How to Start a FiveM Roleplay Server from Scratch (2026)

Why Start Your Own FiveM Server?

FiveM is the leading multiplayer modification for Grand Theft Auto V, powering thousands of roleplay, racing, and custom game mode servers worldwide. Running your own server gives you complete control over the experience — from rules and scripts to economy and jobs.

This guide walks you through every step of creating a FiveM roleplay server in 2026, from downloading the server files to welcoming your first players.

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Requirements

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• A legitimate copy of GTA V — Required for FiveM
• Windows 10/11 or Linux — Both are supported for server hosting
• Minimum 8 GB RAM — 16 GB recommended for production servers
• A stable internet connection — For player connections and resource downloads
• A Cfx.re account — Free registration at cfx.re

For a public server, you will also need a VPS or dedicated server from a hosting provider. Running from your home PC works for development but is not recommended for production due to bandwidth, uptime, and security limitations.

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Step 1: Get Your Server License Key

Every FiveM server requires a license key:

1. Go to keymaster.fivem.net
2. Log in with your Cfx.re account
3. Click New Server
4. Enter your server's IP address (or use 0.0.0.0 for development)
5. Copy the generated license key — you will need it for server.cfg

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Step 2: Download Server Artifacts

Server artifacts are the core FiveM server files:

1. Visit runtime.fivem.net/artifacts/fivem/
2. Choose your operating system:

- build_server_windows/master/ for Windows

- build_proot_linux/master/ for Linux

3. Download the latest recommended version (marked with a green label)
4. Extract the files into a folder on your machine (e.g., C:\FXServer\server)

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Step 3: Set Up Server Data

The server data folder contains your configuration, resources, and scripts:

1. Download or clone the cfx-server-data repository from GitHub
2. Place the contents into a separate folder (e.g., C:\FXServer\server-data)
3. This gives you a resources/ folder with basic default resources and a server.cfg template

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Step 4: First Boot with txAdmin

Modern FiveM server artifacts come with txAdmin built in — a powerful web-based management panel:

1. Run the server executable (FXServer.exe on Windows)
2. txAdmin will open automatically in your browser at http://localhost:40120
3. Follow the setup wizard:

- Link your Cfx.re account

- Choose a server name

- Select a recipe (deployment template) — Popular choices include ESX Legacy, QBCore, or a blank server

- Set your server data path

4. txAdmin will download and configure your chosen recipe automatically

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Step 5: Configure server.cfg

Open server.cfg in your server-data folder and configure the essential settings:

• sv_hostname — Your server's display name in the server list
• sv_maxclients — Maximum player count (32, 48, 64, or up to 2048 with OneSync)
• sv_licenseKey — The key from keymaster
• endpoint_add_tcp and endpoint_add_udp — Network endpoints (default: 0.0.0.0:30120)
• sets sv_projectName — Project name shown in the server list
• sets tags — Tags for server discovery (e.g., "roleplay, esx, serious")

See our detailed server.cfg guide for a complete breakdown of every setting.

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Step 6: Install a Framework

A framework provides the foundation for roleplay features — player identity, jobs, inventory, economy, and more. The three main options in 2026 are:

• ESX Legacy — The most established framework with the largest script ecosystem
• QBCore — A modern alternative with clean architecture and active development
• QBOX Core — The newest option, optimized for performance

If you used a txAdmin recipe, your framework is already installed. Otherwise, download your chosen framework from its GitHub repository and add it to your resources/ folder.

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Step 7: Install Essential Resources

Beyond the framework, most roleplay servers need:

• A database resource — oxmysql is the standard choice for connecting your server to MySQL
• An inventory system — Such as ox_inventory, qs-inventory, or your framework's default
• A phone system — For in-game communication between players
• A vehicle system — For garages and vehicle ownership
• A job system — Jobs Creator by Alone Studios provides a complete, no-code job management system compatible with all three frameworks

Add each resource to your resources/ folder and add ensure resource_name to your server.cfg.

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Step 8: Going Live

1. Start your server through txAdmin
2. Join using the FiveM client — press F8 and type connect localhost:30120 or find your server in the server list
3. Test all basic functionality: spawning, movement, framework UI, inventory
4. Once everything works locally, configure your firewall to allow port 30120 (TCP and UDP)
5. Update your license key IP to your public IP at keymaster.fivem.net
6. Share your server IP or server list name with players

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Tips for New Server Owners

• Start small — Don't install 200 resources on day one. Start with the basics and add scripts gradually
• Test everything — Every new resource should be tested before going live with players
• Back up regularly — Use txAdmin's backup feature or manual database exports
• Build a community — Create a Discord server for your players before launch
• Read the documentation — Every framework and major script has documentation. Read it before asking for help

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Ready to Build Something Great?

Starting a FiveM server is easier than ever in 2026. With txAdmin handling deployment, modern frameworks providing the roleplay foundation, and tools like Jobs Creator eliminating the need for custom development, you can go from zero to a fully functional roleplay server in a single afternoon.

→ Browse Premium FiveM Scripts at Alone Studios