How to Host a FiveM Server on a VPS

Welcome, Dev, to this guide that will walk you through the process of hosting your very own FiveM server on a Virtual Private Server (VPS). Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast looking to play with friends or a professional hosting a server for your community, this guide will provide you with a step-by-step process to set up your server and start enjoying the game.

Why Use a VPS?

Before we get started, let’s first discuss why you should choose a VPS to host your FiveM server. A VPS provides you with a dedicated amount of resources, allowing you to customize the server to your specifications. Additionally, a VPS allows you to have complete control over the server, rather than being confined to the limitations of shared or dedicated hosting.

Moreover, you can choose a VPS located near your preferred gaming location, ensuring that your gaming experience is fast and reliable. A VPS is also more scalable, allowing you to upgrade or downgrade your resources based on your needs.

Choosing the Right VPS Provider

The first step to hosting a FiveM server is choosing the right VPS provider. There are many providers available in the market, but it is essential to choose one that suits your budget and specifications.

Some of the factors you should consider when choosing a provider include:

Setting Up the VPS

Once you’ve chosen your VPS provider, the next step is to set up the VPS to host your FiveM server. Here’s how:

1. Choose Your Operating System

The first step is to choose your preferred operating system for the VPS. Some popular options include Ubuntu, CentOS, and Debian. Choose an operating system that you’re comfortable working with, and that supports the software required to run the FiveM server.

2. Install the Required Software

The next step is to install the software required to run the FiveM server. Here are the necessary software:

• Git: This is required to download the FiveM server files.
• Screen: This is used to run the FiveM server in the background.
• Firewall: This is used to secure the server and ensure only authorized users can access it.

3. Download and Install the FiveM Server Files

Now it’s time to download and install the FiveM server files. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your VPS using SSH.
2. Use Git to download the FiveM server files by running the following command: git clone https://github.com/citizenfx/cfx-server-data.git server-data
3. Navigate to the server-data directory by running the following command: cd server-data
4. Run the following command to install the FiveM server: bash /server-data/setup.sh server.cfg

4. Configure the FiveM Server

Now that the FiveM server is installed, it’s time to configure it to your specifications. The configuration file is located in the server-data directory, and you can edit it using a text editor.

Some of the settings you can configure include the server name, language, and game mode. You can also whitelist users and restrict access in the configuration file.

5. Start the Server

The final step is to start the FiveM server. Here’s how:

1. Run the following command to start the FiveM server: screen -S fivem ./run.sh +exec server.cfg
2. Your FiveM server is now running in the background.

Common FAQs

1. How Do I Update the FiveM Server?

To update the FiveM server, navigate to the server-data directory and run the following command: bash /server-data/update.sh server.cfg. This command will download and install the latest version of the FiveM server.

2. How Do I Restart the FiveM Server?

To restart the FiveM server, run the following command: screen -r fivem. This command will allow you to access the server console. Type “exit” to leave the console and then run the command to start the server again: screen -S fivem ./run.sh +exec server.cfg.

3. How Do I Backup the FiveM Server?

To back up your FiveM server, simply create a copy of the entire server-data directory. You can also use a backup software to automate the process and ensure your data is safe.

4. How Do I Access the FiveM Server Console?

To access the FiveM server console, use the following command: screen -r fivem. This command will allow you to access the server console, where you can monitor and manage the server.

5. How Do I Install Mods on the FiveM Server?

To install mods on the FiveM server, follow these steps:

1. Download the mod files and extract them to a folder.
2. Navigate to the server-data/resources folder.
3. Create a new folder and name it after the mod.
4. Copy the mod files to the new folder.
5. Edit the server.cfg file and add the mod to the resource list.
6. Restart the server for the mod to take effect.

With these steps, you should now have a fully functional FiveM server hosted on your VPS. Keep in mind that hosting a server requires maintenance and monitoring to ensure it runs smoothly, so be sure to keep an eye on it regularly. Happy gaming!