What You Need Before You Start
Starting your own FiveM roleplay server requires a few things before you write a single line of configuration. First, you need a valid Cfx.re account with a server license key, which you can obtain for free from the Cfx.re Keymaster portal. You will also need either a dedicated server or a VPS with at least 4 GB of RAM, a modern multi-core CPU, and a stable internet connection. While you can run a test server locally on your own machine, any serious community will require proper hosting. Make sure you have a legal copy of GTA V linked to your Cfx.re account, as this is required by the FiveM terms of service.
Installing the FiveM Server Artifacts
The FiveM server runs on what are called server artifacts, which are the core binaries that power your server. Download the latest recommended artifacts from the official FiveM documentation page and extract them into a clean folder on your server. Next, create a server.cfg file where you will define your server name, license key, game type, and which resources to start. The configuration file uses a simple key-value format and supports comments for organization. Start with the default template provided by Cfx.re and customize it from there, making sure your license key and server endpoint are correctly set before attempting to boot for the first time.
Choosing a Framework
One of the most important decisions you will make early on is selecting a framework for your server. The two most popular options in 2026 are QBCore and ESX, with the newer QBOX framework gaining traction as a modernized fork of QBCore. Each framework provides pre-built systems for player management, jobs, inventories, and economy that save you months of development time. QBCore is known for its clean codebase and active community support, while ESX has been around longer and has a massive library of compatible scripts. Consider your technical skill level, the availability of resources for each framework, and the specific roleplay experience you want to create when making your choice.
Essential Resources and Scripts
After installing your framework, you will need a collection of essential resources to make your server functional for roleplay. At minimum, you need a phone system like Agency Phone for player communication, an inventory system such as ox_inventory, a vehicle garage script, a housing or property system, and basic job scripts for police, EMS, and mechanic roles. A voice chat solution like pma-voice is critical for immersive roleplay, and you will want an admin menu for server management. Install each resource by placing it in your resources folder and adding ensure resource_name to your server.cfg file. Always check compatibility with your chosen framework before installing any third-party script.
Database and Server Configuration
Most FiveM frameworks rely on a MySQL database to store persistent data like player characters, inventories, vehicles, and properties. Install MariaDB or MySQL on your server and create a dedicated database for your FiveM instance. Use oxmysql as your database connector, as it provides async query support and excellent performance. Configure your database connection string in your server.cfg and run the SQL files included with your framework to create the required tables. Take the time to set up automated backups from day one, because losing player data due to a database failure is one of the fastest ways to kill a community.
Launching and Growing Your Community
With your server configured, resources installed, and database running, you are ready to boot up and start testing. Use the server console or txAdmin to start your server and connect with your FiveM client to verify everything works. Before opening to the public, spend time testing every system thoroughly, ideally with a small group of trusted testers who can help identify bugs and balancing issues. Create a Discord server for your community, set up a whitelist or application process if you want serious roleplayers, and establish clear rules and guidelines. Growing a FiveM community takes patience and consistent effort, but a well-configured server with a welcoming staff team will naturally attract dedicated players over time.