How to Create a FiveM Server in 2025

Complete Step-by-Step Guide
AUGUST 31, 2025

Setting up a FiveM server in 2025 is straightforward with txAdmin, the Cfx.re Portal, and modern RP frameworks like ESX and QBCore.
Follow this step-by-step guide from MXC to go from zero to a stable, listed server that players can join today.

Step 1: Choose hosting and prepare your machine

Minimum requirements

  • CPU: recent quad core or better
  • RAM: 8 GB minimum, 16 GB+ recommended for 64+ players
  • Storage: SSD or NVMe
  • OS: Windows Server 2019/2022 or Ubuntu 20.04/22.04

Hosting

MXC recommends these trusted partners:

However, the official FiveM hosting page also lists additional approved hosting providers. If you prefer to explore more options, you can safely pick one from that list.

Step 2: FXServer Artifacts Setup

FXServer is the actual server software that powers your FiveM server. Think of it as the engine of your car, without it, nothing runs. Here's the super simple way to download and install:

  1. Go to the artifacts page

  2. Download the latest build. The "latest recommended" and "latest optional" labels on the FiveM site are not always kept up to date. We suggest downloading the newest build available on the artifacts page, or using the community artifacts.jgscripts.com to ensure you're on the most stable and current version.

  3. Extract the ZIP into a folder. For example:

    • C:\fivem-server\ on Windows
    • /home/username/fivem-server/ on Linux

  4. That's it, you now have the server engine installed. You'll run FXServer.exe (Windows) or the Linux start script from this folder whenever you want to launch your server.

Step 3: Create your server key in the Cfx.re Portal

Before your server can go online, it needs a license key.

  1. Go to the Cfx.re Portal.
  2. Log in with your Cfx.re account.
  3. Create a new server key and copy it somewhere safe.
  4. You'll paste this key into txAdmin later during the setup wizard.

Step 4: First launch with txAdmin

  1. Run FXServer.exe on Windows, or the start script if you're on Linux.
  2. A browser window will open automatically with the txAdmin setup page.
  3. Confirm the PIN is filled, you can find in the server console, then click Link Account.
  4. Log in with your Cfx.re account and allow the connection.
  5. Create a password for your server's admin page, then click Next.
  6. Choose a name for your server and continue.
  7. When asked about recipes, select Popular Recipes.
  8. Pick the CFX Default FiveM template.
  9. Confirm the install path and save.

At this point, txAdmin will prepare your server folder and move you into the recipe deployment step.

Step 5: Make your server reachable (Port Forwarding + Checks)

For players to connect, your server must be accessible from outside your local network. This requires port forwarding and basic connectivity tests.

1. Forward the server ports

On your router or hosting panel, forward the following ports to your server's local IP address:

  • TCP 30120
  • UDP 30120

Also allow these ports in your system firewall (Windows Defender or Linux ufw/iptables).

ZAP Hosting has already done this for you!

2. Verify locally in your browser

  1. Start your server.

  2. Open your browser and visit:

    http://<your-ip>:30120/info.json

    Example:

    http://127.0.0.1:30120/info.json

  3. If you see JSON output, your server is started and responding correctly

3. Test externally with a port checker

To confirm the outside world can reach you:

  1. Visit canyouseeme.org (works on Windows or Linux with GUI).
  2. Enter your server port (30120).
  3. Click Check, success means your port is open.

4. Add required metadata

Servers won't show up in the list without a name and description. In your server.cfg, add:

sets sv_projectName "My FXServer Project"
sets sv_projectDesc "Default FXServer requiring configuration"

If missing, FXServer will display an error at startup.

5. Understand server listing delays

  • A new server can take up to 8 minutes to appear in the server list.
  • Rarely, listing issues are on the Cfx.re side, in that case, just wait.
  • Some firewalls/NAT setups (e.g., pfSense) may block or mask UDP ports. Adjust your rules accordingly.

Step 6: Personalize Your Server Logo/Icon

Make your server stand out with a custom icon in the server browser.

  1. Create an image named server.png.
  2. Size must be 96x96 pixels.
  3. Place the file in your server's root folder (the same folder as server.cfg).
  4. Restart FXServer.

Players will now see your custom logo instead of the default icon.

Step 7: Increase player slots with Element Club and OneSync

Default servers start with a lower slot count. To raise player capacity, subscribe to a Cfx.re Element Club tier.

Element Club tiers

Step 8: Monetize correctly with Tebex

Tebex is the only approved monetization method for the Cfx.re Platform.

Add your Tebex secret to server.cfg:

sv_tebexSecret "your_tebex_secret"

Follow our Tebex integration guide to know everything you need to setup tebex monetization

Step 9: Test end-to-end

  • Connect via Direct Connect using your public IP and port.
  • Ask a friend outside your network to join.
  • Check the server list entry, name, and description.
  • Validate jobs, inventories, and key scripts.
  • Watch txAdmin's console for warnings or errors.

Troubleshooting checklist

  • Server not in list: confirm 30120 TCP/UDP forwarding and firewall rules.
  • Players cannot connect: verify your public IP and NAT type.
  • Freezes or hitch warnings: update to the latest recommended artifacts.

Official FiveM server issues guide

Recommended MXC starters for a new city

To kickstart your RP server with strong gameplay loops and immersive spaces, we recommend mixing essential economy drivers, crime/law elements, and social hubs.
These updated MXC picks are lightweight, popular, and framework-ready (ESX, QBCore, or custom).

Why this mix? it gives new servers a strong balance:

  • Bank (major heist loop)
  • Kitchen (legal jobs & social hubs)
  • Garage + Respray (vehicle economy & customization)
  • Motel (housing & crime/lifestyle)

This way, your city starts with crime + jobs + cars + housing, the four pillars of sustainable RP.

Quick reference