Quick answer: FiveM roleplay servers need 8-32GB RAM depending on your framework and player count. QBCore servers typically need 12-16GB RAM for 32-64 players, while ESX requires slightly more due to legacy code. Budget €15-50/month for quality RP hosting with NVMe storage and DDoS protection. Cheap hosting under €10/month usually means lag, crashes, and frustrated players.
What Makes FiveM RP Servers Different?
Running a FiveM roleplay server isn't like hosting Minecraft or a website. RP servers are resource-hungry beasts that need:
- High single-thread CPU performance for game tick processing
- Lots of RAM for scripts, player data, and caching
- Fast storage for quick resource loading
- Low latency for smooth player interactions
- DDoS protection because FiveM servers get attacked constantly
Regular VPS hosting works, but you'll get better results with providers who understand game server requirements.
QBCore vs ESX: Which Framework Needs More Resources?
The two dominant FiveM RP frameworks have different resource appetites:
QBCore Requirements
| Players | RAM | CPU Cores | Storage |
|---------|-----|-----------|---------|
| 16-32 | 8-12GB | 4 cores (3.5GHz+) | 50GB NVMe |
| 32-64 | 12-16GB | 4-6 cores (3.8GHz+) | 80GB NVMe |
| 64-128 | 16-24GB | 6-8 cores (4.0GHz+) | 120GB NVMe |
| 128+ | 24-32GB | 8+ cores (4.0GHz+) | 160GB+ NVMe |
QBCore is more modern and generally more efficient than ESX. It handles player data better and has cleaner code, meaning less RAM usage per player.
ESX Requirements
| Players | RAM | CPU Cores | Storage |
|---------|-----|-----------|---------|
| 16-32 | 10-14GB | 4 cores (3.5GHz+) | 50GB NVMe |
| 32-64 | 14-20GB | 4-6 cores (3.8GHz+) | 80GB NVMe |
| 64-128 | 20-28GB | 6-8 cores (4.0GHz+) | 120GB NVMe |
| 128+ | 28-40GB | 8+ cores (4.0GHz+) | 160GB+ NVMe |
ESX (especially older versions) tends to be heavier. If you're starting fresh in 2026, QBCore is the better choice for performance.
VORP (RedM) Requirements
For Red Dead Redemption 2 roleplay:
| Players | RAM | CPU Cores | Storage |
|---------|-----|-----------|---------|
| 16-32 | 10-14GB | 4 cores (3.5GHz+) | 60GB NVMe |
| 32-64 | 14-18GB | 4-6 cores (3.8GHz+) | 100GB NVMe |
VORP is similar to QBCore in efficiency but assets tend to be larger.
Why FiveM Servers Crash (And How to Prevent It)
Most FiveM server crashes come down to a few common issues:
1. Not Enough RAM
The #1 cause of crashes. When your server runs out of memory:
Server Thread 0: Out of memory
Signs you need more RAM:
- Server slows down as players join
- Random crashes during busy periods
- "Timed out" errors for players
- MySQL queries failing
Fix: Upgrade RAM or optimize scripts to use less memory.
2. Poor Quality Scripts
Free scripts from random forums are often:
- Poorly optimized
- Memory leaks galore
- Incompatible with other resources
- Abandoned without updates
Fix: Use reputable script sources, monitor resource performance with txAdmin or similar tools.
3. Database Issues
MySQL problems cause lag and crashes:
- Slow queries blocking game tick
- Connection pool exhaustion
- Unoptimized table structures
Fix: Use a quality MySQL setup, optimize queries, consider oxmysql for better performance.
4. DDoS Attacks
FiveM servers are frequent DDoS targets because:
- Disrupting RP causes drama
- Some people are just toxic
- Competitors trying to steal players
Fix: Use hosting with proper DDoS protection. This isn't optional for FiveM.
5. Cheap Hosting Overselling
Budget hosts pack too many servers on one machine:
- CPU contention during peak hours
- RAM being swapped to disk
- Network congestion
Fix: Choose quality hosting even if it costs more.
FiveM Hosting Cost Breakdown
Here's what you should expect to pay for quality FiveM RP hosting:
Budget Tier (€10-20/month)
- 8-12GB RAM
- Good for: Development, testing, small private servers
- Realistic player cap: 16-32 players
Standard Tier (€20-35/month)
- 12-20GB RAM
- Good for: New RP communities, growing servers
- Realistic player cap: 32-64 players
Performance Tier (€35-60/month)
- 20-32GB RAM
- Good for: Established communities, busy servers
- Realistic player cap: 64-100 players
Enterprise Tier (€60-100+/month)
- 32-64GB RAM
- Good for: Large communities, 100+ concurrent players
- Realistic player cap: 100-200+ players
Warning signs of bad hosting:
- "64 slot server" for €5/month (impossible)
- "Unlimited resources" claims
- No DDoS protection mentioned
- HDD storage instead of SSD/NVMe
Setting Up Your FiveM RP Server
Step 1: Server Artifacts
Always use the latest recommended artifacts:
# Download latest artifacts
wget https://runtime.fivem.net/artifacts/fivem/build_proot_linux/master/[version]/fx.tar.xz
tar -xvf fx.tar.xz
Never use artifacts more than a few months old—security fixes matter.
Step 2: Database Setup
Use MariaDB or MySQL 8:
# Install MariaDB
apt install mariadb-server -y
mysql_secure_installation
# Create database
mysql -u root -p
CREATE DATABASE fivem;
CREATE USER 'fivem'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'strongpassword';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON fivem.* TO 'fivem'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
Step 3: Essential Resources
For QBCore servers, you need:
- qb-core
- qb-multicharacter
- qb-spawn
- qb-clothing
- qb-inventory
- oxmysql (database)
- ox_lib (utility library)
For ESX servers:
- es_extended
- esx_identity
- esx_society
- mysql-async or oxmysql
Step 4: Server.cfg Optimization
Key settings for RP servers:
# Performance settings
sv_maxclients 64
sv_scriptHookAllowed 0
# Anti-cheat (basic)
sv_enforceGameBuild 2944
# OneSync (required for 32+ players)
onesync on
onesync_population true
# Rate limiting
rateLimiter true
connectionRejected true
# Convars for optimization
set mysql_slow_query_warning 200
set mysql_debug false
Step 5: txAdmin Setup
txAdmin is essential for FiveM server management:
# Start server with txAdmin
./run.sh +set txAdminPort 40120
Access txAdmin at http://your-ip:40120 to:
- Monitor performance
- Restart resources
- Ban/kick players
- View crash logs
- Schedule restarts
Optimizing FiveM RP Performance
Resource Tick Monitoring
Find laggy scripts:
-- In server console
resmon 1
-- Shows resource tick times
-- Anything over 1ms consistently is a problem
Memory Optimization
Reduce RAM usage:
# server.cfg
set sv_enforceGameBuild 2944
set onesync_distanceCullVehicles true
set onesync_workaround763185 true
Database Optimization
For oxmysql, optimal settings:
{
"connectionLimit": 25,
"acquireTimeout": 30000,
"waitForConnections": true
}
Player Count vs Performance
More players = exponentially more resources:
| Players | Network Bandwidth | CPU Usage | RAM Usage |
|---------|------------------|-----------|-----------|
| 32 | ~10 Mbps | Baseline | Baseline |
| 64 | ~25 Mbps | 2x | 1.5x |
| 100 | ~45 Mbps | 3.5x | 2.5x |
| 150 | ~70 Mbps | 5x+ | 3.5x |
This is why 128-player servers need serious hardware.
Cheap FiveM Hosting: Is It Worth It?
The short answer: Usually not.
What Cheap Hosting Costs You
Player Experience:
- Lag and rubberbanding
- Disconnections during RP scenes
- Long loading times
- Inventory issues and data loss
Your Time:
- Constant troubleshooting
- Dealing with crash reports
- Player complaints
- Migration hassles when you eventually upgrade
Community Growth:
- New players leave due to lag
- Experienced RPers won't stick around
- Hard to compete with smooth servers
When Cheap Hosting Makes Sense
Budget hosting (€10-15/month) is fine for:
- Development and testing
- Private servers for friends (under 16 players)
- Learning server administration
- Temporary/event servers
For a serious RP community, invest in proper hosting from day one.
QBCore Server Setup Checklist
Starting a new QBCore server? Here's what you need:
Core Framework
- [ ] qb-core (latest version)
- [ ] oxmysql (database connection)
- [ ] ox_lib (utility functions)
Character System
- [ ] qb-multicharacter
- [ ] qb-spawn
- [ ] qb-apartments or qb-houses
Essential Scripts
- [ ] qb-inventory
- [ ] qb-clothing
- [ ] qb-policejob
- [ ] qb-ambulancejob
- [ ] qb-mechanicjob
- [ ] qb-phone (or alternatives like npwd)
- [ ] qb-banking
- [ ] qb-vehicleshop
Quality of Life
- [ ] qb-hud
- [ ] qb-target or ox_target
- [ ] qb-menu
- [ ] qb-input
Administration
- [ ] txAdmin
- [ ] qb-adminmenu
Anti-Cheat
- [ ] Choose carefully—many cause more problems than they solve
FiveM Hosting Requirements by Server Type
Serious RP Server
Heavy scripts, detailed economy, many jobs:
- RAM: 16-24GB minimum
- CPU: 6+ cores, 4.0GHz+
- Storage: 100GB+ NVMe
- Player target: 64-100
Casual RP Server
Simpler scripts, more freeform:
- RAM: 12-16GB
- CPU: 4 cores, 3.5GHz+
- Storage: 60GB NVMe
- Player target: 32-64
Drift/Racing Server
Custom cars, racing scripts:
- RAM: 8-12GB
- CPU: 4 cores, 3.5GHz+
- Storage: 80GB NVMe
- Player target: 32-50
Zombie/Survival Server
Unique gameplay, survival mechanics:
- RAM: 12-16GB
- CPU: 4 cores, 3.5GHz+
- Storage: 60GB NVMe
- Player target: 32-64
Choosing the Right FiveM Host
Must-Have Features
✅ NVMe Storage - SSDs minimum, NVMe preferred for resource loading
✅ DDoS Protection - Non-negotiable for FiveM
✅ 24/7 Support - When your server crashes at 2 AM
✅ Instant Setup - Don't wait days for server deployment
✅ Root Access or Full Control - You need to tweak things
✅ Backup System - For when things go wrong
Nice-to-Have Features
- Server management panel (or you can use txAdmin)
- Automatic updates
- Multiple locations for testing latency
- Discord integration for alerts
Red Flags
❌ Claiming 128 slots on 8GB RAM
❌ No information about hardware specs
❌ Only HDD storage
❌ "Unlimited" everything
❌ No refund policy
Our FiveM Hosting
At Space-Node, we offer VPS hosting optimized for FiveM RP servers:
- NVMe storage for fast resource loading
- High-frequency CPUs for better game tick performance
- Included DDoS protection up to 1Tbps
- Netherlands location for low EU latency
- 24/7 support from gamers who understand FiveM
- Instant deployment - server ready in minutes
Our 16GB RAM VPS plans are perfect for 32-64 player QBCore servers.
Related Guides
- Why Your FiveM Server Keeps Crashing (And How to Fix It)
- FiveM RAM Requirements Guide
- Best VPS Hosting Netherlands
- VPS Streaming Setup Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does FiveM server hosting cost?
Quality FiveM RP hosting costs €15-50/month depending on player count and framework. Budget €15-25/month for 32-player servers, €25-40/month for 64-player, and €40-60+/month for 100+ player communities. Anything significantly cheaper usually means oversold resources and poor performance.
Is QBCore better than ESX for FiveM?
In 2026, QBCore is generally the better choice. It's more actively developed, better optimized, and uses less RAM than ESX. QBCore's modern codebase also makes it easier to find compatible scripts and developers. ESX still works but carries technical debt from older code.
Why does my FiveM server keep crashing?
The most common causes are: insufficient RAM (upgrade to at least 12GB for RP servers), poorly optimized scripts (monitor with resmon), database issues (optimize MySQL queries), and DDoS attacks (use protected hosting). Check your server console and txAdmin logs for specific error messages.
Can I host FiveM on a cheap VPS?
You can, but expect problems. FiveM RP servers need significant resources—cheap €5/month VPS hosts oversell their hardware, leading to lag and crashes during peak hours. For testing or very small private servers, budget hosting works. For public communities, invest in proper hosting.
How many players can a 16GB RAM FiveM server handle?
With QBCore and optimized scripts, a 16GB RAM server typically handles 50-80 concurrent players. With heavy ESX setups or many custom scripts, expect 40-60 players. The exact limit depends on your scripts, CPU quality, and how well your server is optimized.
What's the best location for FiveM servers in Europe?
Netherlands (Amsterdam) offers the best connectivity for European FiveM communities. Dutch data centers provide 10-30ms latency to Western Europe and decent connections to Eastern Europe and North America. Germany and France are also good alternatives.