Skip to main content
Home
Shop
Free Mods
Tools
Bundles
Full Servers
  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Tutorials & Guides

How to Install FiveM Mods: Step-by-Step Guide

Published on February 5, 2024·by Lars Miller(Founder & Lead Editor)·Credentials·5 min read·Updated on March 3, 2026
Tutorials & Guides

Installing FiveM mods is a breeze—just download the zip, drag the folder into your resources, and add its name to server.cfg. Then, restart your server and you’re ready to roll!

How to Install FiveM Mods: Step-by-Step Guide
How to Install FiveM Mods: Step-by-Step Guide

FiveM Must-Have Installation Guide: Effortless Mods

Introduction: Why "FiveM Mod Installation" Is a Game-Changer

If you've ever wanted to transform your FiveM server into a thriving hub of custom gameplay, the answer lies in mastering the art of installing FiveM mods. With the tools provided by fivemx.com, adding new resources and scripts to your server is quick, reliable, and user-friendly.

This comprehensive guide walks you through the process step-by-step, ensuring that anyone—from an amateur server owner to a seasoned developer—can boost their server's functionality and appearance with minimal hassle.

Step 1: Locate and Download Your FiveM Mod

Choose the Right Package

Begin by browsing the thousands of mods available on fivemx.com or any other reputable FiveM resource repository. When you find a mod that meets your needs, click the download button. The download will usually come in a compressed format such as .zip or .rar.

Extract the Files

After downloading, extract the archive to a temporary folder on your computer. Inside the extracted folder, you'll see a sub-folder dedicated to the script (e.g., eclipse_cad). This inner folder contains all the necessary files that the server will recognize and run.

Step 2: Move the Mod Folder into Your Server's "resources" Directory

  1. Open Your Server Directory
    Navigate to the root directory of your FiveM server installation. Double-click on the resources folder—it should contain all of your existing scripts and mods.
  2. Drag and Drop
    Drag the newly extracted folder (for example, eclipse_cad) into the resources directory. This action places the mod in the location where FiveM looks for scripts to load at startup.

Step 3: Configure Your Server to Recognize the New Mod

Edit the server.cfg File

Open the server.cfg file located in the root of your server directory with a text editor (notepad, VS Code, Sublime, etc.).

Add the following line, replacing scriptname with the exact folder name of your mod:

start eclipse_cad

Your server.cfg should look something like this after the addition:

# Basic Server Configuration
sv_hostname My Awesome Server
endpoint_add_tcp 0.0.0.0:30120
endpoint_add_udp 0.0.0.0:30120

# Resources
ensure mysql-async
start 

Important: If the mod requires a .sql file, import it into your database after copying the file to your hosting account. Most hosting services provide a simple "Import SQL" tool.

Step 4: Restart Your FiveM Server

Once you've updated the configuration and imported any required SQL data, it's essential to restart your server so that the new mods can load properly. A brief restart ensures all changes are applied and that the server environment reflects the updated scripts.

Installing Custom Scripts and Maps: A Quick Overview

If you need to install an entirely new map or script that comes as a standalone package, follow these steps:

  1. Download the Script – Zip or RAR file available on the mod's webpage.
  2. Unpack the Archive – Place the extracted folder in a safe location like your Desktop.
  3. Import SQL – If there's a .sql file, run the import in your database management tool.
  4. Upload to Server – Drag the whole folder into your server's resources directory.
  5. Update server.cfg – Add a start line for the script.
  6. Restart – Restart your server to finalize the installation.

Working with FiveM Server Templates

For users buying complete server presets from our shop, the deployment process is even simpler:

  1. Extract all files from the resources folder in the template package and upload them to your hosting account's resources directory.
  2. Open the included .sql file with a text editor and replace every instance of "essentialmode" with your actual database prefix (e.g., zap-xxx123).
  3. Import the modified SQL file into your database.
  4. Edit the server.cfg to retain only the start or ensure lines that activate the provided resources.
  5. Launch the server via your host's control panel.

If you run into any difficulties, refer to our detailed template installation tutorial or reach out for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if my server doesn't recognize a newly added mod?
A: Verify that the folder name matches the one listed in your server.cfg. Also, ensure that any dependencies (like mysql-async) are properly started before the mod.

Q: How do I troubleshoot a mod that fails to load?
A: Check the server console for error messages. Common issues include missing files, permission errors, or corrupted archives. Re-download the mod if necessary.

Q: Can I install mods directly via FTP instead of using a web interface?
A: Absolutely. FTP clients like FileZilla let you drag and drop files into the appropriate directories, then you can edit server.cfg remotely.

Conclusion: Seamless FiveM Mod Installation Made Simple

Mastering the process of installing FiveM mods unlocks a world of possibilities for server owners and developers alike. By following this easy, step-by-step guide, you'll have fresh features, custom scripts, and new maps up and running in no time.

Remember: Always keep your configuration files backed up and maintain a clean folder structure to avoid future headaches. With the right preparation, your FiveM server can stay updated, secure, and continuously engaging for your community.

Previous Article

How To Install qbCore on a FiveM Server

Next Article

How to Install Addon Cars on FiveM: Full Guide

More on This Topic

How to Install ReShade on FiveM: Ultimate 2026 Graphics GuideHow to Set Up a FiveM GTA RP Server (2026) — Complete Step-by-Step GuideHow To Create a RageMP Server – Step by Step GuideHow To Install Custom Cars (FiveM)How To Install FiveM on Windows (10 / 11)

Turn framework research into a launch-ready script stack

Use this guide to narrow the framework decision, then move into the core commercial hubs for verified scripts, curated bundles, and a faster server launch path.

Framework hub

Browse QBCore-ready scripts

Move into the QBCore landing page to compare verified scripts, framework fit, and install-ready products built for modern FiveM servers.

Open QBCore hub

Framework hub

Review the ESX script path

Use the ESX landing page to compare framework-specific resources, launch guidance, and premium products that fit ESX-first servers.

Open ESX hub

Premium catalog

Browse premium FiveM scripts

Move from research into the main shop to compare real products, framework labels, screenshots, and production-ready quality signals.

Open premium shop

Launch faster

Compare curated bundles

Bundles shorten the path from planning to launch by grouping the highest-leverage scripts into a cleaner commercial starting point.

View bundles

Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links to FiveMX products. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Related Articles

How to Use FiveM Mods: Complete Installation and Setup Guide

How to Use FiveM Mods: Complete Installation and Setup Guide

Learn how to use with our step-by-step guide. Includes features. Complete tutorial for 2025.

June 10, 2025
How to Install FiveM - Tutorials & Guides | FiveMX

How to Install FiveM - Tutorials & Guides | FiveMX

Learn how to install with our step-by-step guide. Includes features. Complete tutorial for 2025.

April 10, 2025
How To Install NVE (NaturalVision Evolved) for GTA 5 & FiveM

How To Install NVE (NaturalVision Evolved) for GTA 5 & FiveM

NaturalVision Evolved (NVE) is fundamentally the gold standard for visual modifications in Grand Theft Auto V.

August 21, 2024
Secure CheckoutInstant AccessMoney-Back GuaranteeLifetime Updates
FiveMX

Premium FiveM scripts and mods for serious server owners.

Shop

  • Shop
  • QBCore Scripts
  • ESX Scripts
  • FiveM Scripts
  • Free Mods
  • Best Scripts & Mods

Help

  • About
  • FAQ
  • Support
  • Contact
  • Account
  • Affiliate Program

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Refund Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • GDPR Compliance
  • DMCA
  • Imprint
  • Editorial Policy
© 2026 FiveMX. All rights reserved.·support@fivemx.com

FiveMX is not affiliated with Rockstar Games, Take-Two Interactive, or CFX.re. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Flash Sale — Up to 19% off!Flash Sale — 19% off!Shop Now