How to Start a FiveM Roleplay Server: A Complete Guide
FiveM is where GTA roleplay lives today, and it's the proving ground for the GTA 6 RP wave to come. Starting a FiveM RP server is very doable — but standing out takes more than a server IP.
This guide covers the full stack: the server itself, the framework, and the community layer (Discord, website, whitelist, donations) that actually determines whether your city grows.
Step 1 — Set up the server and framework
Rent a game server or self-host, install the FiveM/Cfx server, and choose a framework — ESX or QBCore are the two dominant options — that provides jobs, economy and inventory.
Use txAdmin to deploy and monitor the server. Start minimal and add resources gradually; over-scripted servers are unstable and hard to moderate.
Step 2 — Set up Discord and your staff team
Your Discord is where players actually live. Build channels for announcements, support, applications and community, and recruit a small, trusted staff team before you open.
Connect Discord login so roles and whitelist status can sync between your website and server.
Step 3 — Whitelist and applications
Most serious RP servers use an application-based whitelist to keep roleplay quality high. Replace messy Google Forms with a branded application on your website, and consider a paid fast-track option for reviewed-within-24h access.
Write clear, enforceable rules and make players confirm them as part of applying.
Step 4 — Monetize compliantly with Tebex
FiveM requires donations to run through Tebex under the Cfx Platform Agreement. Sell cosmetic and convenience perks — priority queue, VIP, currency, character slots — never pay-to-win items or loot boxes.
A branded storefront on top of your Tebex store converts far better than a generic tebex.io page.
Step 5 — Give players a home and an identity
The difference between a server and a community is identity. A branded website with a player passport — one login that carries a player's profile and history across servers — turns one-time visitors into regulars.
You can spin up that branded home, storefront and passport free with Mythara and connect your Tebex store when you're ready.
Launch your FiveM server's branded home — free
Branded page, storefront, Discord login and a player passport — free to start.
Create your page — free →Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a FiveM RP server?
A basic hosted game server starts around $10–30/month. Your bigger investment is time — building the community, Discord, rules and website that make players stay.
Do I need to know how to code?
Not to start. ESX and QBCore provide most core systems out of the box, and community resources cover much of the rest. Basic config editing helps, and you can add developers as you grow.
ESX or QBCore — which should I use?
Both are mature. QBCore is popular for its modern codebase and active community; ESX has a huge library of existing resources. Pick one and commit — mixing frameworks causes pain.
Do I have to use Tebex to accept donations?
For FiveM, yes — the Cfx Platform Agreement requires donations to run through Tebex. You can still wrap it in your own branded storefront for a better player experience.