How to Set Up a FiveM GTA RP Server (2026) — Complete...

Setting up a FiveM server doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This guide walks you through every step—from choosing hardware to installing your first framework—with real-world examples and solutions to common problems. Whether you’re launching a small community server or planning a 128-player RP city, you’ll have a working server by the end of this guide.

This guide is part of our complete FiveM server management hub, covering everything from initial setup to scaling your community.

Who this guide is for: Server owners who want to avoid common mistakes, developers moving from other platforms, and anyone tired of outdated YouTube tutorials.

Need ready-to-go resources? Browse our QBCore Scripts, ESX Scripts, and Server Optimization Tools to get started faster.

1. Quick Start: Get a Server Online in 15 Minutes

If you just want a basic server running to test or learn, here’s the fastest path:

What You’ll Have at the End

A local FiveM server running on your PC
txAdmin web panel for management
Ability to connect and spawn in Los Santos
Foundation for adding scripts and frameworks

Prerequisites

Windows 10/11 or Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+)
8GB RAM minimum (16GB recommended)
Port 30120 open (or use default txAdmin port)
Basic command line comfort

Quick Steps

Download txAdmin: Visit txAdmin.gg and download the installer
Run txAdmin: Launch the executable, it will open a browser at http://localhost:40120
Create Admin Account: Set your username and secure password
Choose “Popular Template”: Select a base template (we recommend starting with a minimal one)
Wait for Installation: txAdmin will download artifacts and resources automatically
Start the Server: Click the green “Start Server” button
Connect: Open FiveM, press F8, type connect localhost:30120

That’s it. You now have a working FiveM server.

What’s Missing? This quick setup lacks a framework (QBCore/ESX), custom scripts, database configuration, and production-level security. The rest of this guide covers all of that.

2. Planning (Do This Before You Install Anything)

The biggest mistakes happen in the first 30 minutes when server owners skip planning. Answer these questions before you download anything:

Choose Your Player Count Tier

Tier	Players	Typical Use Case	Complexity
Small	32-48	Friend groups, testing, niche RP	Low
Medium	64-96	Community servers, themed RP	Medium
Large	128-192	Serious RP cities, multi-department	High
Mega	256+	Public servers, high traffic	Very High

Reality check: Don’t plan for 256 players if you have 5 friends. Start small, scale when you have the community and budget.

Choose Your Framework

You have three main options:

QBCore: Modern, active development, largest script ecosystem in 2026, built-in phone/banking/inventory. Best for new servers.
ESX: Mature, stable, huge legacy script library, lighter than QBCore. Best if you want proven stability.
QBOX: Modern ESX rewrite using ox_lib, performance-focused, growing ecosystem. Best for developers who want clean code.
Standalone: No framework, you build everything yourself. Best for experienced developers with specific visions.

Can’t decide? Read our complete framework comparison guide for detailed breakdowns.

3. Hosting Decision Matrix

Choose the wrong host and you’ll fight lag, crashes, and support tickets forever. Here’s the real comparison:

Option	Cost/Month	Best For	Player Count	Pros	Cons
Local (Home PC)	$0	Testing, private friends	8-16	Free, full control	No 24/7 uptime, residential IP issues
Managed Host	$15-50	Beginners, hands-off	32-64	Easy setup, support	Limited customization, oversold
VPS	$20-80	Most servers	64-128	Full control, scalable	Requires Linux knowledge
Dedicated	$100-300+	Large RP cities	128-256+	Maximum performance	Expensive, overkill for small

Need hosting recommendations? Check our FiveM hosting comparison guide for up-to-date provider reviews.

4. FiveM Server Requirements (Realistic Numbers)

Marketing pages lie. Here are real-world requirements based on actual server deployments:

Players	CPU	RAM	Storage	Bandwidth
32	2 cores @ 3.5GHz+	8GB	50GB NVMe	100Mbps
64	4 cores @ 3.5GHz+	16GB	100GB NVMe	250Mbps
128	6-8 cores @ 4.0GHz+	32GB	200GB NVMe	500Mbps
256	12+ cores @ 4.0GHz+	64GB+	500GB NVMe	1Gbps

For complete optimization, read our FiveM Server Optimization Playbook.

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15. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How much does a FiveM server cost?

Hosting: $15-80/month depending on player count. Scripts: $0-500+ one-time. Total Year 1: $200-1,000+

QBCore or ESX for beginners?

QBCore is better for beginners in 2026: active development, built-in systems, largest script ecosystem, better documentation.

Can’t decide? Read our complete framework comparison.

Ready to Build Your Server?

You now have everything you need to set up a professional FiveM server. Start with the basics, test thoroughly, and scale gradually.

Need resources to get started?

Frameworks: QBCore | ESX | QBOX
Scripts: Browse 1,800+ Scripts across all categories
MLOs: 500+ Interior Options
Support: Join our community or read our complete guide library

Last Updated: January 29, 2026

How to Set Up a FiveM GTA RP Server (2026) — Complete Step-by-Step Guide