Setting up a FiveM server in 2026 is easier than ever thanks to txAdmin, but there are still a few decisions and config steps that make the difference between a smooth roleplay server and a buggy one. This step-by-step FiveM server setup guide walks you through everything: the GTA V requirement, downloading the FiveM server artifacts, configuring server.cfg, generating your cfx.re license key, enabling OneSync, and loading your first framework (ESX, QBCore or Qbox).

What you need before you start

  • A legitimate copy of GTA V (required to play and to host).
  • A Windows or Linux machine — a VPS or dedicated server is strongly recommended over a home PC for uptime and lower ping.
  • A free cfx.re (FiveM) account to generate your server license key.
  • Basic knowledge of editing text files (server.cfg) and uploading folders via SFTP.

CPU single-thread performance matters more than core count for FiveM. When choosing a host, prioritize high-clock CPUs over many slow cores.

Step 1 — Download the FiveM server artifacts

FiveM servers run on FXServer, distributed as 'artifacts'. Download the latest recommended build for your OS from the official Cfx.re artifacts page, then extract it into a dedicated folder (for example C:\FXServer\server on Windows, or /home/fivem/server on Linux). Keep your server data (resources + server.cfg) in a separate folder so you can update artifacts without losing your config.

Step 2 — Get your cfx.re license key

Every FiveM server needs a free license key. Log in at keymaster.fivem.net, register a new server key, and copy it — you will paste it into server.cfg as sv_licenseKey. Without a valid key your server will refuse to start.

Step 3 — Create your server.cfg

server.cfg is the heart of your FiveM server. It defines your hostname, player slots, networking, OneSync and which resources load. Here is a clean, modern starting point:

# --- License (from keymaster.fivem.net) ---
sv_licenseKey "your_license_key_here"

# --- Server identity ---
sv_hostname "W-Development | Premium FiveM Roleplay"
sv_projectName "W-Development RP"
sv_projectDesc "Serious economy roleplay with custom FiveM scripts."
sets tags "roleplay, esx, economy, serious, custom"
load_server_icon icon.png   # 96x96 PNG

# --- Networking (open port 30120 TCP + UDP on your firewall) ---
endpoint_add_tcp "0.0.0.0:30120"
endpoint_add_udp "0.0.0.0:30120"

# --- Players & OneSync ---
sv_maxclients 64
set onesync on
set onesync_enableInfinity 1   # required for 64+ slots

# --- Core resources ---
ensure mapmanager
ensure chat
ensure spawnmanager
ensure sessionmanager
ensure fivem
ensure hardcap

# --- Framework + your resources go below ---
# ensure oxmysql
# ensure es_extended

# --- Admin (replace with your own identifier) ---
add_ace group.admin command allow
add_principal identifier.fivem:1 group.admin

Step 4 — Install txAdmin (recommended)

txAdmin ships with the server artifacts and gives you a full web panel to start/stop the server, edit server.cfg, manage admins, read live console and set up automated restarts. Launch FXServer once and txAdmin will open a setup wizard on a local port — follow it to link your cfx.re account and create your server profile. For most owners, txAdmin is the easiest way to manage a FiveM server.

Step 5 — Choose and load a framework

A framework provides the core roleplay systems — players, jobs, money, inventory. In 2026 the three main choices are ESX (the most-used, huge script library), QBCore (mature but development has slowed) and Qbox (the actively-maintained QBCore successor built on the modern ox ecosystem). Whichever you pick, install its database with oxmysql and load it in server.cfg before any script that depends on it. See our dedicated comparison to choose the right one.

Step 6 — Start your server and connect

Start FXServer (or hit Start in txAdmin), watch the console for errors, then open FiveM, press F8 and type connect <your-server-ip>:30120. Once you can connect and spawn, your FiveM server is live — from here you add scripts, MLOs, vehicles and a HUD to build your roleplay experience.