The server.cfg file is the heart of every FiveM server. It defines how your server runs: slots, networking, game build, OneSync, logging, and visibility in the server list. This guide is for server owners and developers who want safe defaults, production hardening, and performance best practices. Always keep backups and use version control. If you’re new, start with our How to create a FiveM server. For deeper optimizations, see our Performance hub.

TL;DR: Production-ready baseline (annotated)

A clean server.cfg is the foundation of stability. Below are two examples: a minimal dev config and a hardened production config.

Minimal dev config

# server.cfg (development)
# Basic config for local testing

# Network
endpoint_add_tcp "0.0.0.0:30120"   # TCP port binding
endpoint_add_udp "0.0.0.0:30120"   # UDP port binding

# Server info
sv_hostname "My Dev Server"
sv_maxclients 8

# OneSync
set onesync on

# Resources (basic example)
ensure mapmanager
ensure chat
ensure spawnmanager
ensure sessionmanager
ensure hardcap
ensure baseevents

# Permissions (default ACL)
exec permissions.cfg

Hardened production config

# server.cfg (production)

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

# Security
sv_endpointPrivacy true                # Hide IP in server list
sv_scriptHook 0                         # Disable client mods
rcon_password "StrongRconPassword123"   # Disable if not needed

# Slots
sv_maxclients 64                        # Adjust to host capacity

# Game build (use latest recommended)
sv_enforceGameBuild 2944                # Or alias: "mp2024_02"

# Project info
sv_hostname "FIVEMX Roleplay | Serious RP"
sets sv_projectName "FIVEMX RP Server"
sets sv_projectDesc "Realistic RP with QBCore & custom scripts"
sets tags "roleplay, seriousrp, qbcore"
sets locale "en-US"
load_server_icon mylogo.png
sets banner_detail "https://cdn.example.com/banner.png"
sets banner_connecting "https://cdn.example.com/loading.png"

# OneSync
set onesync on

# Resources (use resource list)
exec resources.cfg

# Logging & ACL
set sv_logLevel 2
exec permissions.cfg

# txAdmin integration
set mysql_connection_string "mysql://user:pass@localhost/fivemdb"

Tip: Always validate your config after edits with txAdmin health checks and console logs. See txAdmin logs.

Server information & listing

The following convars control how your server appears in the server browser and API:

Convar	Purpose	Example	When to change	Caveats
`sv_hostname`	Public name in the server list	`sv_hostname "My RP Server [EN]"`	Always set	Avoid special chars, keep clear
`sets sv_projectName`	Internal project display name	`sets sv_projectName "MyCommunityRP"`	Branding, multi-server setups	Only visible in list UI
`sets sv_projectDesc`	Description shown in list	`sets sv_projectDesc "QBCore RP Server"`	Add rules, language, features	Keep < 100 chars
`sets tags`	Server list tags	`sets tags "roleplay, cars, qbcore"`	Improve discoverability	Use official tags only
`sets locale`	Default language	`sets locale "en-US"`	Match server language	Wrong locale may hide server
`sv_endpointPrivacy`	Hide public IP in browser	`sv_endpointPrivacy true`	Recommended for production	Players connect via Cfx relay
`load_server_icon`	96×96 PNG icon	`load_server_icon mylogo.png`	For branding	Must be square, <96×96 pixels
`sets banner_detail`	Large banner in server list	`sets banner_detail "url"`	Optional but recommended	Must be HTTPS URL
`sets banner_connecting`	Banner shown on connecting	`sets banner_connecting "url"`	Good for branding/loading	Use CDN to avoid lag

See the [official convars list][1] for full reference.

Networking & slots

FiveM servers use TCP/UDP endpoints. By default, port 30120 is used.

endpoint_add_tcp "0.0.0.0:30120"
endpoint_add_udp "0.0.0.0:30120"
sv_maxclients 64

Run multiple servers on one machine with port offsets: e.g. 30121, 30122.
Match firewall rules to open TCP/UDP ports.
sv_maxclients directly affects CPU & RAM usage — don’t set higher than your hardware can handle. See Server Hosting Providers

Warning: Don’t expose MySQL or RCON ports to the internet.

Game build & artifacts

Each server build (artifact) corresponds to a GTA V game build. Always pin a specific build to avoid unexpected changes.

# Example forcing build 2944 (Los Santos Drug Wars update)
sv_enforceGameBuild 2944
# or use alias
enforce_game_build mp2024_02

[Official convars doc][1] lists valid build numbers.
Set build in server.cfg or in txAdmin → Settings → FXServer → Additional arguments:

+set sv_enforceGameBuild 2944

Download latest artifacts from [runtime.fivem.net][4] (Windows) or the Linux build page.
Never mix client and server builds.

Optimize your Server

OneSync configuration

OneSync enables server-side entity sync: more players, accurate states, better streaming. Always use OneSync on for modern frameworks (QBCore, ESX).

Setting	Effect	Typical value	Impact on CPU/memory	Docs
`onesync`	Enables OneSync	`on`	Higher CPU usage	[OneSync docs][3]
`onesync_population`	Controls local NPCs/traffic	`on` (optional)	Adds CPU load	[OneSync docs][3]
`onesync_distanceCullVehicles`	Stream vehicles efficiently	`true`	Better perf, saves bandwidth	[OneSync docs][3]

Tip: Scale sv_maxclients with hardware. Use Resmon guide to measure resource impact.

Resource start order & dependencies

Resources load in the order defined by ensure. Always start dependencies first.

# resources.cfg (split file)
ensure oxmysql
ensure qb-core
ensure qb-adminmenu
ensure qb-inventory
ensure qb-policejob
ensure my-custom-scripts

In server.cfg:

exec resources.cfg

Keep frameworks and DB connectors first.
Group related resources.
Avoid ensure * in production; it causes non-deterministic order.

Security & abuse hardening

A secure server.cfg prevents leaks and abuse.

Checklist:

sv_endpointPrivacy true
sv_scriptHook 0 (block client mods)
Strong or disabled rcon_password
Use add_principal and add_ace for ACLs
Hide API keys in .env, not in server.cfg
Update artifacts regularly
Monitor txAdmin logs
Use Resmon guide to catch heavy scripts

ACL example:

add_ace group.admin command allow
add_principal identifier.steam:110000112345678 group.admin

CDN & asset streaming (when to use)

For large MLOs, custom cars, and textures, use a CDN to reduce join times.

Host files on a CDN like Cloudflare R2 (set [CORS headers][6]).
For high performance, BunnyCDN supports [range requests][7] (needed for .rpf streaming).
Add versioned URLs to avoid cache conflicts.

See our Optimize loading times guide.

Myths & deprecated flags

Many configs online still show Source Engine cvars like:

sv_maxrate 0
sv_minrate 30000
sv_maxupdaterate 60

Do not use. These are not supported in FiveM and have no effect. See [official convars][1].

Deprecated/legacy convars:

sv_master1 → no longer needed.
sv_useDirectListing → replaced by sv_endpointPrivacy.

Validation & troubleshooting

Key checks after editing server.cfg:

Symptom	Likely cause	Fix	Time
Server not starting	Syntax error in config	Check console, remove invalid lines	5m
Not in server list	Missing `sv_hostname`/tags	Add hostname/tags, check firewall, `sv_master1`	10m
Players can’t connect	Ports closed / wrong IP	Open 30120 TCP+UDP, check `endpoint_add_*`	15m
High CPU usage	Too many slots / bad scripts	Lower `sv_maxclients`, use Performance tuning	20m
Long loading times	Large assets unoptimized	Use Optimize loading times + CDN	20m
Crashes after update	Build mismatch	Pin `sv_enforceGameBuild`, update [artifacts][4]	15m

Internal resources & next steps

FAQ

1. What is server.cfg in FiveM?
It’s the main configuration file that defines server name, slots, resources, networking, security, and visibility.

2. Where should I place server.cfg?
Inside your server’s root folder (next to server.exe or FXServer entrypoint). txAdmin loads it automatically.

3. What’s the difference between set, sets, and setr?

set: server-only variable.
sets: shows up in server list (public info).
setr: synced to clients.

4. My server doesn’t show in the list. Why?
Check sv_hostname, sets tags, sets locale, and sv_endpointPrivacy. Also ensure your ports are open.

5. How do I increase player slots?
Change sv_maxclients. Scale gradually and monitor with Resmon guide. Ensure your hardware and network can handle it.

6. What is sv_enforceGameBuild?
A convar that forces clients to use a specific GTA V game build. Prevents crashes from mismatched versions. See [Convars doc][1].

7. Should I use build numbers or aliases?
Either works. Numeric (2944) is explicit; alias (mp2024_02) is easier to track. Both are supported.

8. Where do I set sv_enforceGameBuild in txAdmin?
In txAdmin → Settings → FXServer → Additional arguments. Example: +set sv_enforceGameBuild 2944.

9. What is OneSync?
A system that allows more players, accurate entity streaming, server authority. Required for modern frameworks. See [OneSync docs][3].

10. Infinity vs Legacy OneSync?
Legacy = up to 64 slots. Infinity = supports 128+, advanced entity sync. Always use onesync on (Infinity by default).

11. How do I organize resources?
Use exec resources.cfg. Start DB connectors first, then frameworks, then jobs/scripts. Avoid ensure *.

12. My banners don’t show in the server list.
Ensure URLs are HTTPS, public, and point to correct image sizes. Use a CDN for reliability.

13. What are txAdmin logs for?
They show errors, crashes, resource issues. See txAdmin logs.

14. How do I check performance issues?
Use resmon 1 in console. See our Resmon guide for details.

15. Are Source engine rate flags needed?
No. sv_maxrate, sv_minrate, sv_maxupdaterate do nothing in FiveM. Use [Convars doc][1] instead.

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