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FiveM/RedM VPS Setup

For users who want complete control over their server, you can run FiveM or RedM on a Vexium VPS. This guide covers the manual setup process.
Game Server vs VPS: Our managed FiveM/RedM game servers come pre-configured with txAdmin ready to go. This VPS guide is for advanced users who want full control over their environment.

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Prerequisites

Before starting, you’ll need:

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Step 1: Prepare Your VPS

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Install Database Server

Install your database BEFORE setting up txAdmin! Many popular frameworks like QBCore, QBox, and ESX require a working database connection during deployment.
Most users prefer XAMPP for easy database management:
  1. Download XAMPP from apachefriends.org
  2. Run the installer (you only need MySQL and phpMyAdmin components)
  3. Open XAMPP Control Panel
  4. Click Start next to MySQL
  5. Click Admin next to MySQL to open phpMyAdmin

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Database Connection String

Most FiveM resources use this format in their config: 
mysql://root:@localhost/fivem_server
The default XAMPP MySQL has no password. For production servers, you should set a password and update your connection strings accordingly.

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Configure Firewall / Port Forwarding

Open the following ports in Windows Firewall:
PortProtocolPurpose
30120TCP/UDPGame Server
40120TCPtxAdmin Web Panel
To open ports in Windows Firewall:
  1. Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
  2. Click Inbound Rules → New Rule
  3. Select Port → Next
  4. Select TCP and enter the port number → Next
  5. Select Allow the connection → Next
  6. Check all profiles → Next
  7. Name the rule (e.g., “FiveM Game Port”) → Finish
  8. Repeat for UDP on port 30120

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Step 2: Create Server Folder Structure

Organize your server files for easy management:
  1. Create a main folder on your Desktop (e.g., FiveM-Server or your city name)
  2. Inside that folder, create a server subfolder
Desktop/
└── FiveM-Server/
    └── server/
        └── (artifact files go here)
Keeping everything in one organized folder makes backups and management much easier.

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Step 3: Download Server Artifacts

  1. Go to FiveM Artifacts (or RedM Artifacts for RedM)
  2. Choose your artifact version carefully:
Don’t use the “Latest Recommended” or “Latest” buttons! These may have bugs or compatibility issues. Instead, scroll down and choose a stable version that’s been out for a while.
  1. Download the artifact .zip file
  2. Extract all files into your server folder

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Step 4: Generate a Server Key

  1. Go to Cfx.re Portal
  2. Sign in with your Cfx.re account
  3. Navigate to Server Keys
  4. Click Create New Key
  5. Fill in your server details
  6. Copy the generated license key
Keep your server key private! Anyone with this key can run a server under your license.

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Step 5: Initial Server Setup

  1. Navigate to your server folder
  2. Find and run FXServer.exe
  3. This will launch txAdmin and link it to your server

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txAdmin First-Time Setup

  1. Create Backup Password - Set any password (this is for txAdmin recovery)
  2. Confirm Password
  3. Link Cfx.re Account - Follow the prompts to authenticate
  4. Follow the Setup Wizard to configure your server:
    • Server name
    • Server template (or custom)
    • Data location

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Step 6: Configure Your Server

After txAdmin setup completes:
  1. Open txAdmin in your browser (usually http://localhost:40120 or http://YOUR-VPS-IP:40120)
  2. Navigate to your server’s server.cfg file
  3. Edit settings to your liking:
    • Server name
    • Max players
    • License key (if not already set)
    • Resources to start

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Basic server.cfg Settings

# Server Information
sv_hostname "Your Server Name"
sv_maxclients 32

# License Key
sv_licenseKey "your-license-key-here"

# Steam Web API Key (optional, for Steam integration)
set steam_webApiKey "your-steam-api-key"

# Server Tags (for server browser)
sets tags "roleplay, custom, your-tags"

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Step 7: Start Your Server

  1. In txAdmin, click Start Server
  2. Monitor the console for any errors
  3. Once started, your server should appear in the FiveM/RedM server browser
  4. Connect using: connect YOUR-VPS-IP:30120
For a roleplay server, you’ll typically need:
  • Framework: ESX, QBCore, or similar
  • Database resource: oxmysql or mysql-async
  • Identity system: For character creation
  • Economy: Banking, jobs, etc.
Resource installation and framework setup is beyond the scope of this guide. Check the documentation for your chosen framework.

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Maintenance Tips

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Regular Backups

  • Back up your server-data folder regularly
  • Export your database using HeidiSQL
  • Store backups off the VPS

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Updating Artifacts

  1. Stop your server in txAdmin
  2. Download new artifacts
  3. Replace files in your server folder (keep your server-data)
  4. Start the server

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Monitoring

  • Use txAdmin’s built-in monitoring
  • Set up Discord webhooks for alerts
  • Monitor VPS resource usage

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Troubleshooting

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Server Won’t Start

  • Check that all ports are open
  • Verify your license key is valid
  • Check txAdmin console for errors

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Can’t Connect

  • Ensure ports 30120 (TCP/UDP) are forwarded
  • Check Windows Firewall settings
  • Verify server is running in txAdmin

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Database Connection Failed

  • Verify MariaDB is running
  • Check connection string credentials
  • Ensure database exists

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Need Help?

VPS support covers the VPS itself. For FiveM/RedM specific issues, we recommend the Cfx.re Forums and community resources.