What is FiveM?
FiveM is a modification for Grand Theft Auto V that lets the community run custom dedicated multiplayer servers. It is developed by Cfx.re and runs alongside the legitimate Rockstar Games copy of GTA V.
Short answer
FiveM is a multiplayer modification for Grand Theft Auto V. It lets server owners run custom dedicated servers with their own rules, scripts, vehicles, jobs, and economies. Players connect through the FiveM launcher (not Rockstar’s GTA Online).
How FiveM differs from GTA Online
- GTA Online — Rockstar’s official multiplayer mode. 32 players, no mods, no custom content.
- FiveM — community-run dedicated servers. Up to 1024 players (OneSync Infinity), custom MLOs, custom vehicles, custom frameworks. Most servers run roleplay (RP).
What you need to run a FiveM server
- A Cfx.re license key (free, generated at keymaster.fivem.net)
- A host with FiveM-friendly hardware (CPU-bound — single-thread performance matters)
- A framework: ESX, QBCore, QBus, vRP, or standalone
- A startup file (server.cfg) and resources directory
Common FiveM frameworks
- ESX — most-used roleplay framework. Mature, huge resource library.
- QBCore — modern fork of QBus. Cleaner code, actively maintained.
- QBus — older but still used. Now mostly replaced by QBCore.
- vRP — first-generation framework. Legacy.
- Standalone — no framework, raw FiveM scripting.
Recommended hardware
FiveM is CPU-bound. You want a host with high single-thread performance — modern Ryzen (7950X3D, 9950X) is the standard. RAM matters less than CPU until you hit large player counts. WingNode FiveM plans ship Ryzen 9 7950X3D / 9950X dedicated threads from the entry tier.
Frequently asked questions
Is FiveM legal?
Yes. FiveM was officially endorsed by Rockstar Games in August 2023 after their acquisition of Cfx.re. You still need a legitimate GTA V copy to play.
Do I need to pay for FiveM?
No — FiveM itself is free. You only need a free Cfx.re account and a legitimate GTA V copy. Server owners pay for hosting (CPU, RAM, bandwidth).
What is ESX in FiveM?
ESX is the most popular FiveM roleplay framework. It provides core systems like jobs, money, vehicles, and player data persistence. QBCore is the modern competitor.
What is OneSync?
OneSync is FiveM’s server-side synchronisation system that allows more than 32 players. OneSync Infinity supports 128+ concurrent players with full state sync.
Ready to switch?
4-second deploy. Free DDoS. Wingman AI inside the panel.
See FiveM hosting plans