How to Create a FiveM Server in 2026 — Complete Setup Guide
Everything you need to get a FiveM server running in 2026. From choosing hardware to installing txAdmin, picking a framework, and adding your first scripts — start to finish in under 30 minutes.
Running your own FiveM server gives you complete control over the gameplay experience — the framework, the scripts, the rules, and the community. This guide walks you through every step of the process, from raw hardware requirements to your first players connecting.
TL;DR
- You need a VPS or dedicated server with at least 4 GB RAM and a 64-bit OS
- Download FiveM server artifacts from the official CFX repository
- txAdmin is the recommended server management panel — it handles setup automatically
- Choose a framework: QBCore, ESX, or QBOX depending on your goals
- Add essential scripts from the shop or free mods and open your ports
Prerequisites
Before you touch any files, make sure you have the following in place.
Hardware Requirements
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended | |------|---------|-------------| | CPU | 2 cores, 2.4 GHz | 4+ cores, 3.0+ GHz | | RAM | 4 GB | 8–16 GB | | Storage | 20 GB SSD | 50+ GB SSD | | Bandwidth | 100 Mbps | 1 Gbps | | OS | Windows Server 2019 / Ubuntu 20.04 | Ubuntu 22.04 LTS |
For a small community of under 32 players, a budget VPS from providers like Hetzner or OVH (starting around €5–10/month) is sufficient. For 64+ player servers with heavy scripts, go dedicated.
Software Requirements
- A Cfx.re account (free at cfx.re) — needed to generate a server license key
- Git (for cloning frameworks and resources)
- A terminal or SSH client if you're on a remote VPS
FiveM Server License Key
- Log in at cfx.re/keymaster
- Click New Server and fill in the server name and IP address
- Copy the generated
sv_licenseKey— you'll need it later
Step 1: Download the FiveM Server Artifacts
FiveM server files are called "artifacts." Always use the latest recommended build.
# On Ubuntu
mkdir -p ~/fivem-server && cd ~/fivem-server
wget https://runtime.fivem.net/artifacts/fivem/build_proot_linux/master/XXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX/fx.tar.xz
tar xf fx.tar.xz
Replace the URL with the latest artifact from the FiveM artifacts page. Check the recommended column — not just the latest.
On Windows, download the .zip file and extract it to a folder like C:\FXServer\server.
Step 2: Set Up txAdmin
txAdmin is the official server management panel built into FiveM. It handles your server config, recipe deployment, restart scheduling, and player management through a web interface.
First Launch
# Linux
cd ~/fivem-server
./run.sh +set txAdminPort 40120
# Windows
cd C:\FXServer\server
FXServer.exe +set txAdminPort 40120
On first launch, txAdmin generates a one-time setup PIN in the console. Open your browser and navigate to:
http://your-server-ip:40120
Enter the PIN to begin setup.
txAdmin Setup Wizard
- Server Name — Pick something memorable, this shows in the server list
- Deployment Type — Choose Popular Template for a guided setup, or Remote URL Recipe for advanced control
- Recipe Selection — Select your preferred framework (QBCore, ESX, or a blank server)
- License Key — Paste your
sv_licenseKeyfrom Keymaster - Database — txAdmin can set up MySQL automatically via Docker, or connect to an existing MariaDB instance
txAdmin will download and deploy your chosen framework automatically. This takes 3–10 minutes depending on your connection.
Step 3: Configure server.cfg
Your server.cfg is the main configuration file. After txAdmin deployment, find it at ~/fivem-server/server-data/server.cfg.
Essential Configuration
# Core settings
sv_licenseKey "your_license_key_here"
sv_hostname "My Server Name"
sv_maxclients 32
sv_endpointPrivacy true
# Admin
add_ace group.admin command allow
add_principal identifier.fivem:YOUR_FIVEM_ID group.admin
# Resources
ensure mapmanager
ensure chat
ensure spawnmanager
ensure sessionmanager
ensure basic-gamemode
ensure hardcap
ensure rconlog
ensure txAdminClient
# Framework (add your framework here)
ensure qb-core
# or: ensure es_extended
Key Settings to Customize
sv_maxclients— Set based on your hardware. 32 is safe for most VPS plans; 64+ requires more RAM and CPUsv_hostname— This is your server name in the FiveM server browsersets tags— Add tags likeroleplay,serious,englishto help players find your serverload_server_icon— Path to a 96x96 PNG for your server icon
Step 4: Choose Your Framework
The framework is the core system that all other scripts depend on. Choose this carefully — migrating later is painful.
QBCore
QBCore is currently the most popular framework for serious roleplay servers. It has a massive resource library, an active developer community, and a clean, modern codebase.
Best for: Serious RP, active development communities, servers that want frequent updates to core systems.
ESX
ESX (es_extended) is the oldest and most widely supported framework. If you want access to the largest number of scripts — especially older, free resources — ESX is the right choice.
Best for: Beginners, servers that need maximum script compatibility, communities with existing ESX developers.
QBOX
QBOX is a modern fork of QBCore built around the OX ecosystem (ox_lib, ox_inventory, ox_target). It offers better performance and cleaner architecture than vanilla QBCore.
Best for: Developers who want modern tooling, servers planning to use ox_inventory and ox_target as core systems.
Step 5: Install Essential Scripts
Once your framework is running, add these scripts before opening to players:
Must-Have Scripts
- Inventory system — ox_inventory (universal) or qb-inventory for QBCore servers
- Targeting — ox_target or bt-target for interaction menus
- Phone — qb-phone or qs-phone for player communication
- HUD — A custom HUD to display health, armor, hunger, and thirst
- Spawn selector — A custom spawn menu for new players
- Anticheat — Essential before opening to the public
Browse the full catalog in our shop for premium scripts, or grab community favorites from free mods.
Installing a Script
cd ~/fivem-server/server-data/resources
git clone https://github.com/example/resource-name [resource-name]
Then add ensure resource-name to your server.cfg and restart the server.
Step 6: Port Forwarding
Players can only connect if your server ports are open.
Required Ports
| Port | Protocol | Purpose | |------|----------|---------| | 30120 | TCP + UDP | FiveM game traffic | | 30110 | TCP | txAdmin web panel | | 40120 | TCP | txAdmin (alternative) | | 3306 | TCP | MySQL (internal only — do NOT expose) |
On a VPS
Most VPS providers use a firewall dashboard. Add inbound rules for TCP+UDP on port 30120. On Ubuntu with UFW:
sudo ufw allow 30120/tcp
sudo ufw allow 30120/udp
sudo ufw allow 30110/tcp
On a Home Network
Log in to your router admin panel (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), find Port Forwarding, and forward TCP+UDP port 30120 to your server's local IP address.
Keeping Your Server Running
For production servers, you need a process manager to restart the server automatically.
On Linux, create a systemd service:
[Unit]
Description=FiveM Server
After=network.target
[Service]
Type=simple
User=fivem
WorkingDirectory=/home/fivem/fivem-server
ExecStart=/home/fivem/fivem-server/run.sh
Restart=always
RestartSec=10
[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
sudo systemctl enable fivem
sudo systemctl start fivem
FAQ
How much does a FiveM server cost? The FiveM server software is free. You pay for hosting — budget VPS plans start at €5–10/month. Premium scripts from marketplaces like VertexMods are optional but improve quality significantly.
Can I run a FiveM server on my home PC? Yes, but your IP address becomes public, your upload bandwidth limits player count, and your server goes offline when you shut down your PC. A VPS is strongly recommended for any public server.
How many players can a FiveM server support? The free FiveM server license supports up to 48 slots. For 64–128+ players you need a Cfx.re Element Club subscription (~$15/month). Hardware is the real bottleneck — 8 GB RAM typically supports 32–48 active players comfortably.
What's the difference between txAdmin and a direct server setup? txAdmin is a management panel that runs alongside your server. It provides a web UI for restarts, player management, bans, live console access, and resource management. Direct setup means editing files manually with no panel. txAdmin is recommended for everyone — including experienced server owners.
Next Steps
With your server running, explore these resources:
- FiveM Server Setup Guide — Advanced configuration tips
- FiveM Hub — Framework guides, script comparisons, and tutorials
- Shop — Premium scripts for serious servers
- Free Mods — Community scripts at no cost
- Server Config Generator — Generate a clean server.cfg in minutes
Building a great FiveM server takes time, but the foundation you set up today determines how much work you'll have later. Choose your framework, install quality scripts, and focus on community — that's what keeps players coming back.
