How to Make a FiveM Server 2026: Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Published on 2026-06-25

How to make a FiveM server in 2026: getting your server key, installing the artifacts, configuring server.cfg, adding resources, and going live.

FiveM lets you run custom GTA V multiplayer servers for roleplay, racing, and more. Setting one up is straightforward once you know the steps. Here is how to make a FiveM server from scratch.

What You Need

A copy of GTA V (players need it too)
A server machine (a dedicated game server or VPS) running Windows or Linux
A Cfx.re account for your server license key
Basic comfort editing config files

Step 1: Get a Server Key

Go to the Cfx.re / FiveM keymaster portal
Create a server key (license) tied to your account
Copy the key, you will paste it into your config

Each server needs its own key. Keep it private.

Step 2: Download the Server Artifacts

The "artifacts" are the FiveM server build:

Download the latest recommended artifacts for your OS (Windows or Linux) from the Cfx.re artifacts page
Extract them into a folder on your server (e.g. server/)
Use a recommended/stable build for production, avoid bleeding-edge unless you need it

Step 3: Get the Server Data Files

Clone or download the cfx-server-data repository
This contains the default resources folder with core gamemodes and scripts
Place it where your server can find it

Step 4: Configure server.cfg

Create or edit server.cfg with the essentials:

endpoint_add_tcp "0.0.0.0:30120"
endpoint_add_udp "0.0.0.0:30120"

sv_hostname "My FiveM Server"
sv_maxclients 32

# Start core resources
ensure mapmanager
ensure chat
ensure spawnmanager
ensure sessionmanager
ensure hardcap

# Your license key
sv_licenseKey "YOUR_KEY_HERE"

Adjust the hostname, max clients, and add your license key.

Step 5: Start the Server

Windows: run FXServer.exe +exec server.cfg
Linux: run the run.sh script pointing to your server.cfg

Open the required ports (default 30120 TCP/UDP) on your firewall and router so players can connect.

Step 6: Add Resources

Drop resource folders into resources/ and add ensure resourcename lines to server.cfg. Popular additions:

txAdmin for a web management panel
A framework (ESX or QBCore) for roleplay
Custom maps, vehicles, and scripts

Step 7: Go Live

Restart the server, confirm it appears in the server list, and share your connect IP. Use txAdmin to manage it more easily.

Tips

Use stable artifacts for production
Open port 30120 TCP and UDP
Run txAdmin for easy management and recipes
Pick good hardware, FiveM is CPU single-thread heavy, so strong per-core performance matters

FAQ

What do I need to make a FiveM server? GTA V, a server machine, server artifacts, the cfx-server-data files, and a Cfx.re license key.

What port does FiveM use? Default 30120, both TCP and UDP.

Do I need a framework? Only for roleplay. ESX or QBCore are common, but you can run a basic server without one.