Complete RedM Server Setup Guide for 2026

Ready to build your own Red Dead Redemption 2 roleplay server? This guide walks you through setting up a RedM server from scratch, covering installation, configuration, database setup, and everything you need to get players connected.

What is RedM?

RedM is a modification framework for Red Dead Redemption 2, built on the same Cfx.re platform as FiveM. It allows you to:

>Run custom multiplayer servers for RDR2
>Add custom scripts, items, and mechanics using Lua
>Create roleplay experiences set in the Wild West
>Build unique game modes beyond what Red Dead Online offers
>Manage players with full admin tools and permissions

RedM shares its infrastructure with FiveM, including the Cfx.re Keymaster for license keys, the txAdmin management panel, and the same artifact-based server system.

Legal Note: You need a legitimate copy of Red Dead Redemption 2 to run and connect to a RedM server.

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Prerequisites

System Requirements

Requirement	Minimum	Recommended
CPU	4 cores	6+ cores
RAM	8 GB	16 GB
Storage	30 GB	80 GB SSD
Bandwidth	20 Mbps	100 Mbps
OS	Windows 10 / Linux	Windows Server 2019+ / Ubuntu 22.04+

Required Items

>Red Dead Redemption 2 license (must be legitimate)
>Cfx.re account (same account used for FiveM)
>Static IP address or dynamic DNS service
>Port forwarding access on your router
>Basic knowledge of Lua scripting (helpful but not required to start)

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Step 1: Install RedM Server Artifacts

Windows Installation

1.Create the server directory

   C:\RedM-Server\
   ├── server\
   └── server-data\

2.Download server artifacts from the Cfx.re artifacts page for RedM. Extract into your server folder.

3.Set up the server data directory

Bash

   cd C:\RedM-Server
   git clone https://github.com/citizenfx/cfx-server-data.git server-data

Your directory should look like:

   C:\RedM-Server\
   ├── server\
   │   ├── FXServer.exe
   │   └── (other artifact files)
   └── server-data\
       ├── resources\
       ├── cache\
       └── server.cfg

Linux Installation

Bash

# Create directory structure
mkdir -p ~/redm/server ~/redm/server-data
cd ~/redm/server

# Download latest RedM server artifact (check Cfx.re for current 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 artifacts
tar -xf fx.tar.xz && rm fx.tar.xz

# Clone server data
cd ~/redm
git clone https://github.com/citizenfx/cfx-server-data.git server-data
mkdir -p server-data/cache

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Step 2: Generate a License Key

RedM uses the same Cfx.re Keymaster as FiveM.

1.Visit keymaster.fivem.net

2.Log in with your Cfx.re account

3.Click Register a New Server

4.Fill in server name, IP address, and server type

5.Click Generate and copy the license key

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Step 3: Server Configuration

Basic server.cfg

Create server.cfg in your server-data/ directory:

Config

# RedM Server Configuration

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

# License Key (from Cfx.re Keymaster)
sv_licensekey "your-license-key-here"

# Server Identity
sv_hostname "My RedM RP Server"
sets sv_projectName "My RedM Server"
sets sv_projectDesc "A Wild West roleplay experience"
sets sv_projectGameType "RedM"

# Max Players
sv_maxclients 32

# RCON Password (change this!)
rcon_password "change-this-strong-password"

# Steam Web API Key
steam_webApiKey "your-steam-api-key"

# Server List Settings
sv_endpointPrivacy true

# OneSync (required for most scripts)
onesync on

# Core Resources
ensure mapmanager
ensure chat
ensure spawnmanager
ensure sessionmanager
ensure hardcap
ensure rconlog

RedM-Specific Settings

Config

# Game Build
sv_enforceGameBuild 1491

# Voice Chat
setr voice_use3dAudio true
setr voice_useSendingRangeOnly true

# Logging
set sv_logfile 1
set sv_logecho 1

# Performance
sv_threadSyncMode 2

ACE Permissions

Config

# Permission Groups
add_ace group.admin command allow
add_ace group.admin command.quit deny
add_ace group.moderator command.kick allow
add_ace group.moderator command.ban allow

# Inheritance
add_principal group.moderator group.admin

# Add admins by identifier
add_principal identifier.license:your_license_hash group.admin
add_principal identifier.steam:your_steam_hex group.admin
add_principal identifier.discord:your_discord_id group.moderator

# Allow everyone basic commands
add_ace builtin.everyone command.help allow

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Step 4: Essential Resources and Scripts

Resource Manifests

RedM resources use fxmanifest.lua just like FiveM, but with one critical difference:

Lua

fx_version 'cerulean'
game 'rdr3'

author 'Your Name'
description 'My RedM resource'
version '1.0.0'

shared_scripts { 'config.lua' }
client_scripts { 'client/*.lua' }
server_scripts { 'server/*.lua' }

Important: RedM resources must use game 'rdr3' in the manifest, not game 'gta5'. This is the most common mistake when porting FiveM resources.

Resource Folder Structure

server-data/resources/
├── [essential]/
│   ├── mapmanager/
│   ├── chat/
│   └── spawnmanager/
├── [core]/
│   ├── vorp_core/
│   ├── vorp_character/
│   ├── vorp_inventory/
│   └── oxmysql/
├── [gameplay]/
│   ├── vorp_stables/
│   ├── vorp_stores/
│   └── vorp_crafting/
└── [admin]/
    └── txAdmin/

Database Connector

Install oxmysql as your database connector:

1.Download oxmysql from GitHub

2.Extract to resources/[core]/oxmysql/

3.Add to server.cfg:

Config

set mysql_connection_string "mysql://redm_user:your_password@localhost/redm_server?charset=utf8mb4"
ensure oxmysql

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Step 5: Starting the Server

Windows

Create start.bat:

BATCH

@echo off
title RedM Server
cd /d "C:\RedM-Server\server-data"
"C:\RedM-Server\server\FXServer.exe" +exec server.cfg
pause

Linux

Create start.sh:

Bash

#!/bin/bash
echo "Starting RedM Server..."
cd ~/redm/server-data
~/redm/server/run.sh +exec server.cfg

Bash

chmod +x ~/redm/start.sh

Systemd Service (Linux)

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

INI

[Unit]
Description=RedM Server
After=network.target mysql.service
Wants=mysql.service

[Service]
Type=simple
User=redm
Group=redm
WorkingDirectory=/home/redm/redm/server-data
ExecStart=/home/redm/redm/server/run.sh +exec server.cfg
Restart=on-failure
RestartSec=15

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

Bash

sudo systemctl daemon-reload
sudo systemctl enable redm
sudo systemctl start redm

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Step 6: Database Setup

Installing MariaDB

Windows: Download MariaDB and run the installer.

Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):

Bash

sudo apt update
sudo apt install mariadb-server mariadb-client -y
sudo mysql_secure_installation
sudo systemctl enable mariadb

Creating the Database

Bash

sudo mysql -u root -p

SQL

CREATE DATABASE redm_server CHARACTER SET utf8mb4 COLLATE utf8mb4_unicode_ci;
CREATE USER 'redm_user'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'your-strong-password';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON redm_server.* TO 'redm_user'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
EXIT;

Database Connection

Add to server.cfg:

Config

set mysql_connection_string "mysql://redm_user:your-strong-password@localhost/redm_server?charset=utf8mb4"
ensure oxmysql

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Step 7: Installing VORP Framework

VORP is the most popular RP framework for RedM, equivalent to ESX or QBCore for FiveM.

VORP Core

1.Download VORP Core and extract to resources/[core]/vorp_core/

2.Import the SQL: mysql -u redm_user -p redm_server < vorp_core.sql

3.Add ensure vorp_core to server.cfg (after oxmysql)

VORP Character

1.Download VORP Character and extract to resources/[core]/vorp_character/

2.Import the SQL: mysql -u redm_user -p redm_server < vorp_character.sql

3.Add ensure vorp_character to server.cfg

VORP Inventory

1.Download VORP Inventory and extract to resources/[core]/vorp_inventory/

2.Import the SQL: mysql -u redm_user -p redm_server < vorp_inventory.sql

3.Add ensure vorp_inventory to server.cfg

Recommended Load Order

Config

# Database (must be first)
ensure oxmysql

# VORP Core (before other VORP resources)
ensure vorp_core

# VORP Framework
ensure vorp_character
ensure vorp_inventory

# Gameplay Scripts
ensure vorp_stables
ensure vorp_stores
ensure vorp_crafting

# Other Resources
ensure chat
ensure spawnmanager
ensure hardcap

For a full VORP setup guide, see our dedicated VORP Framework Guide.

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Step 8: Port Forwarding

Required Ports

Port	Protocol	Purpose
30120	TCP	HTTP (resource downloads, server list)
30120	UDP	Game traffic

Router Configuration

1.Find your server's local IP (ipconfig on Windows, hostname -I on Linux)

2.Access your router admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1)

3.Forward TCP and UDP 30120 to your server's local IP

4.Test at canyouseeme.org using port 30120

Firewall Rules

Windows:

BATCH

netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="RedM TCP" dir=in action=allow protocol=tcp localport=30120
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="RedM UDP" dir=in action=allow protocol=udp localport=30120

Linux (UFW):

Bash

sudo ufw allow 30120/tcp
sudo ufw allow 30120/udp
sudo ufw reload

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Step 9: Admin Management

txAdmin

txAdmin is bundled with the server artifacts and provides a web-based management interface at http://your-server-ip:40120.

Features include live console, player management, resource management, scheduled restarts, performance monitoring, and Discord webhook integration.

Finding Player Identifiers

Lua

-- server.lua - Helper command
RegisterCommand('myid', function(source)
    local identifiers = GetPlayerIdentifiers(source)
    for _, id in pairs(identifiers) do
        print(GetPlayerName(source) .. ': ' .. id)
    end
end, false)

Use identifiers to assign ACE permissions in server.cfg:

Config

add_principal identifier.license:abc123def456 group.admin
add_principal identifier.steam:110000112345678 group.admin

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Server Optimization

Performance Tips

1.Only load needed resources - Every resource consumes CPU and memory

2.Use OneSync - Required for proper synchronization

3.Optimize Lua loops - Avoid Wait(0) where possible

4.Database indexes - Add indexes to frequently queried columns

Efficient Scripting

Lua

-- GOOD: Variable sleep based on proximity instead of Wait(0)
CreateThread(function()
    while true do
        local sleep = 1000
        local playerCoords = GetEntityCoords(PlayerPedId())
        for _, location in pairs(Config.Locations) do
            if #(playerCoords - location.coords) < 50.0 then sleep = 0 end
        end
        Wait(sleep)
    end
end)

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Troubleshooting

Server Not Visible

1.Verify license key in server.cfg

2.Check port forwarding (TCP and UDP 30120)

3.Confirm firewall rules allow traffic

4.Check server console for errors

Players Cannot Connect

1.Ensure onesync on is set

2.Check console for resource errors

3.Update to latest artifact build

4.Verify sv_maxclients setting

Server Crashes on Startup

1.Check server.cfg for syntax errors

2.Remove recently added resources and test

3.Verify MySQL is running and connection string is correct

4.Re-download server artifacts if corrupted

Resource Errors

Config

# "Could not find resource" - folder name must match ensure name
ensure vorp_core    # Folder must be exactly "vorp_core"

# "Failed to load script" - check game type in fxmanifest.lua
game 'rdr3'  # NOT 'gta5'

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Security Best Practices

Server Configuration

Config

rcon_password "use-a-32-character-password-here"
sv_endpointPrivacy true
sv_pureLevel 1
set sv_authMaxVariance 1
set sv_authMinTrust 5

Script Security

Always validate server events:

Lua

-- SECURE: Validate source and data types
RegisterNetEvent('giveItem')
AddEventHandler('giveItem', function(item, amount)
    local source = source
    if not source or source <= 0 then return end
    if type(item) ~= 'string' or type(amount) ~= 'number' then return end
    if amount <= 0 or amount > 100 then return end
    -- Safe to process
end)

Backups

Bash

#!/bin/bash
# backup.sh - RedM Server Backup
BACKUP_DIR="/home/redm/backups"
DATE=$(date +%Y-%m-%d_%H-%M-%S)

mkdir -p "$BACKUP_DIR"
mysqldump -u redm_user -p"password" redm_server > "$BACKUP_DIR/db_$DATE.sql"
tar -czf "$BACKUP_DIR/server_$DATE.tar.gz" /home/redm/redm/server-data/server.cfg /home/redm/redm/server-data/resources/
find "$BACKUP_DIR" -type f -mtime +14 -delete

Schedule with cron: 0 4 * /home/redm/backup.sh

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Conclusion

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

>Keep server artifacts and resources updated
>Set up regular automated backups
>Monitor performance through txAdmin
>Follow Cfx.re terms of service

Next steps:

>Follow our VORP Framework Setup Guide for a complete RP server
>Add custom scripts for jobs, housing, and economy
>Configure weather and time systems
>Set up Discord integration for server notifications

> Complete RedM Server Setup Guide for 2026

Complete RedM Server Setup Guide for 2026

What is RedM?

Prerequisites

System Requirements

Required Items

Step 1: Install RedM Server Artifacts

Windows Installation

Linux Installation

Step 2: Generate a License Key

Step 3: Server Configuration

Basic server.cfg

RedM-Specific Settings

ACE Permissions

Step 4: Essential Resources and Scripts

Resource Manifests

Resource Folder Structure

Database Connector

Step 5: Starting the Server

Windows

Linux

Systemd Service (Linux)

Step 6: Database Setup

Installing MariaDB

Creating the Database

Database Connection

Step 7: Installing VORP Framework

VORP Core

VORP Character

VORP Inventory

Recommended Load Order

Step 8: Port Forwarding

Required Ports

Router Configuration

Firewall Rules

Step 9: Admin Management

txAdmin

Finding Player Identifiers

Server Optimization

Performance Tips

Efficient Scripting

Troubleshooting

Server Not Visible

Players Cannot Connect

Server Crashes on Startup

Resource Errors

Security Best Practices

Server Configuration

Script Security

Backups

Conclusion