How to Host a FiveM Server for Free (2026, Honest Guide)

You can host a FiveM server for free by running FXServer with txAdmin on your own PC: the server software and the Cfx.re license key cost nothing, and the free key allows up to 48 players. You need to forward port 30120 on TCP and UDP, keep the PC on while people play, and install MariaDB if you want a roleplay framework.

What does a free FiveM server need?

Everything you need for a FiveM server is free to download. The only real costs are your hardware, electricity and time.

FiveM's server hosting page says the default license supports up to 48 players with OneSync Infinity. More slots need a paid Element Club subscription, which a free server will not need.

Can my PC run a FiveM server?

Probably, if it can run GTA V well. FXServer itself is light, but a roleplay framework with scripts uses real memory, and you also want to play on the same machine.

FiveM runs most of its work on one main thread, so a fast CPU core matters more than many cores. Your upload speed matters too: each player streams the server's resources the first time they join, and a big roleplay server can be hundreds of megabytes.

How to host a FiveM server for free on Windows

The short version. The full walkthrough with Linux commands is in how to make a FiveM server.

1. Get a license key. Sign in at portal.cfx.re, open Server Keys and generate a key. It starts with cfxk_.
2. Download FXServer. Get the Recommended Windows build from the artifacts page and extract it to C:\FXServer\server.
3. Install MariaDB if you want QBCore, Qbox or ESX. Set a root password and remember it.
4. Start txAdmin. Run FXServer.exe. A browser tab opens with txAdmin and the console prints a 4 digit PIN. Enter it and log in with your Cfx.re account.
5. Deploy a recipe. Pick CFX Default for freeroam, or QBCore, Qbox or ESX for roleplay. Enter your license key and database details when asked.
6. Forward the port. Forward 30120 TCP and UDP on your router to your PC's local IP, and allow FXServer through Windows Firewall. Our port forwarding guide shows the router side.
7. Join. Press F8 in FiveM and type connect 127.0.0.1 on your own PC. Friends type connect YOUR.PUBLIC.IP:30120.

What are the limits of a free FiveM server?

A home server works well for testing, building and playing with a few friends. It struggles as soon as you want a community.

• It is only online while your PC is. Turn it off for the night and the city is gone for everyone.
• Your PC is shared. Running GTA V, FiveM, FXServer and MariaDB at once is heavy, and your own game will stutter as the server works harder.
• Port forwarding can be impossible. If your internet provider uses CGNAT, the WAN IP in your router differs from your public IP and nobody outside can connect. See hosting a game server without port forwarding.
• Your home IP is public. Every player who joins sees it, and FiveM servers are a common target for DDoS attacks. A home connection has no protection.
• Upload speed. Home connections often upload far slower than they download, which makes first joins slow and can cause lag with a full server.
• You are the sysadmin. Updates, backups and database security are your job.

Are free FiveM server hosts worth it?

Treat "free FiveM hosting" offers with care. A FiveM server needs real RAM, a database and an open port around the clock, which costs a host money, so free plans usually come with low RAM, few slots, forced shutdowns, ads or no database. They can be fine for a quick test, but a roleplay community will outgrow them fast. Our guide to free vs paid game server hosting covers what to look for.

When is paid FiveM hosting worth it?

When people other than you depend on the server being up. A roleplay server with a staff team, a Discord and regular players needs to be online when you are not, with backups and protection.

On GamezServers a FiveM server starts at 9.99 USD a month for 4 GB and 16 players, and the popular 8 GB plan for roleplay up to 32 players is 19.99 USD. Every plan comes with txAdmin already set up on your ports, a MySQL database filled into the recipe, DDoS protection, backups and 24/7 support. New customers get 50% off the first month, and you can split the bill with up to 10 friends for a 1 USD fee per share. Our FiveM server hosting cost guide breaks down the full budget, including scripts and Element Club.

FAQ

Is it free to make a FiveM server?

Yes. FXServer, txAdmin and the Cfx.re license key are all free, and you can run them on your own PC. You only pay if you rent hosting.

How many players can a free FiveM server have?

Up to 48 with OneSync Infinity on the free license key. In practice a home PC and connection are the limit long before 48 players.

Do I need to own GTA V to host a FiveM server?

The server machine does not need GTA V. Every player, including you, needs a legal copy of GTA V for PC to join.

Why can't my friends join my free FiveM server?

Usually port 30120 is not forwarded on both TCP and UDP, the firewall blocks FXServer, or your provider uses CGNAT. Check the port first, then compare your router's WAN IP with your public IP.

Can I move my free server to a host later?

Yes. Copy your resources folder, server.cfg and an export of your database, then upload them to the new server and import the database.