Blog
How to Set Up a FiveM Server: Step by Step with txAdmin
Published:
1. What you need
A computer that stays on around the clock or a rented virtual server (VDS), a Cfx.re account and a licence key, and a MySQL or MariaDB database if you will use ESX or QBCore. You can test on a home computer, but a virtual server is healthier for a server open to players.
2. Get a licence key
Sign in to the Cfx.re Portal (portal.cfx.re) with your Cfx.re account and create a new server key. The key is secret; do not share it and do not leave it inside files you upload anywhere.
3. Download the server files
FiveM's server files (FXServer) are downloaded from Cfx.re's server artifacts page; pick the recommended build for Windows. Extract the files into a short folder path without special characters.
4. Setup with txAdmin
Running FXServer.exe opens the txAdmin panel in your browser. You sign in with your Cfx.re account and choose the server name, the licence key and a ready recipe: QBCore, ESX or Qbox. txAdmin downloads the needed files, sets up the database and prepares the server.cfg file.
5. ESX, QBCore or Qbox?
All three give you a ready framework for a roleplay server: jobs, money, inventory, characters. ESX is the oldest and most widespread; QBCore comes with a newer structure; Qbox grew out of QBCore and is built on the ox libraries. Let your scripts decide: check which framework the scripts you want support.
6. Ports and firewall
Port 30120 must be open on both TCP and UDP for players to connect. The txAdmin panel runs on port 40120 by default; do not open that port to everyone, and keep panel access to yourself.
7. Your first script and testing
To add a script, put its folder inside resources and add an ensure line to server.cfg. After each new script, restart the server and check the console for errors; typing resmon 1 into the F8 console in game shows how many resources each script uses.
8. Security and backups
Scripts that do no server-side checks stay open to cheating; buy scripts from known sellers and keep regular database backups. We covered the details in our post "7 Ways to Keep Your FiveM Server Secure".
A script made for your server
We write FiveM scripts made for your server and can install them for you; a custom script starts from $30 and is usually delivered in 3-7 days. Our ready-made scripts are in our store.
Related service
Custom FiveM Script Development