What is FiveM? How it works and what a GTA 5 server costs

FiveM is a modification framework for GTA 5 (Grand Theft Auto V) on PC. It lets you play online on servers that players and communities run themselves, each with its own rules, scripts, cars and maps. Many of those are roleplay servers (GTA RP), but there are also servers for racing or just driving around.

What is FiveM exactly, and who makes it?

FiveM is a separate program next to your GTA 5 installation. You start FiveM and pick a server. FiveM loads that server's custom cars, maps and weapons as you play, without changing your own game files.

The team behind FiveM is called Cfx.re. On 11 August 2023, Cfx.re announced that it is officially part of Rockstar Games, the maker of GTA 5. According to Cfx.re, day-to-day operations didn't noticeably change. According to its makers, the M in FiveM stands for modifications, not multiplayer.

How is FiveM different from GTA Online?

GTA Online is Rockstar's own online mode: Rockstar sets the missions, the rules and the economy, the same for everyone. On FiveM, each server's owner decides how the game works. Servers can add their own cars, objects, maps and weapons.

Two things to know:

• FiveM only uses Rockstar's online services to check that you own GTA 5. So your GTA Online character and money don't come with you to a FiveM server.
• You can switch between GTA Online and FiveM without changing anything.

What do you need to play FiveM?

• A Windows PC. FiveM lists Windows 10 as the minimum and Windows 11 as recommended.
• A legal, up-to-date PC copy of GTA 5, for example from Steam, the Epic Games Store or Rockstar's own store. FiveM doesn't work with pirated copies.
• The FiveM client, which you download from fivem.net.

There are two versions on fivem.net. Regular FiveM works with the Legacy edition of GTA 5. FiveM for GTAV Enhanced is for the Enhanced edition and is still in Early Access. Each download states which edition of the game it needs.

The first time you start FiveM, it checks that you actually own GTA 5. If the automatic check fails, it asks for your Rockstar login details. According to FiveM, those only go to Rockstar.

After that you pick a server from the server list. Got a server address? Press F8 in FiveM and type connect followed by the address.

Roleplay, frameworks and bases

On a roleplay server you play a character with a job, a home and a car, and act out scenes with other players, from a traffic stop to a car chase. For that, the server runs on a framework: a foundation that scripts for jobs, housing and vehicles build on, so not every script has to handle everything itself.

FiveM's documentation lists ESX, QBCore and Qbox, among others:

• ESX: the official txAdmin recipe is called ESX Legacy and calls ESX the most popular RP framework for FiveM.
• Qbox: according to txAdmin the most modern framework, and it runs most scripts written for QBCore.
• QBCore: another well-known roleplay framework. There is no official txAdmin recipe for it.

Many scripts are written for one framework. So pick your framework first, then look for scripts that match it.

Server owners often call a complete set of framework, scripts and settings a base. In txAdmin, the management panel built into the FiveM server software, a recipe sets one up in one go. The list of popular recipes includes ESX Legacy, Qbox and a basic server without a framework.

Don't download leaked scripts or bases: you don't know what's in them, and you'd be using someone else's work without permission.

How many players fit on a FiveM server?

This is where OneSync comes in: FiveM's sync system, built on Rockstar's original network code. OneSync lets more players join a server, and the server itself keeps track of characters, vehicles and objects.

• Without a subscription, a server with OneSync holds up to 48 players.
• From 32 players up, OneSync has to be on.
• For more slots, you take out an Element Club subscription with Cfx.re.

The subscriptions on fivem.net (October 2026):

• Argentum, $15 a month plus VAT: up to 64 players.
• Aurum, $25 a month plus VAT: up to 128 players with OneSync Infinity.
• Platinum, $50 a month plus VAT: up to 2048 players with OneSync Infinity.

All three also let your server stream custom clothing.

How many players can play smoothly also depends on the server itself: a roleplay server with many scripts needs more RAM and CPU. See How much RAM does your game server need?

Does Rockstar allow it, and can you get banned?

The team behind FiveM has officially been part of Rockstar Games since 2023. According to FiveM, playing it won't get you banned from GTA Online: it doesn't modify your game files and only uses Rockstar's online services to check that you own the game.

On a FiveM server, the owner's rules apply. Break them and you can get banned from that server, which is separate from GTA Online.

If you run a server yourself, Cfx.re's license terms apply: the Platform License Agreement. Planning to make money with your server? Read it first: it sets out the requirements and restrictions. Cfx.re names Tebex as its exclusive monetization partner.

Your own FiveM server: how to start

You can run a server at home, but then your PC has to stay on day and night, and all traffic goes over your own internet connection. With GTA 5 server hosting, you don't have to worry about either.

To set up a FiveM server with us:

1. Pick a plan on the FiveM hosting page, or try one free for 24 hours first.
2. Create a free license key in the Cfx.re portal and fill it in: see Set up your FiveM server.
3. Create a database. A recipe with a framework needs one.
4. Open txAdmin and choose a recipe, such as ESX Legacy or Qbox.
5. Add scripts and keep FXServer up to date.

Our FiveM servers run on AMD Ryzen 9 9950X processors with DDR5 memory and NVMe storage in Amsterdam, with DDoS protection. txAdmin is always on, and the Artifacts page in the game panel installs the recommended FXServer version in one click.

Frequently asked questions

Is FiveM free?

The download on fivem.net shows no price. You do need your own PC copy of GTA 5. A license key for your own server is free, and with OneSync you can fit up to 48 players without a subscription. More slots need a paid Element Club subscription.

Do I need GTA 5?

Yes. FiveM only works with a legal, up-to-date PC copy of GTA 5.

Does FiveM work on PlayStation or Xbox?

No, FiveM is PC only. According to its makers, it relies on techniques that only exist on PC.

What is the difference between FiveM and GTA Online?

GTA Online is Rockstar's own online mode, the same for everyone. With FiveM you play on community servers, with their own rules, scripts and vehicles.

What does your own FiveM server cost?

With us a FiveM server starts at €8.00 a month for 4GB DDR5 RAM, 4 CPU cores and 80GB NVMe storage. Pay every 6 months or yearly and that becomes €7.20 or €6.80 a month. Larger plans go up to 16GB for €32.00 a month. There's no contract, you can try it free for 24 hours first, and only above 48 players do you need an Element Club subscription from Cfx.re.

Questions about FiveM, or not sure which plan fits your server? Ask in our Discord or through support.

Read also: How to set up your own FiveM server: step by step.