How to Host a FiveM Server – Step-by-Step Guide for Roleplayers and Server Owners
If you’re ready to build your own GTA V roleplay world, hosting your own FiveM server is the best way to take full control. With a dedicated FiveM server, you can install frameworks like ESX or QBCore, customize scripts, manage player permissions, and shape your city exactly how you want.
This guide explains how to host your own server and why Citadel Servers is an excellent partner for FiveM hosting.
Step 1: Pick a Reliable Hosting Provider
FiveM servers rely heavily on CPU speed, storage performance, and consistent uptime — especially when running large RP frameworks, custom scripts, or high player counts. Choosing the right host makes a huge difference.
Performance: High clock-speed CPUs and NVMe SSDs keep scripts responsive and reduce desync, especially during peak hours.
Network Quality: A stable, low-latency network ensures smooth gameplay for players across the city.
Ease of Management: A user-friendly control panel makes editing configs, managing resources, and handling restarts simple.
Support Availability: FiveM servers are complex — 24/7 technical support is essential.
Citadel Servers provides all of this, offering optimized hardware and high-speed networks perfect for FiveM roleplay and custom server frameworks.
Step 2: Order Your Hosting Plan
Once you’re ready to host with Citadel Servers, setting up your FiveM server only takes a few steps:
1. Go to the FiveM hosting page.
2. Choose how many player slots you want.
3. Pick your server location closest to your player base for the best ping.
4. Select any extras, like process priority, premium support, etc.
5. Proceed to checkout — once payment is confirmed, your server deploys automatically.
You’ll receive an email with your control panel login details and connection info within minutes.
Step 3: Configure Your Server
Once your server is deployed, it’s time to customize your FiveM environment:
- Follow our Quick Start Guide
Set your server name, description, and tags.
Edit your server.cfg to set permissions, resources, and essential server rules.
Upload frameworks like ESX, QBCore, or Standalone scripts through the built-in file manager or via SFTP.
Install cars, MLO maps, EUP packs, and other assets to personalize your world.
Manage resources, ensure scripts start properly, and adjust settings directly through the control panel.
All of this can be done easily from the Citadel Control Panel, making setup straightforward even for complex RP servers.
Step 4: Launch and Play
When your configuration is complete, start your FiveM server from the panel.
Players can join by searching for your server name in the FiveM list or by using your IP address and port directly.
You can manage your server, view logs, restart resources, and monitor players at any time — all from the same web interface.
Why Host with Citadel Servers
Citadel Servers provides the performance, customization, and reliability needed to run a smooth FiveM server — whether you're building a serious RP city, a racing community, a gang-war server, or a custom PvE/PvP environment.
What Makes Us Stand Out
Instant Setup: Your FiveM server deploys instantly after payment, letting you start building immediately.
High-Performance Hardware: With dedicated CPU power and NVMe SSDs, your scripts load faster, your city runs smoother, and lag is kept to a minimum.
Global Data Centers: Choose from multiple worldwide locations to give your players the lowest possible ping.
Full Access & Mod Freedom: Upload any framework, mod, or script — enjoy complete control over your resources and configuration.
Easy File Management: Edit your server.cfg, upload assets, and manage resources all from a simple control panel.
Automated Backups & Restarts: Keep your city protected with backups and use one-click restarts whenever needed.
24/7 Expert Support: Our support team is always available to assist with setup, performance issues, or troubleshooting.
FiveM servers thrive on performance, stability, and customization — and that’s exactly what Citadel Servers delivers.
