How to Set Up a FiveM Server in 2026

Starting a GTA RP server can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools and guidance, you can have a basic server up and running in under an hour. In this guide, I will walk you through setting up a FiveM FXServer from scratch, connecting a database, and installing your first scripts.

Step 1: Prerequisites

Before writing any code or downloading scripts, you need the right environment. While you can host a server on your local PC for testing (localhost), you will eventually need a VPS (Virtual Private Server) or a Dedicated Server to handle player traffic.

• Hosting: A Windows or Linux VPS (Windows is heavily recommended for beginners).
• Database Software: XAMPP (for local) or HeidiSQL/MariaDB.
• Code Editor: Visual Studio Code.
• A FiveM License Key: Generated from the Cfx.re Keymaster.

Step 2: Installing FXServer (TxAdmin)

FiveM uses txAdmin, a powerful web interface that makes setting up and monitoring your server incredibly easy.

1. Create a new folder on your C: Drive called C:\FXServer\server.
2. Download the latest recommended server artifact from the FiveM Artifacts page.
3. Extract the downloaded files into your server folder.
4. Run the FXServer.exe file. This will automatically open a command prompt and open txAdmin in your web browser.

The Big Choice: ESX vs QBCore vs Qbox (QBX)

Before installing a recipe, you need to decide which framework your server will run on. This is the foundation of your entire server, dictating how player data, inventories, and jobs are handled. Here is a quick breakdown of the big three in 2026:

• 1. ESX (Legacy)

  The original giant of FiveM. It has the absolute largest library of free, older scripts. However, it uses an older codebase and can be heavier on server performance if you aren't careful. It's great if you are relying heavily on older, free resources.

• Tutorial Choice
  2. QBCore (QB)

  The current modern standard for GTA RP. It is lightweight, actively maintained, and has a massive community. Almost all modern premium scripts are built natively for QBCore. If you are starting fresh today, this is usually the safest and most supported route.

• 3. Qbox (QBX)

  The new powerhouse. Qbox is a highly optimized fork of QBCore that integrates deeply with overextended (ox) resources. It boasts incredible performance and is mostly backwards-compatible with standard QBCore scripts. If you are an advanced dev seeking maximum frame rates, Qbox is the future.

For this beginner guide, we will be moving forward with QBCore due to its massive library of modern support.

Step 3: Setting Up QBCore

Through the txAdmin interface, you will be prompted to use a recipe. A recipe is essentially a pre-built server package.

Select the Popular Recipes option, and choose QBCore Framework. txAdmin will automatically download the framework, set up the base database, and configure your server.cfg.

Step 4: The server.cfg File

Your server.cfg is the brain of your server. It tells FiveM what scripts to start, what your server name is, and authenticates your license key. A standard script start looks like this:

# These are standard QBCore resources
ensure qb-core
ensure qb-target
ensure qb-inventory

# --- Custom Premium Scripts ---
ensure menanak47_advanced_gangs
ensure menanak47_housing

Step 5: Adding Premium Scripts

A base framework is great, but to make your server stand out and attract players, you need unique, high-performance systems. Adding custom scripts is easy:

1. Download your purchased script.
2. Drag the script folder into your server's resources folder (often placed inside a [custom] subfolder to keep things clean).
3. Import any included .sql files into your database using HeidiSQL.
4. Add ensure script_name to your server.cfg.

Ready to elevate your server?

If you've followed these steps, you now have a working server! Now it's time to add content. Check out my highly-optimized, plug-and-play scripts designed to give your players an elite RP experience without sacrificing server frames.