How to Use FiveM Mods: Complete Installation & Setup Guide

FiveM mods enhance your Grand Theft Auto V multiplayer experience by adding custom content, vehicles, scripts, and gameplay features. This guide provides the exact steps to install and configure mods correctly.

Prerequisites

Before installing any mods, verify you have:

• GTA V (legitimate copy from Steam, Epic Games, or Rockstar Games Launcher)
• FiveM client (latest version from our site or the official site fivem.net)
• 7-Zip or WinRAR for extracting compressed files
• OpenIV (optional, for advanced modifications)
• Minimum 4GB free disk space for mod files

Mod Installation Methods

Method 1: Server-Side Mods (Automatic)

Most FiveM servers handle mod installation automatically:

1. Connect to a FiveM server
2. Server downloads required mods to your cache
3. Mods load automatically during connection

Cache location: %localappdata%\FiveM\FiveM.app\cache\

Method 2: Client-Side Mods (Manual)

For single-player or locally hosted servers:

1. Create folder: FiveM Application Data\citizen\common\data\
2. Place mod files in appropriate subfolders:
   - Vehicles: \levels\gta5\vehicles\
   - Weapons: \ai\weapons.meta
   - Textures: \cdimages\

Method 3: Resource Installation

For server owners adding resources:

# Navigate to server resources folder
cd /path/to/server-data/resources/

# Create resource folder
mkdir [local]/modname

# Add to <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://vertexmods.com/en/blog/fivem-server-cfg/" title="FiveM server.cfg Full Guide – Complete Configuration" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">server.cfg</a>
ensure modname

Installing Specific Mod Types

Vehicle Mods

File structure:

vehicle_mod/
├── __resource.lua (or fxmanifest.lua)
├── stream/
│   ├── vehicle.yft
│   ├── vehicle_hi.yft
│   └── vehicle.ytd
└── data/
    ├── vehicles.meta
    ├── carvariations.meta
    └── handling.meta

Installation steps:

1. Extract mod files to resources/[vehicles]/vehicle_name/
2. Add ensure vehicle_name to server.cfg
3. Restart server or use refresh then ensure vehicle_name in console

Script Mods

Basic script structure:

-- fxmanifest.lua
fx_version 'cerulean'
game 'gta5'

client_scripts {
    'client.lua'
}

server_scripts {
    'server.lua'
}

Installation:

1. Place in resources/[scripts]/script_name/
2. Verify dependencies in fxmanifest.lua
3. Add to server.cfg: ensure script_name

Map Mods (MLOs/YMAPs)

map_mod/
├── fxmanifest.lua
└── stream/
    ├── interior.ymap
    ├── interior_lod.ymap
    └── interior_assets.ytd

Critical: Check for coordinate conflicts with existing maps using:

-- In F8 console
coords
-- Note your position before installing overlapping maps

Common Issues and Solutions

“Could not load resource”

• Cause: Missing or incorrect fxmanifest.lua
• Fix: Ensure file exists and uses correct fx_version

Texture loss/purple textures

• Cause: Missing .ytd files or exceeded stream memory
• Fix: 1. Verify all .ytd files are in stream folder2. Reduce texture quality in graphics settings3. Remove unused mods

Server crash on mod load

• Cause: Incompatible mod or syntax error
• Fix: Check server console for specific error, validate file integrity

Vehicle spawning issues

-- Debug spawn command
RegisterCommand('spawncar', function(source, args)
    local vehicleName = args[1] or 'adder'
    if not IsModelInCdimage(vehicleName) or not IsModelAVehicle(vehicleName) then
        print('Invalid model: ' .. vehicleName)
        return
    end
    -- Spawn logic here
end)

Performance Optimization

Resource monitor (F8 console):

resmon 1

Limit streaming resources:

-- In fxmanifest.lua
this_is_a_map 'yes'
-- Prevents unnecessary client scripts

Memory management:

• Keep total mod size under 2GB
• Use LOD models for distant objects
• Compress textures when possible

Security Considerations

Never install mods that:

• Request unusual permissions
• Include obfuscated .dll files
• Come from untrusted sources
• Modify core FiveM files

Verify mod integrity:

# Generate file hash
certutil -hashfile modfile.zip SHA256
# Compare with creator's provided hash

Best Practices

1. Backup before installing: Copy entire resources folder
2. Test locally first: Use localhost server before production
3. Read mod documentation: Check for specific requirements or conflicts
4. Monitor performance: Use resmon after each mod addition
5. Update regularly: Keep FiveM client and server artifacts current

Troubleshooting Checklist

• [ ] FiveM client updated to latest version
• [ ] Server artifacts current (if server owner)
• [ ] All mod dependencies installed
• [ ] File paths correct (case-sensitive on Linux)
• [ ] No duplicate resource names
• [ ] Server.cfg syntax valid
• [ ] Sufficient system resources available

Find verified, tested mods here

Conclusion

FiveM mod installation requires careful attention to file structure, dependencies, and server configuration—follow these concrete steps to avoid common pitfalls.