Complete FiveM Server Setup Guide for 2026

Want to create your own GTA V roleplay server? This comprehensive guide walks you through setting up a FiveM server from scratch, including essential resources and configuration.

What is FiveM?

FiveM is a modification framework for GTA V that allows you to:

>Run custom multiplayer servers
>Add custom vehicles, maps, and scripts
>Create roleplay experiences
>Use custom game modes
>Bypass GTA Online limitations

Legal Note: You need a legitimate copy of GTA V to run a FiveM server.

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Prerequisites

System Requirements

Requirement	Minimum	Recommended
CPU	4 cores	6+ cores
RAM	8 GB	16 GB
Storage	50 GB	100 GB SSD
Bandwidth	20 Mbps	100 Mbps
OS	Windows 10 / Linux	Windows Server / Ubuntu

Required Items

>GTA V license (must be legitimate)
>Static IP or dynamic DNS
>Port forwarding ability
>Basic scripting knowledge (helpful)

---

Step 1: Install FiveM Server

Windows Installation

1.Download FiveM Server

>Visit fivem.net
>Go to "Server" → "Download"
>Download the latest server artifact

2.Extract Server Files

   C:\FiveM-Server\
   ├── server-data\
   └── run.exe

3.Create Server Data Folder

Create server-data folder with:

   server-data/
   ├── resources/
   │   └── [local]/
   ├── cache/
   └── server.cfg

Linux Installation

Bash

# Create directory
mkdir -p ~/fivem/server-data
cd ~/fivem

# Download latest artifact (check fivem.net for latest URL)
# Download latest artifact from https://runtime.fivem.net/artifacts/fivem/build_proot_linux/master/
# Visit the URL above and copy the link for the latest recommended build
wget <PASTE_LATEST_ARTIFACT_URL_HERE>

# Extract
tar -xf fx.tar.xz

# Create cache folder
mkdir -p server-data/cache

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Step 2: Generate License Key

1.Visit keymaster.fivem.net

2.Log in with your FiveM account

3.Click "Register a Server"

4.Fill in server details:

>Server name
>IP address (or domain)
>Server type (home/dedicated)

5. Copy your license key

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Step 3: Server Configuration

Basic server.cfg

Create server.cfg in server-data/:

Config

# FiveM Server Configuration

# Server Identity
endpoint_add_tcp "0.0.0.0:30120"
endpoint_add_udp "0.0.0.0:30120"

sv_licensekey "your-license-key-here"
sv_hostname "My FiveM RP Server"
sets sv_projectName "My RP Server"
sets sv_projectDesc "A new roleplay experience"
sets sv_projectLogo "https://your-logo-url.com/logo.png"

# Server Slots
sv_maxclients 32

# RCON Password (for remote admin)
rcon_password "your-rcon-password"

# Master List
sv_endpointPrivacy true
sv_master1 ""

# Steam API Key (for steam auth)
steam_webApiKey "your-steam-api-key"

# Script Resources
ensure mapmanager
ensure chat
ensure spawnmanager
ensure sessionmanager
ensure fivem
ensure hardcap
ensure rconlog

# Custom Resources
ensure my-gamemode

# Advertise to FiveM list
add_ace builtin.everyone command.help allow

Advanced Configuration

Config

# Performance Settings
onesync_enabled true
onesync_population true
sv_syncmode "onesync"
sv_scriptCompression true

# Game Settings
sv_airbrake true
sv_allowcelsius true
sv_forceIndirectListing true

# Anti-Cheat (basic)
sv_pureLevel 2

# Voice Chat
setr voice_use3dAudio true
setr voice_useSendingRangeOnly true
setr voice_serverCycle 10

# Logging
set sv_logfile 1
set sv_logecho 1

---

Step 4: Essential Resources

Download Resources

FiveM servers need resources (scripts, maps, etc.). Download from:

Essential Resources to Install

Core Resources (included with FiveM):

Config

ensure mapmanager
ensure chat
ensure spawnmanager
ensure sessionmanager
ensure fivem
ensure hardcap
ensure rconlog
ensure baseevents

Recommended Additional:

Config

# HUD & UI
ensure esx_status
ensure esx_hud

# Database Integration
ensure mysql-async
ensure es_extended

# Vehicles
ensure LegacyFuel
ensure Garages

# Jobs & Economy
ensure esx_jobs
ensure esx_banker

Resource Folder Structure

resources/
├── [essential]/
│   ├── mapmanager/
│   ├── chat/
│   └── spawnmanager/
├── [gameplay]/
│   ├── my-gamemode/
│   ├── jobs/
│   └── housing/
├── [vehicles]/
│   ├── car-pack-1/
│   └── car-pack-2/
└── [maps]/
    ├── custom-interior/
    └── custom-maps/

---

Step 5: Starting the Server

Windows Start

Create start.bat:

BATCH

@echo off
cd /d C:\FiveM-Server\server-data
..\run.exe +exec server.cfg
pause

Linux Start

Create start.sh:

Bash

#!/bin/bash
cd ~/fivem/server-data
../run.sh +exec server.cfg

Make executable:

Bash

chmod +x start.sh

Systemd Service (Linux)

Create /etc/systemd/system/fivem.service:

INI

[Unit]
Description=FiveM Server
After=network.target

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

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

Enable:

Bash

sudo systemctl enable fivem
sudo systemctl start fivem

---

Step 6: Database Setup (ESX/QBCore)

Most RP servers need a database.

MySQL Installation

Windows:

1.Download MySQL Community Server

2.Install and set root password

3.Create database: CREATE DATABASE fivem_server;

Linux (Ubuntu):

Bash

sudo apt install mysql-server
sudo mysql_secure_installation
sudo mysql -u root -p

SQL

CREATE DATABASE fivem_server;
CREATE USER 'fivem'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'your-password';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON fivem_server.* TO 'fivem'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

Database Configuration

Add to server.cfg:

Config

set mysql_connection_string "server=127.0.0.1;database=fivem_server;userid=fivem;password=your-password"
ensure mysql-async

---

Step 7: Installing ESX or QBCore

ESX Installation

1.Download ESX Legacy from GitHub

2.Extract to resources/[esx]/

3.Import SQL files to database

4.Add to server.cfg:

Config

ensure es_extended
ensure esx_menu_default
ensure esx_menu_list
ensure esx_menu_dialog
# Add other ESX resources...

QBCore Installation

1.Download QBCore from GitHub

2.Extract to resources/[qb]/

3.Configure qb-core/config.lua

4.Add to server.cfg:

Config

ensure qb-core
ensure qb-spawn
ensure qb-hud
# Add other QBCore resources...

---

Step 8: Port Forwarding

Required Ports

Port	Protocol	Purpose
30120	TCP/UDP	Game server
30120	TCP	HTTP (downloading resources)

Router Configuration

1.Access router (usually 192.168.1.1)

2.Find Port Forwarding

3.Forward ports to server IP

4.Test with canyouseeme.org

---

Step 9: Adding Custom Vehicles

Vehicle Installation

1.Download vehicle addon (.ytd, .yft files)

2.Create folder: resources/[vehicles]/my-vehicle/

3.Create fxmanifest.lua:

Lua

fx_version 'cerulean'
game 'gta5'

files {
    'vehicle.ytd',
    'vehicle.yft',
    'vehicle_hi.yft'
}

data_file 'handling.meta' 'handling.meta'
data_file 'vehicles.meta' 'vehicles.meta'
data_file 'carcols.meta' 'carcols.meta'
data_file 'carvariations.meta' 'carvariations.meta'

4.Add to server.cfg:

Config

ensure my-vehicle

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Step 10: Admin Management

Adding Admins

Method 1: License-based

Config

add_ace group.admin fivem allow
add_principal identifier.license:YOUR_LICENSE_ID group.admin

Method 2: Steam-based

Config

add_ace group.admin fivem allow
add_principal identifier.steam:YOUR_STEAM_ID group.admin

Admin Commands

Config

# Permission levels
add_ace group.superadmin command allow
add_ace group.admin command.kick allow
add_ace group.mod command.mute allow

---

Server Optimization

Performance Tips

1.Limit resources - Only run what you need

2.Optimize maps - Use LoD levels properly

3.Vehicle limits - Don't overload car packs

4.Database optimization - Regular cleanup

OneSync Configuration

Config

onesync_enabled true
onesync_distanceCullVehicle 1000
onesync_distanceCullPed 1000
onesync_population true

Streaming Optimization

Config

sv_syncmode "onesync"
sv_scriptCompression true
fileserver_add ".*" "https://files.yoursite.com"

---

Troubleshooting

Server Not Visible

1.Check port forwarding

2.Verify license key

3.Check firewall rules

4.Ensure sv_master1 is set

Players Can't Connect

1.Verify OneSync settings

2.Check resource errors

3.Ensure all resources downloaded

4.Check for artifact updates

High CPU Usage

1.Reduce resource count

2.Optimize custom scripts

3.Lower slot count

4.Check for infinite loops

Database Errors

1.Verify MySQL is running

2.Check connection string

3.Import missing SQL tables

4.Check user permissions

---

Security Best Practices

Basic Security

Config

# Limit RCON access
rcon_password "complex-password-here"

# Anti-cheat (basic)
sv_pureLevel 2

# Hide sensitive info
sv_endpointPrivacy true

Advanced Protection

1.Use server-side validation

2.Implement anti-cheat scripts

3.Regular backups

4.Monitor server logs

5.Use txAdmin for management

---

txAdmin Integration

txAdmin provides a web interface for server management.

Installation

1.Download txAdmin

2.Run installer

3.Configure server path

4.Access web panel at http://your-ip:40120

Features

>Live console
>Player management
>Resource management
>Scheduled restarts
>Discord integration
>Automatic updates

---

Conclusion

Your FiveM server is now ready for players! Remember to:

>Keep server artifacts updated
>Regular backups of database and resources
>Monitor server performance
>Engage with your community
>Follow FiveM terms of service

Next steps:

>Install your preferred framework (ESX/QBCore)
>Add custom vehicles and maps
>Create unique scripts for your server
>Set up Discord integration

> Complete FiveM Server Setup Guide for 2026

Complete FiveM Server Setup Guide for 2026

What is FiveM?

Prerequisites

System Requirements

Required Items

Step 1: Install FiveM Server

Windows Installation

Linux Installation

Step 2: Generate License Key

Step 3: Server Configuration

Basic server.cfg

Advanced Configuration

Step 4: Essential Resources

Download Resources

Essential Resources to Install

Resource Folder Structure

Step 5: Starting the Server

Windows Start

Linux Start

Systemd Service (Linux)

Step 6: Database Setup (ESX/QBCore)

MySQL Installation

Database Configuration

Step 7: Installing ESX or QBCore

ESX Installation

QBCore Installation

Step 8: Port Forwarding

Required Ports

Router Configuration

Step 9: Adding Custom Vehicles

Vehicle Installation

Step 10: Admin Management

Adding Admins

Admin Commands

Server Optimization

Performance Tips

OneSync Configuration

Streaming Optimization

Troubleshooting

Server Not Visible

Players Can't Connect

High CPU Usage

Database Errors

Security Best Practices

Basic Security

Advanced Protection

txAdmin Integration

Installation

Features

Conclusion