
How To Create a RageMP Server: Step by Step Guide
RageMP (RAGE Multiplayer) lets you host custom GTA V multiplayer servers with high performance, C#/JavaScript scripting, and full control over gameplay. This guide walks you through everything: planning, installation (Windows & Linux), configuration, first scripts, optimization, security, and growth.
Who is this for? FiveM server owners looking at RageMP, GTA RP players who want to run their own city, and developers who prefer C# or JavaScript. We use clear, simple English and practical steps.
Table of Contents
- Before you start: RageMP vs. FiveM at a glance
- Requirements & quick checklist
- Install the RageMP server (Windows)
- Install the RageMP server (Linux)
- Configure your server (conf.json explained)
- Open firewall & ports
- Create your first script (JavaScript)
- Create your first script (C#)
- Test locally & connect
- Performance tips
- Security & stability
- Content & gameplay ideas
- Backups & updates
- Growing your player base
- Troubleshooting
- Conclusion
Before you start: RageMP vs. FiveM at a glance
If you already run a FiveM server, you’ll find RageMP familiar. Both power custom GTA V multiplayer, but they differ in scripting options, ecosystem, and certain API details. The important thing is your goal: if your team prefers C# or vanilla-like performance with a lean runtime, RageMP is a solid pick. If you need a massive marketplace of prebuilt scripts and plug-and-play ESX/QBCore frameworks, FiveM has the edge.
Either way, your world still needs great content (maps, jobs, QoL features) and performance discipline. For content inspiration and ready-to-use assets, check out:
- FiveM Mods & Scripts – discover mechanics you can conceptually recreate for RageMP, or use directly if you choose FiveM later: https://vertexmods.com
- FiveM MLOs – map/interior ideas you can adapt to RageMP mapping workflows: https://vertexmods.com/en/free-mods
- Tutorials & Guides – server ops, content creation, and best practices: https://vertexmods.com/en/blog
- Considering a FiveM-based path? Browse QBCore Scripts (https://vertexmods.com/en/free-mods) and ESX Scripts (https://vertexmods.com/en/free-mods) for an immense head start.
Tip: Players care about stable FPS, low desync, and clear rules more than your framework choice. Keep that in mind while building.
Requirements & quick checklist
Hardware (minimum for testing):
- 2 vCPU, 4 GB RAM, SSD storage
- Stable network with public IPv4
Software:
- GTA V (latest)
- RageMP server package (Windows or Linux)
- For JavaScript mode: Node.js LTS
- For C#: .NET (on Windows) or mono equivalents where applicable
Checklist:
- Pick machine (VPS/dedicated) and OS (Windows Server or Ubuntu)
- Download server files
- Configure
conf.json - Open firewall/ports
- Add your first script (JS or C#)
- Test locally → Internet → List your server
- Secure, monitor, and back up
Install the RageMP server (Windows)
- Create a folder, e.g.,
C:\ragemp-server. - Download the official RageMP server package for Windows and extract it into that folder.
- You should see a structure similar to:
ragemp-server/ ├─ conf.json ├─ packages/ # JavaScript packages go here ├─ dotnet/ # C# resources (if applicable) ├─ bridge/ # internal └─ ragemp-server.exe # server binary - (Optional) Install Node.js LTS if you plan to script in JavaScript.
- Run
ragemp-server.exeonce to ensure it starts. It will generate default files/logs.
Keep this terminal open for your first tests so you can read logs easily.
Install the RageMP server (Linux)
- Provision an Ubuntu server (22.04+ recommended) with sudo access.
- Install base packages:
sudo apt update && sudo apt -y upgrade sudo apt -y install curl unzip screen - Create a user to run the server:
sudo adduser --disabled-password --gecos "" ragemp sudo su - ragemp - Download & extract the Linux server build into
~/ragemp-server. - (Optional) Install Node.js LTS if using JavaScript:
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_lts.x | sudo -E bash - sudo apt -y install nodejs node -v - Run the server inside a
screensession so it keeps running:screen -S ragemp cd ~/ragemp-server ./ragemp-serverDetach withCtrl+AthenD. Reattach later withscreen -r ragemp.
Configure your server (conf.json explained)
Open conf.json in your server root. Common fields you’ll see:
name: Your server name in the master listmaxplayers: How many players can joinport: Game port (ensure it’s open on your firewall)announce:trueto list on the RageMP master serverresources: Which JavaScript/C# packages to loadstream-distance: World streaming rangevoice/voice-chat: Enable/disable in‑game voice if supported in your build
Example (minimal):
{
"name": "YourCity RP (RageMP)",
"maxplayers": 64,
"port": 22005,
"announce": true,
"stream-distance": 500,
"resources": [
"hello-js"
]
}
Note: The exact keys can vary by server build; read the default
conf.jsoncomments and sample files that ship with your package.
Resource loading
- JavaScript packages go in
packages/<your-package>, with an entry file likeindex.js. - C# resources live under the
dotnetfolder and are compiled/loaded accordingly.
Open firewall & ports
To allow players to connect from the internet, open your game port (e.g., 22005/udp and 22005/tcp if required by your setup) on:
- Your OS firewall (Windows Defender Firewall or
ufwon Ubuntu) - Your hosting panel or cloud security group (e.g., provider’s firewall)
Windows example:
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "RageMP 22005" -Direction Inbound -Action Allow -Protocol TCP -LocalPort 22005
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "RageMP 22005 UDP" -Direction Inbound -Action Allow -Protocol UDP -LocalPort 22005
Ubuntu example:
sudo ufw allow 22005/tcp
sudo ufw allow 22005/udp
sudo ufw reload
sudo ufw status
If your host provides DDoS protection, ask how to protect custom game ports.
Create your first script (JavaScript)
- Inside
packages/, createhello-js/index.js:// packages/hello-js/index.js mp.events.add('playerJoin', (player) => { player.outputChatBox('Welcome to YourCity RP on RageMP!'); }); mp.events.addCommand('veh', (player, fullText, model = 'adder') => { const pos = player.position; mp.vehicles.new(mp.joaat(model), new mp.Vector3(pos.x + 2, pos.y, pos.z), { numberPlate: 'YOURCITY' }); player.outputChatBox(`Spawned vehicle: ${model}`); }); - Add the package name to
resourcesinconf.json. - Restart the server. Join and type
/veh bansheeto test.
Folder recap
ragemp-server/
├─ conf.json
└─ packages/
└─ hello-js/
└─ index.js
Create your first script (C#)
- Place your C# project inside the
dotnetdirectory (or as your build requires). A tiny example:using GTANetworkAPI; public class HelloCSharp : Script { [ServerEvent(Event.PlayerConnected)] public void OnPlayerConnected(Player player) { NAPI.Chat.SendChatMessageToPlayer(player, "Welcome to YourCity RP on RageMP (C#)!"); } } - Build the project with the correct references provided by your RageMP server SDK.
- Add the compiled resource to your server’s resource list so it loads on boot.
Test locally & connect
- Start your server. Watch the console for errors.
- Launch the RageMP client, add your server by IP:PORT, and connect.
- Invite a friend to test sync, chat, and your sample command.
Can’t connect? Re-check firewall rules, confirm the server is reachable from outside (try a UDP/TCP port checker), and ensure your host isn’t blocking the port.
Performance tips
Even with a lightweight runtime, bad scripts can cause lag. Adopt these best practices:
- Profile early: instrument hotspots (heavy loops, frequent events). Avoid work every tick; use timers.
- Reduce network spam: throttle server→client events; batch updates.
- Stream smart: keep
stream-distancepractical and despawn unused entities. - Cache often: store computed data in memory when safe.
- Resource isolation: keep unrelated features in separate packages so you can disable/replace them fast.
If you consider a FiveM route for its rich ecosystem, bookmark our Performance Optimization page to apply the same mindset to any GTA MP server you run: https://vertexmods.com/performance
Security & stability
- Whitelist admins and use strong passwords for any in‑game admin tools.
- Validate inputs in commands and RPCs—never trust client data.
- Rate-limit sensitive events (purchases, inventory, combat triggers).
- Anti-cheat hooks: log suspicious events; consider third‑party solutions.
- Crash safety: run your server under a supervisor (
screen,tmux, Windows Service) and auto‑restart on crash. - Update regularly: keep your server build, Node/.NET, and OS patched.
Pro tip: Maintain an audit log for admin actions and economy‑impacting events. It’s invaluable when disputes happen.
Content & gameplay ideas
Great servers win on content depth and polish. Here are proven ideas you can build in RageMP:
- Jobs & progression: courier, mechanic, EMS, police, fishing, trucking, mining.
- Heists & missions: bank/store robberies, multi‑step story tasks.
- Vehicles & tuning: racing leagues, leaderboards, garage systems.
- Housing & economy: properties, crafting, market stalls, phone apps.
- Social features: emotes, photo/camera tools, events, clubs.
Need inspiration or ready‑made references?
- Browse Server Packs for turnkey feature sets you might port concepts from: https://vertexmods.com/en/blog/how-to-set-up-a-fivem-server
- Explore thematic content like YesPixel Scripts for design ideas: https://vertexmods.com/en/shop/yespixel-scripts
- Map/interiors library: FiveM MLOs (ideas for your mapping pipeline): https://vertexmods.com/en/free-mods
Voice chat is central to RP. Investigate in‑game voice for your build or community‑standard external solutions. If you later opt for FiveM, you’ll find SaltyChat resources handy: https://vertexmods.com/en/blog/fivem-voice-mumble-saltychat-pma-voice-guide
Backups & updates
- Daily offsite backups: server root, configs, database (if used).
- Versioned releases: tag each content update; keep a stable and a testing branch.
- Rollback plan: keep yesterday’s build ready; test updates on a staging server.
Automation ideas:
- A simple shell/PowerShell script that zips your server and pushes to object storage.
- A
post-updatechecklist: start → smoke test → logs clean → memory/CPU steady.
Growing your player base
Branding & discoverability
- A short, clear server name that says what you offer (e.g., “YourCity RP | Balanced Economy | Active EMS”).
- Crisp server banner and readable tags.
Onboarding
- A first 5 minutes tutorial: job center, phone apps, starter cash, help prompts.
- A simple /report or support workflow; quick staff responses build trust.
Marketing basics
- Post devlogs and short clips; use TikTok/YouTube Shorts.
- Partner with streamers who fit your server vibe.
- Run community events (races, police ride‑alongs). Publish winners and highlights.
When you want deep dives on ops, monetization, and promotion, our Tutorials & Guides hub keeps growing: https://vertexmods.com/en/blog
Troubleshooting
Players can’t see my server
announcemust betrue(if you want master list visibility)- Master list can take some minutes; meanwhile, share direct IP:PORT
- Double-check firewall/NAT; confirm public IP didn’t change
High ping or desync
- Test from another region; check host route quality
- Lower
stream-distanceand entity counts in busy areas - Profile script hotspots; batch net messages
Crashes or freezes
- Inspect server console/logs right before crash
- Disable recent packages to isolate conflicts
- Update server build and dependencies
Commands not working
- Check resource load order and names in
conf.json - Watch for syntax errors in JS/C# logs
Conclusion
Running a RageMP server is straightforward once you know the moving parts: clean install, a sensible conf.json, open ports, and one stable scripting stack (JS or C#) you iterate on.
As you scale, polish matters more than quantity. Focus on FPS, fair rules, intuitive jobs, and a helpful staff culture. Use the broader GTA MP ecosystem for inspiration and assets—and if you later decide the FiveM marketplace/tools fit your roadmap better, you can jumpstart fast with:
- FiveM Mods & Scripts: https://vertexmods.com
- FiveM MLOs: https://vertexmods.com/en/free-mods
- QBCore Scripts: https://vertexmods.com/en/free-mods
- ESX Scripts: https://vertexmods.com/en/free-mods
- Performance Optimization: https://vertexmods.com/performance
- Tutorials & Guides: https://vertexmods.com/en/blog
- Server Packs: https://vertexmods.com/en/blog/how-to-set-up-a-fivem-server
- SaltyChat Download (if you choose FiveM voice with TS): https://vertexmods.com/en/blog/fivem-voice-mumble-saltychat-pma-voice-guide
- YesPixel Scripts (design inspiration): https://vertexmods.com/en/shop/yespixel-scripts
Next step: spin up a test server today, build one polished feature at a time, and iterate with your community. When you need assets, ideas, or optimization help, FiveMX has your back.
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