How to Install FiveM Mods

A complete step-by-step guide to installing scripts, MLOs, and resources on your FiveM server — for ESX, QBCore, and QBOX.

Installing mods on a FiveM server is straightforward once you understand the structure. Whether you're adding a police job, a custom map, or a full economy system, the core process is always the same: drop the files in the right place and tell your server to load them.

This guide covers everything from setting up your server environment to troubleshooting common errors. Follow the steps in order for the smoothest experience — especially if you're installing your first mod.

Prerequisites

Before You Start

Make sure your FiveM server is up and running with a working framework (ESX, QBCore, or QBOX) before adding additional scripts.

Server Requirements

A running FiveM server (Windows or Linux)
FTP, SFTP, or direct file access to your server
A framework installed: ESX, QBCore, or QBOX (check mod compatibility)
oxmysql or mysql-async installed for database-dependent scripts
ox_lib installed for scripts that depend on it

Database Setup

Many scripts require database tables. If the mod includes a .sql file, import it into your FiveM database before starting the server.

database-setup.sqlsql

-- Example SQL import for ESX
CREATE DATABASE fivem_server;
USE fivem_server;

-- Import your framework SQL files
SOURCE es_extended.sql;
SOURCE essentialmode.sql;

Script Types

Client-Side Scripts

Run entirely in the player's game client. These handle visual effects, UI overlays, and HUD elements — no database required.

HUDUIVisual

Server-Side Scripts

Run on your server and manage game logic, player data, economy, and jobs. These typically require a database and framework.

DatabaseEconomyJobs

Framework Scripts

Built specifically for ESX, QBCore, or QBOX. These extend the framework's core features and must match your installed framework version.

FrameworkUtilities

MLOs & Map Add-ons

Custom 3D interiors and world modifications. These stream assets directly to players and don't require a framework — just add them to resources and start them.

MapsInteriorsBuildings

Installation Steps

Locate Your Resources Folder

All FiveM scripts live inside the resources folder on your server. Find it using the path below for your operating system.

resources-folder.txtbash

# Windows - Default path
C:\FiveM\server\resources

# Linux - Default path
/home/fivem/server/resources

Upload the Script Folder

Extract the downloaded archive and upload the script folder into your resources directory. The folder must contain a fxmanifest.lua (or legacy __resource.lua) file.

Tip

Organize your resources into subfolders (e.g. [jobs], [maps], [standalone]) to keep things manageable as your server grows.

Add to server.cfg

Open your server.cfg and add an ensure line for the new script. Place it after your framework and any dependencies it requires.

server.cfgcfg

# Add to your server.cfg file
# Place after your framework (ESX/QBCore)

# Essential resources first
ensure oxmysql
ensure ox_lib

# Your new script
ensure my-awesome-script

# Alternative: use 'start' instead of 'ensure'
start my-awesome-script

Restart or Refresh Your Server

Use the server console to load the new resource without a full server restart. These commands are available in the live console.

Useful Console Commands

refresh - Reloads the resource list from disk
ensure [script-name] - Starts or restarts a specific resource
restart [script-name] - Restarts a currently running resource
stop [script-name] - Stops a running resource

Test In-Game

Join your server and test the new script. Check the server console for errors if something doesn't work as expected.

Success

If no errors appear in the console and the script works in-game, you're done! Add it to your regular server restart cycle.

Framework Guides

The load order in server.cfg is critical. Always start your framework core before any scripts that depend on it.

LegacyESX Installation

The original roleplay framework with years of stability and the largest script library.

esx-server.cfgcfg

# ESX server.cfg order example
ensure oxmysql
ensure es_extended
ensure esx_menu_default
ensure esx_menu_dialog
ensure esx_menu_list

# Your ESX scripts
ensure esx_policejob
ensure esx_mechanicjob
ensure my-custom-esx-script

Browse ESX Scripts

PopularQBCore Installation

The most popular modern framework with excellent performance and beginner-friendly design.

qbcore-server.cfgcfg

# QBCore server.cfg order example
ensure oxmysql
ensure qb-core
ensure qb-target

# Your QBCore scripts
ensure qb-policejob
ensure qb-mechanicjob
ensure my-custom-qb-script

Browse QBCore Scripts

ModernQBOX Installation

The newest framework with improved architecture, TypeScript support and modern performance.

qbox-server.cfgcfg

# QBOX server.cfg order example
ensure oxmysql
ensure qbx-core
ensure ox_lib

# Your QBOX scripts
ensure qbx-police
ensure my-custom-qbox-script

Browse QBOX Scripts

Not sure which framework to use?

Read our in-depth comparison to find the right fit for your server. View the Framework Guide

Troubleshooting

Script Not Loading

The resource starts but doesn't appear to do anything in-game.

Check that the folder name in server.cfg matches the actual folder name exactly (case-sensitive on Linux)
Verify the folder contains a valid fxmanifest.lua file
Run refresh then ensure [name] in the server console and check for errors

Database Errors on Start

The server console shows SQL or database connection errors when the script starts.

Import the script's .sql file into your database if you haven't already
Ensure oxmysql is started before the script in server.cfg

Framework Mismatch

Errors reference missing framework exports or functions that don't exist.

Confirm the script is designed for your framework (ESX vs QBCore vs QBOX)
Check the script's documentation for minimum framework version requirements

Check the Console First

90% of installation issues are visible in the server console. Always check for red error lines immediately after running ensure [script-name].

Best Practices

Stay Organized

Keep your resources folder organized

Backup First

Always backup your server before installing new mods

Load Order

Ensure proper load order in your server.cfg

Test Thoroughly

Test mods on a development server first

Turn this tutorial into a launch-ready script stack

Once the install flow is clear, move into the framework hub or commercial path that matches your server build.

Framework hub

Start with the QBCore script stack

If you're launching on a modern framework, move into the QBCore hub for install-ready scripts, compatibility context, and verified premium options.

Open QBCore hub

Framework hub

Review the ESX path

Use the ESX landing page when your server depends on the legacy framework and you want scripts that fit its established ecosystem.

Open ESX hub

Premium catalog

Compare premium scripts

Move from installation theory into the live catalog to compare real products, framework labels, and production-ready resources.

Open premium shop

Launch faster

See curated bundles

Bundles cut setup time when you want a working server foundation instead of choosing every script one at a time.

View bundles

Featured Mods

Ready to add your first script? These are some of the most popular mods in our catalog — compatible with the major frameworks and easy to install.

Advanced Police Job

Full-featured police job with arrest system, evidence handling, MDT, and duty management. Supports ESX and QBCore.

FreeDownload

Custom Vehicle Dealer

Modern vehicle dealership UI with test drive, financing, and inventory management. Fully configurable and framework-agnostic.

PremiumView

Mechanic Job Script

Complete mechanic job with repair system, parts inventory, and customer towing. Works with ESX, QBCore, and QBOX.

FreeDownload

Custom Interior MLO Pack

High-quality custom interior MLOs for police stations, hospitals, and shops. Drag-and-drop installation with no SQL required.

PremiumView

Need a complete server setup?

Browse our curated server template bundles — everything you need to launch a fully-featured FiveM server, pre-configured and ready to go.

View Server Templates

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart the whole server to add a new script?

No. Run refresh in the server console to reload the resource list, then ensure [script-name] to start the new resource without a full restart. A full restart is only required when the script's SQL needs to run on first load.

Can I run ESX and QBCore scripts on the same server?

Generally no — framework-specific scripts are built for one framework and rely on its exports and player data structure. Mixing them will cause errors. Standalone scripts (no framework dependency) work on any server regardless of framework.

What does "ensure" mean in server.cfg?

ensure starts a resource if it's not running, or restarts it if it is. It's preferred over start because it's idempotent — safe to call multiple times. Use it for all your resources in server.cfg.

Why do some scripts require ox_lib?

ox_lib is a shared utility library that provides UI components, callbacks, caching helpers, and more. Many modern scripts depend on it to avoid reinventing the wheel. Install it once and all dependent scripts will use the same shared library.

How do I update a script to a newer version?

Back up your existing script folder (especially config files), then replace the resource folder with the new version. Re-apply your configuration changes, import any new SQL if included, then restart the resource. Never overwrite blindly — always check the changelog for breaking changes.

Ready to Build Your Server?

Browse hundreds of free and premium FiveM scripts. Everything is compatible with ESX, QBCore, and QBOX — download and install in minutes.

Browse Free Mods View Premium Scripts