How to set up a FiveM server
Set up a FiveM (GTA V multiplayer) server: get a Cfx.re license key, buy the FiveM plan, paste the key, start it and connect. Then add your resources.
FiveM lets you run your own GTA V multiplayer server: roleplay, racing, freeroam, anything your resources do. ESN installs the FXServer for you; you bring a Cfx.re license key and the resources you want.
The FiveM plan #
| Plan | RAM | CPU | Disk | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FiveM | 4 GB | 200% | 25 GB | $5.99/month |
Black Friday: $0.90 for the first month until December 1, 2026, then $5.99/month. See Black Friday hosting deals.
How much RAM a FiveM server needs #
FXServer itself is small. Your resources decide the rest: scripts, custom vehicles, maps and clothing all add memory and CPU, and streamed assets add disk. The FiveM plan's 4 GB and 25 GB of disk fit a typical community server with a moderate resource list. Add resources in batches and watch memory on the server page, so you know which one is heavy.
Set it up #
- Get a Cfx.re server license key: sign in at keymaster.fivem.net with your Cfx.re account and create a key. It costs nothing.
- Sign in to the panel's plans page, choose Buy on the FiveM plan and pay on Stripe. The server is created and FXServer installs by itself in about a minute.
- Before you press Start, open the Startup tab and paste your key into the license key setting. Set the server hostname and the max players.
- Press Start and watch the Console until the server is up and the resources have started.
- Connect from FiveM with the IP and port shown on your server's page.
Connect to the server #
Open FiveM, press F8 to open the console and type connect IP:port with the address from the panel. Players need their own copy of GTA V on PC.
Add resources and edit server.cfg #
- Upload each resource folder into
resourceswith Files or SFTP. - Add
ensure resourcenamefor it inserver.cfg, then restart. - Your server runs from
server.cfg. txAdmin is off by default; its web interface needs a port of its own, so ask in the ESN Discord before you switch it on. - The FiveM plan doesn't include a MySQL database. Frameworks that need one, such as ESX or QBCore, need a MySQL or MariaDB database hosted elsewhere.
Player slots #
The server starts with 48 player slots, set by Max Players in Startup. Cfx.re only allows more than 48 slots on servers whose owner has a paid Element Club subscription on their Cfx.re account. That subscription is with Cfx.re, not ESN.
Keep it smooth #
- A "license key" error in the Console means the key is missing or wrong. Paste it again in Startup.
- Leave FiveM Version on recommended unless a resource needs a newer build.
- Keep a copy of
server.cfgandresourcesbefore big changes. See backups.
FAQ #
Do I need a license key for a FiveM server? #
Yes. Create a server license key at keymaster.fivem.net with your Cfx.re account and paste it into the license key setting in Startup.
How much RAM does a FiveM server need? #
FXServer is small; your resources decide the rest. ESN's FiveM plan has 4 GB and 25 GB of disk, which fits a typical community server with a moderate resource list.
How many players can join? #
48 by default. Cfx.re only allows more slots if the server owner has a paid Element Club subscription with Cfx.re.
Can I use ESX or QBCore? #
Yes, but they need a MySQL or MariaDB database, which the FiveM plan doesn't include. Use a database hosted elsewhere.
How do I connect to my FiveM server? #
In FiveM press F8 and type connect followed by the IP:port from the panel.
Still stuck? Use the live chat on the panel or ask in the ESN Systems Discord. Last updated November 5, 2026.