How to install FiveM on a server? The complete guide

Installing a FiveM server takes a few precise steps: grab the cfx-server artifacts, obtain a license key, configure server.cfg and launch everything via txAdmin. Here's the complete walkthrough, then the 1-click version.

What you need

• GTA V (every player must own the game) and the FiveM client.
• A free server license key, to be generated on the Cfx.re / keymaster portal.
• The cfx-server artifacts (the FiveM server binary, called FXServer).

Method 1: install FiveM yourself

1. Download the cfx-server artifacts

Grab the latest recommended version of the artifacts (FXServer) from the official Cfx.re repository and unpack them into a dedicated folder on your machine or VPS.

2. Generate the license key

Log in to keymaster.fivem.net, create a key tied to your server's IP or domain, and keep it: it goes into server.cfg via the sv_licenseKey line.

3. Get a base (recipe) and launch txAdmin

On the first startup of the artifacts, the txAdmin web interface opens. It guides you through creating the server, deploying a base (ESX, QBCore or vanilla via a "recipe") and generating a first server.cfg.

4. Configure server.cfg

In server.cfg, set the server name, the number of slots (sv_maxClients), the license key, the endpoint (default port 30120) and the list of resources to start (ensure).

5. Open the ports

For a server accessible from the outside, open port 30120 in TCP and UDP. When self-hosting, that's often where things get stuck (NAT, firewall, dynamic IP).

Always use the recommended version of the artifacts for production: "latest" versions may contain unstable changes.

Method 2: the 1-click installation with a host

A host removes all the technical work: up-to-date artifacts, ports already open, txAdmin preconfigured. On a Fly-Serv FiveM server, delivery is instant and the FlyPanel installs and updates the cfx-server artifacts without touching any files. All you have to do is paste your license key and start.

Conclusion

Manual installation or via a panel, what matters most is a smooth server available 24/7. For that, count on Fly-Serv's FiveM hosting from €1.99/month. Once it's installed, it's time for resources: see the best scripts for a FiveM server.