How to create a FiveM server? The A-to-Z guide
Par Benjamin D. · PDG
· Lecture 7 min
Contents
Creating a FiveM server is much more than installing a binary: you need to lay an RP foundation, choose a framework, add resources and open to the public cleanly. Here's the complete journey, from the machine to your first game night.
Step 1: the machine and the installation
It all starts with a server that hosts FiveM: either your own machine/VPS, or a host. On it you install the cfx-server artifacts, generate a license key on keymaster and launch txAdmin. The details are in our guide how to install FiveM on a server.
Step 2: choose the type of server
- Structured RP: start from a framework (ESX or QBCore) deployed via a txAdmin "recipe".
- Free / freeroam server: a lighter vanilla base, to expand as you wish.
This choice shapes all your future resources: decide it before installing anything.
Step 3: configure server.cfg
In server.cfg: server name, sv_maxClients (slots), sv_licenseKey, port 30120 and the list of resources with ensure. It's the central file of your server.
Step 4: add the resources
Install your scripts and mods in the resources folder, then declare them. To get off to a good start, see the best scripts for a FiveM server and how to add mods to a FiveM server.
Step 5: open to the public
- Ports 30120 TCP/UDP open and accessible.
- Active Anti-DDoS protection (essential the moment the server is public).
- A server available 24/7: a personal PC you turn off at night won't handle the load of a community.
Test everything locally with a few trusted players before opening to the general public. A server that crashes on launch day drives the community away.
The turnkey version
Self-hosting is educational but time-consuming. With a host, artifacts, ports and Anti-DDoS are already handled: on a Fly-Serv FiveM server, creation is instant and the FlyPanel handles txAdmin, updates and files in one click. The high-frequency Ryzen 9 7950X3D CPU ensures smooth RP.
Conclusion
Machine, framework, resources, going public: follow these steps and your RP server will run. To move fast and hassle-free, create your FiveM server with Fly-Serv from €1.99/month. Want to budget the project? See How much does a FiveM server cost?