How to Make a FiveM Server in 2026 (txAdmin with ESX, QBCore or QBox)

Making your own FiveM server is easier than it looks. txAdmin, the panel that ships with every FiveM server, can download a complete framework and set up the database for you. This guide gets you from nothing to a running ESX, QBCore or QBox server you can join.

What you need

• A Windows PC or a Linux VPS (a home PC is fine for testing)
• GTA V and FiveM installed to join and test
• A Cfx.re account (the same one you use on the FiveM forum)
• MariaDB or MySQL for the database. On Windows, install MariaDB and remember the root password. HeidiSQL comes with it for browsing the database.

1. Download the server artifacts

The server program is called FXServer. Download the latest recommended build:

• Windows: runtime.fivem.net/artifacts/fivem/build_server_windows/master
• Linux: runtime.fivem.net/artifacts/fivem/build_proot_linux/master

Create a folder like C:\FXServer\server and extract the archive into it. Keep the server data (your resources) in a separate folder later, so updating artifacts never touches your scripts.

2. Start txAdmin

Run FXServer.exe (on Linux, ./run.sh). A console opens and prints a PIN and an address, usually:

http://localhost:40120

Open it in your browser, enter the PIN and log in with your Cfx.re account. This account becomes the master admin.

3. Get a license key

Every server needs a free license key:

• Go to portal.cfx.re and sign in with the same Cfx.re account.
• Open Servers and register a new server key.
• Copy the key (it starts with cfxk_).

Generate it on the account that will buy scripts. Paid, escrowed scripts only run on a key from the account that owns them, otherwise you get the "lack the required entitlement" error.

4. Pick a recipe

In the txAdmin setup choose Popular Recipes and pick a framework:

Not sure? Pick the one whose scripts you want to use. Our FAQ and the ESX and QBCore script lists show what works where.

5. Deploy

txAdmin asks for:

• Server data folder: where your resources and server.cfg will live, e.g. C:\FXServer\txData
• License key: paste the cfxk_ key
• Database: host localhost, port 3306, user root and your MariaDB password

Click Run Recipe. txAdmin downloads the framework, creates the database and writes server.cfg. When it finishes, press Save & Run Server.

6. Join your server

Open FiveM, press F8 and type:

connect localhost

The first join downloads all resources, so give it a minute.

7. Let friends join

For others to connect from the internet:

• Port forward 30120 on both TCP and UDP in your router to your PC's local IP.
• Allow FXServer through Windows Firewall (Windows asks on first start; tick Private and Public).
• Friends connect with connect your.public.ip:30120.

Running it 24/7 from home is not ideal. For a real community, rent a VPS or a dedicated server with at least 4 fast CPU cores, 8 GB RAM and an SSD.

8. Basic server.cfg settings

The recipe writes a working server.cfg. The lines most owners change first:

sv_hostname "My Roleplay Server"
sets sv_projectName "My Roleplay Server"
sets sv_projectDesc "Serious roleplay with custom jobs"
sv_maxclients 48
sets locale "en-US"

A free license key allows up to 48 slots. More need a paid Cfx.re Element Club tier.

9. Make yourself admin and add scripts

• Follow how to give yourself admin on FiveM so admin commands work in-game.
• Then read how to install FiveM scripts and add the resources that make your server different.

What to add first

A fresh recipe has the basics but nothing that sets your server apart. Owners usually start with a garage system, a multicharacter and spawn selector, a car dealership and a couple of legal jobs. SleepyCode makes all of these: Garages V2, Multicharacter, Vehicle Shop, Bus Job and Fishing. Browse everything on the scripts page.