How to Create a 5M Server - Complete Tutorial

This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to create a 5M server (FiveM server) from scratch. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a working FiveM server that players can join, complete with a framework, database, and proper configuration.

Prerequisites

Before you start learning how to create a 5M server, ensure you have:

• VPS or PC with at least 4GB RAM and 20GB storage
• Cfx.re license key - Get one free here 
• Basic command line knowledge (for Linux) or PowerShell (for Windows)
• Open ports: 30120 (TCP/UDP) for game server, 40120 (TCP) for txAdmin

Estimated time: 30-45 minutes
Difficulty: Beginner

Step 1: System Preparation

The first step in learning how to create a 5M server is preparing your system with the necessary dependencies and firewall rules.

Step 2: Get Your License Key

A Cfx.re license key is required to create a 5M server. This is a critical step that many tutorials skip.

1. Visit keymaster.fivem.net 
2. Sign in with your Cfx.re account (create one if needed)
3. Click “Create New Key”
4. Copy the generated license key - you’ll need it in the next step

Step 3: Download FiveM Server Artifacts

Now we’ll download the FiveM server files. This is the core of your 5M server.

Step 4: Set License Key

Before starting your 5M server, you must configure the license key. This is essential for server operation.

Step 5: Set Up Database

A database is required for frameworks like QBCore. Let’s set up MariaDB/MySQL.

Step 6: Run txAdmin Setup Wizard

Now we’ll start the FiveM server and complete the txAdmin setup. This is where your 5M server comes to life.

Step 7: Configure Basic server.cfg

After the wizard completes, you need to verify and configure your server.cfg file. This file controls your 5M server’s behavior.

Step 8: Verify Your 5M Server is Working

Now let’s verify that your server is fully functional and joinable.

Validation Checklist

1. Server Console

   • ✅ No license key errors
   • ✅ No database connection errors
   • ✅ Resources loading successfully
   • ✅ Server shows “Server started” message

2. txAdmin Web Interface

   • ✅ Accessible at http://your-server-ip:40120
   • ✅ Can log in with admin credentials
   • ✅ Server status shows “Online”

3. Database Connection

   • ✅ Framework tables created (if QBCore installed)
   • ✅ No database errors in console

4. Network Connectivity

   Test if server is listening on port 30120:

   LinuxWindowsmacOS

5. Join Test

   • Open FiveM client
   • Go to “Play” → “Direct Connect”
   • Enter: your-server-ip:30120
   • Click “Connect”
   • ✅ Should connect and spawn in game

Step 9: (Optional) Set Up Systemd Service (Linux)

For production servers, set up a systemd service so your 5M server starts automatically on boot.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When learning how to create a 5M server, you may encounter these issues:

License Key Errors

Problem: Server shows “Invalid license key” or “License key required”

Solution:

• Verify environment variable is set: echo $FIVEM_LICENSE_KEY (Linux) or $env:FIVEM_LICENSE_KEY (Windows)
• Check key is active at keymaster.fivem.net 
• Try adding to server.cfg: set sv_licenseKey "your-key"

Database Connection Errors

Problem: Framework fails to connect to database

Solution:

• Verify MariaDB is running: sudo systemctl status mariadb (Linux)
• Test connection: mysql -u fivem -p fivem_db
• Check connection string in server.cfg matches database credentials
• Ensure database exists: mysql -u root -p -e "SHOW DATABASES;"

Port Already in Use

Problem: “Port 30120 already in use”

Solution:

• Find process using port: sudo netstat -tulpn | grep 30120 (Linux) or Get-NetTCPConnection -LocalPort 30120 (Windows)
• Kill process or change port in server.cfg
• Check if another FiveM server is running

Can’t Join Server

Problem: Server shows online but can’t connect

Solution:

• Verify firewall allows port 30120 (TCP and UDP)
• Check server IP is correct
• Ensure sv_lan is set to 0 in server.cfg (not LAN mode)
• Test from server itself: telnet localhost 30120

Resources Not Loading

Problem: Resources fail to start or show errors

Solution:

• Check resource folders exist in resources/ directory
• Verify fxmanifest.lua files are valid
• Check console for specific error messages
• Ensure dependencies are started before dependent resources

Next Steps

Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned how to create a 5M server. Now explore these topics:

• Configure txAdmin Security - Secure your admin interface
• QBCore Framework Guide - Learn framework basics
• Networking Configuration - Set up reverse proxy and SSL
• Performance Optimization - Improve server performance
• Add Your First Resource - Create custom scripts

Summary

This tutorial covered the complete process of how to create a 5M server:

1. ✅ System preparation (dependencies, firewall)
2. ✅ License key acquisition and configuration
3. ✅ FiveM server download and extraction
4. ✅ Database setup (MariaDB/MySQL)
5. ✅ txAdmin setup wizard completion
6. ✅ Basic server.cfg configuration
7. ✅ Server validation and testing
8. ✅ Optional systemd service setup

Your FiveM server is now ready for players to join!