FiveM Server Setup: The Complete 2026 Guide for GTA V Roleplay
FiveM transforms Grand Theft Auto V into a platform for collaborative roleplay, custom gamemodes, and community building. Getting a server running correctly requires understanding its unique architecture — FiveM is not a typical game server, it is a custom multiplayer framework with its own resource system.
Prerequisites
Before starting:
- A legitimate GTA V licence (Steam or Rockstar Games Launcher)
- A Cfx.re account (formerly FiveM forums)
- A server licence key from keymaster.fivem.net
Server Installation
# Create server directory
mkdir -p /home/fivem/server-data
# Download FiveM server artifact (Alpine Linux build recommended)
wget https://artifacts.fivem.net/server/
# Extract
tar -xzf fx.tar.xz -C /home/fivem/
# Create configuration
cat > /home/fivem/server-data/server.cfg << 'EOF'
endpoint_add_tcp "0.0.0.0:30120"
endpoint_add_udp "0.0.0.0:30120"
set steam_webApiKey "none"
sv_licenseKey "your_license_key_here"
sv_hostname "Your Server Name"
sv_maxclients 32
set sv_projectName "Your Server"
set sv_projectDesc "Your Description"
onesync on
EOF
Framework Selection
A FiveM "framework" is a collection of resources (scripts) that provides the core gameplay systems — jobs, inventory, economy, character creation. The two dominant frameworks in 2026:
QBCore — Modern, actively maintained, currently the most popular framework for new servers. Better architecture than ESX, more plugins available in 2026.
ESX (ESX Legacy) — The original dominant framework. Larger plugin ecosystem historically, but much of its script library is unmaintained. Still viable for servers with existing ESX infrastructure.
For new servers in 2026, start with QBCore. The ecosystem is healthier.
Resource Installation
Resources are installed to /home/fivem/server-data/resources/:
resources/
[core]/
fxmanifest.lua # Core framework
[qb]/
qb-core/
qb-inventory/
qb-jobs/
Add to server.cfg:
ensure qb-core
ensure qb-inventory
ensure qb-jobs
First Launch Checklist
□ server.cfg has valid licence key
□ Framework resource loads without errors (console log)
□ Database connected (MariaDB/MySQL)
□ Discord bot connected for whitelisting (if applicable)
□ Server visible in FiveM server list
Space-Node's FiveM hosting plans include one-click QBCore and ESX framework installation with preconfigured database connections.