FiveM vs. RageMP vs. alt:V (2026 Guide)
• Getting started: How to create a FiveM server · Configure with server.cfg explained
Introduction to Which GTA V multiplayer platform should you choose for
Which GTA V multiplayer platform should you choose for your next server? This guide cuts through the noise with a practical, owner‑focused comparison: ecosystem size, developer experience, performance, and what it takes to ship a stable city or custom gamemode.
TL;DR
- FiveM → Best overall for roleplay and fast time‑to‑launch. Largest ecosystem (ESX/QBCore), tons of docs and community help. Start here if you want momentum and content variety.
• Getting started: [How to create a FiveM server](https://vertexmods.com/blog/how-to-set-up-a-fivem-server) · Configure with [server.cfg explained](https://vertexmods.com/blog/fivem-server-cfg/)
- alt:V → Best for custom gamemodes and modern APIs. Clean JS/TS & C# stacks, strong performance and entity streaming model. Great if your team prefers TypeScript and tight control.
• Getting started: [How to create an alt:V server](https://vertexmods.com/blog/how-to-create-altv-server/)
- RageMP → Solid, low‑friction C#/JS option used by freeroam/PvP communities and legacy teams. Smaller ecosystem vs. FiveM, but mature enough for focused projects.
Quick Comparison
| Area | FiveM | alt:V | RageMP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary languages | Lua (huge), plus JS & C# | JS/TS & C# (first‑class) | JS & C# |
| Ecosystem & assets | Largest library (frameworks, jobs, MLOs) | Smaller but growing; geared to custom codebases | Moderate; many legacy resources |
| Frameworks | ESX, QBCore, QBOX | Mostly custom frameworks or open‑source starters | Custom/DIY or community frameworks |
| Dev experience | Fast prototyping; endless snippets/examples | Clean APIs, strong TS ergonomics | Familiar C#/JS; lean boilerplates |
| Performance focus | Mature tooling (txAdmin, resmon, profiling) | Emphasis on efficient streaming/sync | Lightweight servers; depends on your code |
| Typical use cases | RP cities, economy/mini‑games, big mod packs | Competitive/custom modes, large bespoke projects | Freeroam/DM, niche RP, legacy migrations |
Note: Hard player‑cap numbers are less important than
Note: Hard player‑cap numbers are less important than how optimized your resources are (entity counts, loops/ticks, streaming config, DB IO). A well‑tuned small server beats a poorly tuned big one.
Strengths & Trade‑offs
FiveM
Strengths
- Massive content supply (scripts/MLOs), rapid feature delivery.
- ESX/QBCore accelerate roleplay economy, jobs, factions, inventory, banking.
- Mature operations: txAdmin, built‑ins for bans, logging, health checks.
Trade‑offs
- Quality varies across third‑party scripts; requires curation.
- Lua knowledge helps for deeper customization (JS/C# also possible).
Who should pick it?
- New or growing servers that want fast launch, rich RP features, and a deep marketplace.
Next steps
- Spin up: How to create a FiveM server
- Tune basics: server.cfg explained
alt:V
Strengths
- Modern dev ergonomics: first‑class JS/TS & C#; clear client↔server APIs.
- Strong performance & streaming model for large custom modes.
- Great for teams that want a typed stack and code‑first gameplay.
Trade‑offs
- Smaller off‑the‑shelf script catalog; more build‑not‑buy.
Who should pick it?
- Studios/teams planning bespoke gamemodes, or devs who love TypeScript and clean architecture.
Next steps
- Spin up: How to create an alt:V server
RageMP
Strengths
- Straightforward JS/C# pipelines; many legacy codebases.
- Popular for freeroam/DM and performance‑focused lobbies.
Trade‑offs Smaller community vs
Trade‑offs
- Smaller community vs. FiveM; fewer drop‑in RP frameworks.
Who should pick it?
- Teams with existing RageMP expertise or C#‑heavy stacks, and servers that value tight control with fewer dependencies.
Choose by Scenario (Flowchart‑style checklist)
- I need a feature‑rich RP city fast → FiveM
- We’re engineering a new competitive/custom mode → alt:V
- Our code & staff are RageMP‑experienced → RageMP
- We prefer TypeScript end‑to‑end → alt:V
- We want maximum plug‑and‑play jobs/MLOs → FiveM
Performance & Stability Tips (platform‑agnostic)
- Keep ticks lean: avoid heavy loops; debounce events; prefer server‑side batching.
- Stream smart: cull entities/props, LOD wisely, compress assets.
- Profile constantly: measure entity counts, mspt/frame time; disable unused resources.
- For FiveM specifically, learn the basics early with a tidy config: server.cfg essentials.
Migration Notes
- APIs differ (events, entities, natives). A straight port rarely compiles; plan a rewrite layer per platform.
- Data model first: keep inventories, jobs, and economy in a framework‑neutral schema to reduce lock‑in.
- Decouple UI: use NUI/CEF frontends that talk to a thin adapter per platform.
FAQ
Which platform has the biggest player ecosystem?
Generally FiveM, especially for roleplay. But your niche, region, and content quality matter more.
Which is “fastest”? All three can be performant
Which is “fastest”?
All three can be performant. Real‑world results come from resource quality, not the logo on the box. Trim entity counts, optimize loops, and profile early.
Can I reuse scripts across platforms?
Not directly. Plan for adapters or budget a rewrite when switching.
2026 Update: alt:V Shutdown
Important: alt:V is shutting down in July 2026 after a Rockstar cease and desist. No new servers can be created, and the platform will be fully offline by July 6, 2026. This makes FiveM the only authorized GTA V multiplayer modding platform. If you're currently running an alt:V server, read our complete alt:V shutdown guide and migration walkthrough.
With the launch of the Cfx Marketplace in January 2026, Rockstar is doubling down on FiveM as the official modding ecosystem. For a broader look at what's ahead, see our analysis of FiveM and GTA 6.
Bottom Line
- Pick FiveM — it's now the only authorized platform with long-term viability.
Pick alt:V— alt:V is shutting down July 2026. Migrate to FiveM.- Pick RageMP with caution — its future is uncertain without Rockstar authorization.
When you’re ready to build, start with these:
Frequently Asked Questions
If I want to create a unique game mode, which platform is best: FiveM, alt:V, or RageMP?
For highly customized game modes, alt:V is generally considered the strongest choice. Its modern APIs, coupled with first-class JavaScript/TypeScript and C# support, allow for greater control over the game's functionality and performance. While FiveM offers a vast ecosystem, it can be limiting if you want to deviate significantly from existing frameworks. RageMP sits in the middle, capable but with a smaller ecosystem and potentially more legacy code to contend with compared to alt:V's cleaner stack.
My team is most comfortable with C# and JavaScript. Which platform should we choose for GTA V multiplayer?
Both alt:V and RageMP offer solid C#/JavaScript support, but alt:V edges out RageMP with strong TypeScript support. If your team strongly prefers TypeScript's type safety and modern features, alt:V is the better choice. However, if you're comfortable with standard JavaScript alongside C#, RageMP is a viable option, particularly if you value established community resources and a lower barrier to entry.
What are the advantages of using FiveM's ESX or QBCore frameworks?
FiveM's ESX and QBCore frameworks provide a massive head start for creating roleplay servers. They offer pre-built systems for jobs, economies, player management, and more. This allows you to quickly prototype and iterate on your server without building everything from scratch. The large community surrounding these frameworks also means abundant resources, tutorials, and readily available scripts that you can adapt to your needs. However, be aware that heavily relying on these frameworks can limit customization compared to building a custom system from the ground up on a platform like alt:V.
How does the performance of FiveM compare to alt:V and RageMP, especially with many players?
While performance can vary depending on your specific server setup and scripts, alt:V generally boasts a more optimized entity streaming model, leading to potentially better performance with high player counts. FiveM has made significant strides in performance optimization, but its reliance on Lua and the complexity of its ecosystem can sometimes lead to bottlenecks. RageMP is a solid performer, but its smaller community may mean fewer readily available optimization resources compared to FiveM. It's essential to profile your server on any platform to identify and address performance issues.
