How to Set Up a FiveM Server: Complete Guide

Setting up your own FiveM server is the first step toward building a thriving GTA V roleplay community. Whether you are launching a small private server for friends or a full serious-RP server with custom maps and scripts, the foundation is the same — and getting it right from the start saves hours of headaches later.

This guide walks you through every step: downloading the correct server artifacts, generating your license key, writing a working server.cfg, booting the server through txAdmin, opening the right firewall ports, and making your first connection. Follow along in order and you will have a live FiveM server running in under an hour.

Step 1: Provision Your Windows VPS

FiveM's main simulation loop runs on a single CPU thread, so raw single-core clock speed matters more than core count. For a starter server, a VPS with a modern high-frequency CPU (3.5 GHz+), at least 8 GB of RAM, and an NVMe SSD is the minimum comfortable setup. Windows Server 2019 or 2022 is the most common OS choice for FiveM hosting. Make sure you have RDP or direct console access before proceeding.

Step 2: Download Server Artifacts

Server artifacts are the compiled FiveM server binaries. Download the latest Windows build from runtime.fivem.net/artifacts/fivem/build_server_windows/master/. You will see two options on the page: 'Recommended' (stable, tested build) and 'Latest' (newest features, may have bugs). For production servers always choose Recommended.

• Navigate to runtime.fivem.net/artifacts/fivem/build_server_windows/master/
• Click the 'Recommended' build to download the zip archive
• Extract the archive to a folder such as C:\FiveMServer\server

Step 3: Create the Server Folder Structure

Your server needs a clear directory layout. The artifacts folder holds the FXServer executable; a separate data folder holds your server.cfg, resources, and cache. A typical layout looks like this:

C:\FiveMServer\
├── server\          (extracted artifacts - FXServer.exe lives here)
└── data\
    ├── server.cfg
    ├── icon.png     (96x96 PNG server icon)
    └── resources\
        └── [system]
            └── chat\

Step 4: Get Your License Key from Keymaster

Every FiveM server requires a unique license key to authenticate with the Cfx.re network. Visit keymaster.fivem.net, sign in with your Cfx.re or FiveM Forum account, click 'New Server', fill in a name and the public IP of your VPS, then copy the generated key. Store it safely — you will paste it into server.cfg in the next step.

Step 5: Write Your First server.cfg

The server.cfg is the heart of your server configuration. Create it inside the data folder. Below is a minimal but complete starting configuration covering all essential settings:

# Network endpoints
endpoint_add_tcp "0.0.0.0:30120"
endpoint_add_udp "0.0.0.0:30120"

# Server identity
sv_hostname "My FiveM Server | CRM Development"
sv_projectName "My FiveM Server"
sv_projectDesc "A fresh FiveM server"

# License key from keymaster.fivem.net
sv_licenseKey "cfxk_xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"

# Slots — requires OneSync for >32
sv_maxclients 48

# OneSync (required for >32 players and modern scripts)
set onesync on

# Default resources
ensure mapmanager
ensure chat
ensure spawnmanager
ensure sessionmanager
ensure basic-gamemode
ensure hardcap

# Admin rcon password (change this)
rcon_password "changeme123"

Step 6: Add a Server Icon

Place a 96x96 pixel PNG file named icon.png in the same folder as your server.cfg. This image appears in the FiveM server browser next to your server name. It is optional but strongly recommended for branding.

Step 7: Launch the Server with txAdmin

txAdmin is bundled with every server artifact — you do not need to install it separately. Run FXServer.exe from your artifacts folder and it will automatically start the txAdmin panel. On first run it launches a setup wizard accessible at http://your-vps-ip:40120 in your browser.

1. Run FXServer.exe in your server\artifacts folder
2. Open a browser and navigate to http://your-vps-ip:40120
3. Complete the txAdmin setup wizard (link your Cfx.re account, set an admin PIN)
4. In the wizard, choose 'Custom Template' and point txAdmin at your data folder and server.cfg
5. Click 'Start Server' from the txAdmin dashboard

Step 8: Open Firewall Ports

Your server will not be reachable until the correct ports are open. You need to open ports in both the Windows Firewall and, if applicable, your VPS provider's network firewall or security group.

# Run in PowerShell as Administrator on your Windows VPS
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "FiveM Game" -Direction Inbound -Protocol TCP -LocalPort 30120 -Action Allow
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "FiveM Game UDP" -Direction Inbound -Protocol UDP -LocalPort 30120 -Action Allow
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "txAdmin" -Direction Inbound -Protocol TCP -LocalPort 40120 -Action Allow

Step 9: Connect and Test

Open the FiveM client on your PC, press F8 to open the console, and type 'connect your-vps-ip:30120'. Alternatively use the Direct Connect option in the FiveM main menu. If everything is configured correctly you will load into the server within seconds.

Quick Reference: Essential Setup Steps

Next Steps After Launch

Once your bare server is running, the real work begins: installing a framework (ESX, QBCore, or Qbox), adding resources, configuring ox_inventory, building a player economy, and customizing your map. Each of those is its own project — but they all build on the solid foundation you just created.

Conclusion

Setting up a FiveM server correctly from the start — right artifacts, valid license key, clean server.cfg, and proper port configuration — prevents the majority of beginner issues. Follow the steps above and you will have a stable, connectable server ready for resources and players. If you want to skip the setup grind entirely, CRM Development's ready-made server packs come pre-configured and tested, letting you focus on your community from day one.