How to Create a FiveM Server from Scratch

How to Create a FiveM Server from Scratch

So, you want to start your own FiveM server — good call. Whether you’re into serious roleplay, car meets, or gang wars, having your own server gives you total control over how the game is played. The best part? You don’t need to be a coding expert to get started.

Here’s a full breakdown of how to create a working FiveM server, step by step.

1. What You Need Before Starting

Before you touch anything, make sure you have:

• A legit copy of GTA V
• A PC or a VPS (for public hosting)
• At least 8 GB RAM and SSD storage
• Basic Windows or Linux knowledge
• A little bit of patience

2. Download and Set Up FXServer

This is the core software that runs your FiveM server.

• Go to the Fivem Artifacts page
• Download the latest version for Windows or Linux
• Create a folder like C:\fivem-server\ and extract the files there
• Run FXServer.exe to launch the setup

During the first launch, it will open a setup page in your browser. Follow the instructions to:

• Name your server
• Set your admin account
• Choose default settings
• Paste your license key (get it from keymaster)

3. Basic Configuration (server.cfg)

Once your setup is done, locate the server.cfg file in your server folder. This is where you define:

• Server name
• Max player count
• What mods or scripts to load
• Permissions for admins

A basic server.cfg looks like this:

sv_hostname “My FiveM Server” endpoint_add_tcp “0.0.0.0:30120” maxplayers 32 start mapmanager start chat start spawnmanager start fivem

You can modify this later to load custom cars, MLOs, scripts, etc.

4. Adding Custom Mods (Cars, Maps, Bikes)

This is where your server becomes unique. You can install all sorts of custom content like vehicles, interiors, and new features.

– Custom Cars

Drag and drop your car files into resources/[cars]/yourcar.
Then add this to server.cfg:
start yourcar

Need ready-to-use, lore-friendly vehicles? Try this collection:
👉 FiveM Lore Friendly Cars

– Custom MLOs (Map Mods)

Same process. Drop the MLO folder into resources/[maps]/mlo-name
Add to server.cfg:
start mlo-name

For some top-tier, plug-and-play map mods, check this out:
👉 FiveM Custom MLOs

– Motorcycles & Choppers

If your server has gangs, MCs, or street riders, bikes are a must.

Again, drag into resources, add to cfg.
Great bikes available here:
👉 FiveM Motorcycles

5. Useful Scripts and Add-Ons

Your server needs more than just visuals. Here are essentials:

• ESX or QB-core framework
• Inventory system
• Banking system
• Jobs (police, taxi, etc.)
• Anti-cheat and admin menu

Always read the instructions of each script. Some need database setup, others don’t.

6. Testing Your Server

After you’ve added a few resources:

• Restart your FXServer
• Open FiveM
• Connect via “Direct Connect” with your server IP
• Test everything: car spawns, map loading, script functions

Don’t skip testing. It’s the only way to catch bugs early.

7. Make It Public (Optional)

If you’re hosting a public server:

• Forward port 30120 on your router
• Register your server on FiveM server list
• Set sv_master1 in server.cfg to “” (default)

8. Final Tips

• Keep your mods organized in folders
• Don’t overload with 50+ car packs at once , test in batches
• Use optimized assets to avoid lag or crashes
• Always make backups before major changes