Setting Up and Hosting a FiveM Server on a VPS

FiveM allows GTA V fans to set up custom multiplayer servers where they can add mods, custom scripts, and unique game mechanics. Hosting a FiveM server on a Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a popular choice because it offers control, performance, and scalability at a reasonable price. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up and hosting your FiveM server on a VPS.

Why Use a VPS for Your FiveM Server?

Hosting a FiveM server on a VPS comes with several advantages:

Better Performance: VPS servers offer dedicated resources (CPU, RAM, storage), providing more stability and faster load times than hosting on a personal device.
Control and Flexibility: With a VPS, you get root access, allowing you to install custom mods, adjust server configurations, and manage every aspect of your server.
Scalability: As your player base grows, you can upgrade your VPS resources easily, without moving to a different server.
Affordability: VPS hosting provides many of the benefits of a dedicated server at a fraction of the cost, making it ideal for hobbyist server hosts and communities.

Choosing the Right VPS for FiveM

When selecting a VPS for FiveM, consider these key factors:

RAM: For a basic server, 4GB of RAM is usually sufficient. For higher player counts or heavy mod use, 8GB or more is recommended.
CPU: A high single-core CPU performance is ideal, as FiveM relies heavily on CPU power.
Storage: SSD storage is recommended, as it improves load times, especially when running mods. Starting with 10-20GB should work for small servers.
Bandwidth: High bandwidth is important for minimizing lag and allowing for more simultaneous players.

Recommended VPS Providers

Several VPS providers are well-suited for FiveM hosting:

DigitalOcean: Known for reliability and ease of use.
Vultr: Offers a good balance of performance and affordability with various locations for low latency.
Linode: Provides high-performance options with great customer support.
OVH: Budget-friendly with strong DDoS protection, suitable for larger servers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your FiveM Server on a VPS

Step 1: Set Up and Connect to Your VPS

After selecting your VPS provider, create an instance with Ubuntu 20.04 or Debian 10 as the operating system. Connect to your server using SSH:

bashCopy codessh root@your_server_ip

Step 2: Install Required Packages

To get started, update your server and install essential packages:

bashCopy codesudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt install -y screen wget git

Step 3: Download and Install FiveM Server Files

Create a directory for your FiveM server files:

 bashCopy codemkdir /home/fivem && cd /home/fivem

Download the latest FiveM server build:

 bashCopy codewget https://runtime.fivem.net/artifacts/fivem/build_proot_linux/master/latest.tar.gz

Extract the files:
```
 bashCopy codetar -xvzf latest.tar.gz
```

Step 4: Configure the Server

Create a server.cfg file in the FiveM directory. This file contains essential server settings such as server name, player limit, mods, and your license key.

Here’s a basic example for server.cfg:

cfgCopy code# Server name
sv_hostname "My Custom FiveM Server"

# License key (get it from https://keymaster.fivem.net)
sv_licenseKey "YOUR_LICENSE_KEY"

# Max clients
sv_maxclients 32

# Load resources
ensure mapmanager
ensure chat
ensure spawnmanager
ensure sessionmanager
ensure basic-gamemode

# Uncomment to enable additional scripts/mods
# ensure my_custom_script

Step 5: Register for a License Key

FiveM requires a server license key to operate publicly. You can obtain one by registering on FiveM’s Keymaster, where you’ll create a server profile and receive a key. Add this to your server.cfg by replacing "YOUR_LICENSE_KEY" with the actual key.

Step 6: Start the Server

Use screen to run your FiveM server in the background so it stays active even if you log out:

Start a new screen session:
```
 bashCopy codescreen -S fivem
```

Run the server:

 bashCopy code./run.sh +exec server.cfg

To detach from the session without stopping the server, press Ctrl + A followed by D.

Your FiveM server is now running! Players can join using your VPS’s IP address.

Optimizing and Securing Your FiveM Server

1. Set Appropriate Player Limits

Customize the player limit in your server.cfg based on your VPS’s resources to prevent lag and resource overload.

2. Install a Firewall

To protect your server, configure UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) to allow only necessary traffic:

bashCopy codesudo apt install ufw
sudo ufw allow 30120/tcp
sudo ufw allow 30120/udp
sudo ufw enable

3. Monitor Server Performance

Use htop or similar tools to keep track of CPU, memory, and network usage. This helps you spot potential bottlenecks and decide if an upgrade is needed.

4. Regular Backups

Regular backups will help safeguard your mods, configurations, and player data. You can automate this using cron jobs to regularly copy files to a secure location.

5. Stay Updated

FiveM updates frequently, bringing new features and security fixes. Keep an eye on updates and apply them regularly to ensure stability and performance.

Final Thoughts

Hosting a FiveM server on a VPS lets you control every aspect of your GTA V multiplayer experience, from custom scripts to player limits. With the right VPS setup, you’ll enjoy a stable, high-performance server that’s flexible enough to grow with your community.

Get started today, and open up a world of GTA V possibilities with your very own FiveM server! Let us know in the comments if you have any questions, or share your own server setup tips!

Complete Guide to Setting Up and Hosting a FiveM Server on a VPS