🛠️ Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your First FiveM Server
Want to build your own FiveM server? Whether you’re hosting for friends or launching a full RP world, here’s the correct order to set it up from scratch.
✔️ Requirements (Before You Start)
You need:
-
A legit copy of GTA V
-
A PC or VPS (Windows recommended)
-
Basic file/folder skills
-
Optional: RP framework (ESX or QBCore)
STEP 1 — Download & Install Required Dependencies
Before the server will run, install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable:
-
Download VC Redistributable:
https://aka.ms/vs/17/release/vc_redist.x64.exe -
Install it
-
Restart your system (important)
Without this step, the server often crashes or refuses to start.
STEP 2 — Download Latest FiveM Server Artifacts
-
Visit the official FiveM server page
-
Download the Windows server artifact ZIP
-
Create a folder for your server (example:
C:FXServer) -
Extract all files into that folder
At this point, you have the files — but nothing is configured yet.
STEP 3 — Run FXServer for Initial Setup
-
Launch FXServer.exe
-
The setup UI will appear
-
Choose ‘Local Server’
-
Pick a folder to hold your server data if prompted
This generates the folder structure FiveM expects.
STEP 4 — Get Your FiveM License Key
-
Log in using your Cfx account
-
Create a server key
-
Select Home Server
-
Enter your IP (or use PC IP if local)
-
You’ll paste this into your config shortly.
STEP 5 — Create & Configure server.cfg
Inside your server data folder, create server.cfg, then add your essentials:
sv_hostname "My First FiveM Server"
sv_licenseKey "YOUR_KEY_HERE"
rcon_password "CHANGE_ME"
sv_maxclients 32
# Default resources
ensure mapmanager
ensure chat
ensure spawnmanager
ensure sessionmanager
ensure fivem
ensure hardcap
ensure baseevents
Save the file.
Now the server knows what to load and who you are.
STEP 6 — Start the Server
Now you’re ready to actually run it:
-
Launch FXServer.exe again
-
Load the profile created earlier
-
Watch the console for:
-
✔ Resources loaded
-
❌ Errors or missing files
-
If it runs without red errors, congratulations — your server is officially online!
STEP 7 — Open Firewall + Port Forwarding
To allow external players:
-
Open port 30120 (TCP + UDP) on your router or VPS firewall
-
Optional: Forward port 40120 if using txAdmin remote
Without this step, nobody outside your network can join.
STEP 8 — Connect to Your Server
Client PC:
-
Launch FiveM
-
Press F8
-
Type:
connect your.public.ip:30120
Boom 💥 You’re inside your own world.
STEP 9 — Install Frameworks (Optional but Common)
For RP and jobs:
-
QBCore (recommended for new servers) — qbcore.net
-
ESX — esx-framework.org
Extract into resources/, then add to server.cfg
ensure qb-core
Frameworks give your city:
-
Jobs
-
Inventory
-
Money systems
-
Admin menus
-
Player IDs
STEP 10 — Add Mods, Cars & Maps
Drop resources into:
resources/[standalone]/
Then add to config:
ensure resource-name
Install ONE AT A TIME to catch errors easily.
STEP 11 — Maintain, Backup, and Improve
-
Check console for errors
-
Update artifacts regularly
-
Backup:
-
server.cfg
-
resources folder
-
-
Use txAdmin to monitor crashes
-
Add anti-cheat
You’re officially a owner now.
🏁 Final Word
With the correct sequence —
➡️ dependencies first
➡️ artifacts next
➡️ license and config
➡️ launch
➡️ then build on top
You’ll avoid the headaches most new admins hit.
This is your starting point.
From here, it’s all custom scripts, community growth, and creativity.
Welcome to the world of FiveM server development 🚀