important bits to keep your server running smoothly!

What is FiveM? {#what-is-fivem}

FiveM is a modification framework for GTA V enabling custom multiplayer servers with modified game modes, scripts, and up to 2048 concurrent players using OneSync Infinity.

Key components:

• txAdmin: Web-based server management panel
• FiveM Client: Modified GTA V launcher players use
• FXServer: The server software (artifact) you’ll install

What is a FiveM Server?

A FiveM server is a computer or dedicated server that runs the FiveM server software, allowing players to connect and play together. Setting up a FiveM server gives you full control over your gameplay environment, from selecting the mods to enforcing the rules. These servers can be hosted on various platforms including Windows and Linux computers, as well as through dedicated server hosting providers.

Pre-Requirements

To begin setting up a GTA 5 roleplay server on FiveM, you will require the following:

• a Server Hosting: A server hosting like Gportal or Zaphosting is recommended. Furthermore, check our hoster overview for more options.
• Database Server: MySQL or MariaDB is commonly used.
  If you set up your server on Windows VPS, use XAMPP
• Server Files: Download the standard server files from FiveM | OR | use a server template for simplicity
• Visual C++: Required if installing on Windows. However, Linux users do not need this.
• Server Name and Logo (Optional): Personalize your server. This helps in branding and attracting players. Use our generators here
• Choosing the right framework: There is qbCore, ESX and QBOX – Here is a detailed comparison of all FiveM frameworks

How much does it cost to run a FiveM server? We answered that question right here

---

Server Templates – Ready to play!

If coding isn’t your preference or you’re short on time, we recommend purchasing a full server preset to kickstart your server setup. Recommended if you are looking for a quick start.

While using a template isn’t required, it’s often a good idea to begin with one!

---

FiveM Server Hosting

Selecting the appropriate hosting option is essential for establishing your FiveM server, as it affects performance, reliability, and scalability.

We tested & compared the best FiveM server hosters and published our outcome here:

If you prefer to self-host, go for Hetzner or OVH – both hosters are the best options – but you have to set up the server by yourself, while Zaphosting has a Gameserver option (so everything is set up).

Is Zaphosting recommended? For the start, you can use Zaphosting, as it is very easy to start up a server with their user-interface (UI). BUT (!) there are better server hosters.

---

Recommended Hosting Providers

To sum up this post, The best hosting options for your FiveM server:

• OvhCloud (if you are technically skilled)
• Hetzner (if you are mediate experienced)
• Zap Hosting (if you are a beginner and starting out with FiveM!)

It’s worth noting that Zaphosting provides an administration panel, while OvhCloud and Hetzner necessitate some technical expertise for server setup. However, if you’re able to configure the servers on your own, you’ll benefit from more powerful options with OvhCloud and Hetzner.

Install FiveM Server Files

1. Create a New Folder:
   • Create a new folder on your desktop or preferred location.
   • Example: D:\FXServer\server. This directory will be used for your server.
2. Download the Latest Version of FiveM Artifacts Server:
   • Download FiveM Artifacts Server here via this link.
3. Extract the Files:
   • Extract the downloaded files into the created directory (D:\FXServer\server).
4. Download and Extract cfx-server-data:
   • Download cfx-server-data and extract it into a new folder.
   • Example: D:\FXServer\server-data.
5. Create a server.cfg File:
   • Create a server.cfg file in the server-data folder.
   • Example configuration file: example server.cfg.
6. Generate a New FiveM Server Key:
   • Go to FiveM Keymaster and generate a new server key.
7. Set the Server License in server.cfg:
   • Add the generated license key to the server.cfg file:sv_licenseKey "yourLicenseKeyHere"
8. Start the Server:
   • Navigate to the server-data folder and start the server using the appropriate command.

Windows 11

# 1. Create directory structure
New-Item -Path "C:\FXServer" -ItemType Directory
Set-Location "C:\FXServer"

# 2. Download latest artifact
$artifactUrl = (Invoke-WebRequest "https://runtime.fivem.net/artifacts/fivem/build_server_windows/master/").Links | 
    Where-Object {$_.href -match "^\d+.*\.zip$"} | 
    Select-Object -First 1
Invoke-WebRequest "https://runtime.fivem.net/artifacts/fivem/build_server_windows/master/$($artifactUrl.href)" -OutFile "fx.zip"

# 3. Extract files
Expand-Archive -Path "fx.zip" -DestinationPath "." -Force
Remove-Item "fx.zip"

# 4. Download server-data template
git clone https://github.com/citizenfx/cfx-server-data.git server-data

# 5. Create run.bat
@"
@echo off
cd /d C:\FXServer\server-data
C:\FXServer\FXServer.exe +exec server.cfg
pause
"@ | Out-File -FilePath "run.bat" -Encoding ASCII

Ubuntu 24.04 Setup

#!/bin/bash
# Save as install_fivem.sh

# 1. Update system and install dependencies
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt install -y wget curl screen git xz-utils

# 2. Create fivem user (security best practice)
sudo useradd -m -s /bin/bash fivem
sudo usermod -aG sudo fivem

# 3. Download and extract artifact
cd /home/fivem
LATEST_ARTIFACT=$(curl -s https://runtime.fivem.net/artifacts/fivem/build_proot_linux/master/ | grep -o '[0-9]*-[a-z0-9]*' | head -1)
wget https://runtime.fivem.net/artifacts/fivem/build_proot_linux/master/${LATEST_ARTIFACT}/fx.tar.xz
tar xf fx.tar.xz
rm fx.tar.xz

# 4. Clone server-data
git clone https://github.com/citizenfx/cfx-server-data.git server-data

# 5. Create systemd service
sudo tee /etc/systemd/system/fivem.service > /dev/null <<EOF
[Unit]
Description=FiveM Server
After=network.target

[Service]
Type=simple
User=fivem
WorkingDirectory=/home/fivem/server-data
ExecStart=/home/fivem/run.sh +exec server.cfg
Restart=on-failure
RestartSec=10

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
EOF

# 6. Create run script
echo '#!/bin/bash
cd /home/fivem/server-data
exec /home/fivem/alpine/opt/cfx-server/ld-musl-x86_64.so.1 \
    --library-path "/home/fivem/alpine/usr/lib/v8/:/home/fivem/alpine/lib/:/home/fivem/alpine/usr/lib/" \
    /home/fivem/alpine/opt/cfx-server/FXServer +exec server.cfg' > /home/fivem/run.sh
chmod +x /home/fivem/run.sh

# 7. Set permissions
sudo chown -R fivem:fivem /home/fivem/

# 8. Enable and start service
sudo systemctl enable fivem
sudo systemctl start fivem

Docker Setup

# docker-compose.yml
version: '3.8'

services:
  fivem:
    image: spritsail/fivem:latest
    container_name: fivem-server
    stdin_open: true
    tty: true
    environment:
      LICENSE_KEY: "your_license_key_here"
      RCON_PASSWORD: "change_me_strong_password"
    ports:
      - "30120:30120"
      - "30120:30120/udp"
      - "40120:40120"  # txAdmin
    volumes:
      - ./server-data:/config
      - ./resources:/config/resources
    restart: unless-stopped
    
  mariadb:
    image: mariadb:10.11
    container_name: fivem-db
    environment:
      MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD: "strong_root_password"
      MYSQL_DATABASE: "fivem"
      MYSQL_USER: "fivem"
      MYSQL_PASSWORD: "strong_db_password"
    volumes:
      - ./mysql-data:/var/lib/mysql
    restart: unless-stopped

# Deploy with:
docker-compose up -d

# View logs:
docker-compose logs -f fivem

Database Configuration

For ESX/QBCore Frameworks

-- Create database and user
CREATE DATABASE IF NOT EXISTS `fivem` DEFAULT CHARACTER SET utf8mb4 COLLATE utf8mb4_unicode_ci;
CREATE USER 'fivem'@'%' IDENTIFIED BY 'your_secure_password';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON `fivem`.* TO 'fivem'@'%';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

---

Connection String in server.cfg

set mysql_connection_string "mysql://fivem:your_secure_password@localhost/fivem?charset=utf8mb4"

Adjust Power Settings (Windows)

If you’re running your FiveM server on a Windows operating system, it’s crucial to change the Power Settings from “Balanced” or “Power Saver” mode to “High performance.”

This adjustment ensures that your server operates at its maximum potential without any performance limitations.

Follow these steps to change the Power Settings:

1. Open the Control Panel: Press the Windows key and type “Control Panel” in the search bar, then click to open it.
2. Go to Power Options: In the Control Panel, select “System and Security,” then click on “Power Options.” This will display the available power plans.
3. Choose “High performance”: In the Power Options menu, you’ll see several power plans listed. Select “High performance” to boost your system’s performance. If you don’t see it, click “Show additional plans” to reveal it.
4. Confirm the Change: Once “High performance” is selected, the settings will automatically adjust. You can now close the Control Panel.

This ensures that your system allocates the maximum resources for your server, reducing lag and improving gameplay experience.

---

How to Add Mods (Scripts, MLOs)

You can add new scripts, mods or MLOs to your FiveM server. I’ll show you how:

Why doing so? Well, adding new content like scripts, mods, or MLOs to your FiveM server can greatly enhance the player experience (the fun your players have) and make your server unique.

1. Prepare Your Server
   • Make a Backup of your server. Click here to find out how this works.
   • Ensure you’re using the latest FiveM version. (Tutorial: How to update to latest artifacts)
2. Download Content
   • Get scripts, mods, or MLOs from trusted sources.
   • Check for required dependencies.
3. Install Scripts
   • Upload the script folder to server-data/resources.
   • Add ensure script_name to server.cfg.
   • Restart the server.
4. Install Mods
   • Upload mod files to a new folder in resources.
   • Configure fxmanifest.lua or __resource.lua if needed.
   • Add ensure mod_name to server.cfg and restart.
5. Install MLOs
   • Place MLO files in resources.
   • Add this_is_a_map 'yes' to the manifest file.
   • Update server.cfg with ensure mlo_name and restart.
6. Troubleshooting
   • Double-check paths and dependencies.
   • Resolve any conflicts or errors.

Trusted Sources for Resources

1. FiveMX – A trusted site for new resources.
2. GTA5-Mods.com – Popular website for GTA V mods, including FiveM content.
3. FiveM Forums (Releases Section) – https://forum.cfx.re/c/releases/7 – Community-driven resource for FiveM scripts, maps, and more.

As said, I dislike Tebex for many reasons…

Resource Performance Guidelines

• Keep total resource count under 200
• Monitor with resmon 1 in-game
• Target <5ms per resource in resmon
• Remove unused resources

Resource Monitoring Script

-- monitor.lua - Add to server resources
Citizen.CreateThread(function()
    while true do
        local resources = {}
        for i = 0, GetNumResources() - 1 do
            local resource = GetResourceByFindIndex(i)
            if GetResourceState(resource) == "started" then
                table.insert(resources, {
                    name = resource,
                    cpu = GetResourceCpuUsage(resource),
                    memory = GetResourceMemoryUsage(resource)
                })
            end
        end
        -- Log high usage resources
        for _, res in ipairs(resources) do
            if res.cpu > 10.0 then
                print(("^3WARNING: %s using %.2f ms CPU^7"):format(res.name, res.cpu))
            end
        end
        Citizen.Wait(60000) -- Check every minute
    end
end)

---

Configuring Your Server

Editing the Server Config

Next, there are many variables of the server from within the server.cfg file. Before making any edits, ensure your server is turned off. Once edits are made, you are finally allowed to restart the server.

Example server.cfg:

# Network configuration
endpoint_add_tcp "0.0.0.0:30120"
endpoint_add_udp "0.0.0.0:30120"

# Server info
sv_hostname "^4My FiveM Server ^7- ^2Roleplay ^7| ^3Recruiting Staff"
sv_projectName "My FiveM Project"
sv_projectDesc "Best RP Server NA"
sets tags "roleplay, custom, esx, police, ems"
sets locale "en-US"

# Security
sv_licenseKey "your_license_key_here"
sv_scriptHookAllowed 0
sv_endpointprivacy true

# Slots configuration
sv_maxclients 128
set onesync on  # Required for 32+ players

# Steam API (optional but recommended)
set steam_webApiKey "your_steam_api_key"

# Admin setup
add_ace group.admin command allow
add_ace group.admin command.quit deny
add_principal identifier.fivem:1234567 group.admin  # Replace with your FiveM ID

# Resources
ensure mapmanager
ensure chat
ensure spawnmanager
ensure sessionmanager
ensure basic-gamemode
ensure hardcap

# Framework (choose one)
#ensure es_extended  # For ESX
#ensure qb-core      # For QBCore

Setting Yourself as Admin

Of course you want to admin permissions to moderate your server. Here’s how you can make yourself admin:

1. Join your server
2. Press F8 for console
3. Type playerlist
4. Find your name and copy the identifier

But, it depends on the framework of your server.

Generating a Steam API Key

If using a framework like ESX, you may need a Steam API key:

1. Visit the Steam API key site.
2. Log in with Steam.
3. Enter a domain name (your server name).
4. Finally, copy the generated key and paste it into the server.cfg file.

Enabling OneSync

To enable OneSync:

1. First, find your startup parameters (Startup file or Game Panel).
2. Then, add +set onesync on or enable OneSync in the Game Panel.
3. Finally, restart your FiveM server

If you’re on a Windows server, right-click the .bat file to edit it.

Security & Hardening

Firewall Rules

# UFW (Ubuntu)
sudo ufw allow 30120/tcp
sudo ufw allow 30120/udp
sudo ufw allow 40120/tcp  # txAdmin
sudo ufw allow 22/tcp     # SSH
sudo ufw enable

# Windows Firewall (PowerShell as Admin)
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "FiveM TCP" -Direction Inbound -LocalPort 30120 -Protocol TCP -Action Allow
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "FiveM UDP" -Direction Inbound -LocalPort 30120 -Protocol UDP -Action Allow

Advanced Security Checklist

• Enable sv_endpointprivacy true
• Use strong RCON password or disable entirely
• Implement IP whitelist for admin connections
• Enable txAdmin 2FA
• Regular automated backups
• Monitor for unusual resource usage
• Implement rate limiting
• Use fail2ban for SSH (Linux)

---

DDoS Protection

# nginx proxy configuration
limit_req_zone $binary_remote_addr zone=fivem:10m rate=10r/s;

server {
    listen 30120;
    location / {
        limit_req zone=fivem burst=20 nodelay;
        proxy_pass http://localhost:30121;
    }
}

Connecting to Server

1. Locate Your Server Address: Once you have your FiveM server connection address (CFX/IP address), you’re ready to connect.
2. Connect via FiveM Client:
   • Open the FiveM client.
   • Navigate to “Servers”.
   • Enter your CFX/IP address and connect.

By following these steps, you’ll now have your FiveM server created & running, ready for players to join and enjoy!

How To Make Your FiveM Server Popular (How to get players)

Adding New Resources

• Access the server configuration file: The configuration file is usually named server.cfg and is located in the main directory of your FiveM server.
• Edit the server configuration file: Open server.cfg with a text editor (such as Notepad++ or VS Code).
• Add the resource: At the end of the server.cfg file, add a new line with the following command to start the resource: start resourceNameReplace resourceName with the actual name of the resource folder you uploaded. For example, if the folder is named coolcar, you would add:sqlstart coolcar
• Save and close: Save the changes and close the text editor.

If your’re looking for new resources, check out our store here!

Setting Up Rules

Before you publish your server, it’s essential to establish a clear set of rules to ensure a fair and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone involved. Key rules to consider include prohibiting Fail RP (Roleplay) and any form of cheating, as these can significantly detract from the immersive atmosphere you aim to create.

To help you navigate this process, we’ve put together a comprehensive tutorial that outlines best practices for rule-setting in gaming communities. This resource will guide you through the necessary steps to draft effective rules and maintain a positive environment. You can find the tutorial linked here for your convenience!

Creating a Whitelist

If you’re looking to safeguard your FiveM server from disruptive trolls and maintain a positive gaming environment, implementing a whitelist is an effective solution. This tutorial will guide you through the steps to create and manage a whitelist, ensuring that only approved players can join your server.

Why using a whitelist? By restricting access to trusted individuals, you can significantly reduce the risk of harassment and unwanted behavior, allowing for a more enjoyable experience for all participants. Follow along as we explore the necessary tools and settings to establish a secure and welcoming community on your FiveM server.

---

---

The Next Steps (After Setup)

---

FAQ

---

Now you know How To Create a FiveM server! We hope you liked our tutorial :)

How to Show FPS in FiveM (+ Performance Boost)

Growth & Monetization

Player Acquisition Strategy

1. Server listing optimization: Update tags, description, banner every week
2. Content creation: Record 60-second clips for TikTok/YouTube Shorts
3. Events: Weekly scheduled events (races, heists, community meetings)
4. Partnerships: Cross-promote with other servers

Monetization Options

• Donations: Tebex alternative – use Stripe + Discord bot (save 5% fees)
• Priority queue: $5-10/month for queue skip
• Cosmetics: Custom cars, clothing (non-gameplay affecting)
• Property slots: Additional houses/garages