FR 
EN 
DE 
PT 
Thinking about launching your own FiveM server? Awesome!
Maybe you’re dreaming of a unique roleplay world, a wild racing server, or something totally new.
But then the big question hits: What’s the real cost to run a FiveM server?
It’s a super common question, and honestly, the answer is… it depends.
I know, not super helpful yet, but stick with me.
It’s not just one single price tag.
The costs can range from “hobby money” territory to running a serious online business.
So, let’s break down every potential cost you might run into, keeping it real and easy to follow.
The Absolute Must-Haves: Core Server Costs
These are the things you generally can’t skip if you want a public server that people can actually join and play on.
1. Server Hosting (Your Server’s Digital Home)
This is the big one for most people. Your server needs a place to live online 24/7.
You’re basically renting computing power.
- What it is: UN Virtual Private Server (VPS) or a Dedicated Server.
- VPS: Like renting an apartment in a larger building. You get your own space, but share the building’s main resources. Great for starting out or smaller communities.
- Dedicated Server: Like renting a whole house. All resources are yours. Better for larger, resource-hungry servers, but costs more.
- What affects the price?
- CPU Power: How fast the server can think. More players + complex scripts = need more power.
- RAM (Memory): How much stuff the server can remember and juggle at once. Crucial for performance. More players and assets need more RAM.
- Stockage: SSD or NVMe drives are way faster than old HDDs. You need space for the OS, FiveM files, scripts, databases, etc.
- Emplacement: Closer server location to your players = better ping (less lag). Prices vary by region.
- Bandwidth/Traffic: How much data flows in and out. Most providers offer generous amounts, but check the limits.
- Protection DDoS : Essential! Keeps trolls from knocking your server offline. Most reputable game server hosts include this.
- Rough Cost:
- VPS: Starts around $10 – $50+ per month. Good starting point.
- Dedicated: Can range from $60 – $300+ per month, sometimes even higher for real powerhouses.
- Where to look? Popular choices include OVH, Hetzner, Zap-Hosting, or specialized game server hosts. Do your research on reviews and support!
Also make sure to check out our Hosting Comparison
2. FiveM Patreon Pledge (The Keymaster)
Want more than 32 player slots? Want to use cool premium features like custom clothing streaming (EUP)? You need to support the FiveM project via their CFX Portal.
- What it is: A monthly pledge to the Cfx.re Collective – Rockstar Games (the folks behind FiveM).
- Why you need it:
- To get a license key that allows more than 32 player slots (up to 64, 128, or even 2048 theoretically, though performance is another story).
- To enable OneSync (Infinity or Beyond), necessary for higher player counts and better sync.
- To stream custom assets like clothes (EUP) and map additions (MLOs).
- Rough Cost: Tiers range from $15 (FiveM Element Club Argentum 💿) up to $60 (FiveM Element Club Platinum 💎) per month. The $25 Aurum tier is popular for enabling EUP streaming and 64 slots.
- Source: Vérifiez le official Cfx.re Portal page for current tiers and benefits.
Making It Yours: Customization Costs
Okay, you’ve got the basics. Now, how do you make your server stand out? This is where costs can really vary.
3. Premium Scripts, Maps (MLOs), and Mods
While there are tons of free resources out there, sometimes you want something more polished, unique, or with dedicated support.
- What it is: Paying for pre-made scripts (like emplois, activities, UI changes), custom map interiors/exteriors (Les MLO), vehicle models, etc.
- Why pay?
- Quality & Performance: Often better optimized and less buggy than free alternatives.
- Soutien: Paid resources usually come with help from the creator if you run into issues.
- Mises à jour : Good creators update their resources to work with new FiveM versions (like us here at FiveMX, où mises à jour gratuites et Ressources de travail 100% are guaranteed!).
- Uniqueness: Gives your server features others might not have.
- Rough Cost: Highly variable.
- Individual scripts/MLOs can range from $10 – $100+ each (one-time purchase, usually).
- Some creators offer bundle packs.
- Where to look? Marketplaces like FiveMX.com (shameless plug!), Tebex stores associated with specific developers, forums. Always buy from reputable sources to avoid leaks and ensure support.
4. Custom Development (Hiring a Pro)
Got a truly unique idea that doesn’t exist yet? You might need to hire a developer.
- What it is: Paying someone to code custom scripts, fix bugs in existing ones, integrate different resources, or even build a custom framework.
- When you need it:
- You have a specific gameplay idea you can’t find pre-made.
- You need significant modifications to existing scripts.
- You need complex troubleshooting or optimization.
- Rough Cost: This can be a major expense.
- Freelancers: Often charge hourly ($20 – $100+ per hour depending on skill and location) or per project.
- Project-based: Can range from $50 for a small tweak à thousands of dollars for complex systems or full server setups.
- Where to look? FiveM forums (beware of scammers!), developer communities (like GitHub), freelance platforms (Upwork, Fiverr – quality varies wildly). Get quotes, check portfolios, and use contracts!
Keeping the Lights On: Operational Costs
These are ongoing costs beyond the core server and initial customization.
5. Website / Forum Hosting
Want a place for your community to gather outside the game? Rules, applications, announcements?
- What it is: Hosting for a website (e.g., WordPress) or forum software (e.g., XenForo, MyBB).
- Rough Cost:
- Shared web hosting: $5 – $20 per month.
- Forum software licenses (like XenForo): ~$160 initial + ~$60/year for updates (optional but recommended). MyBB is free.
6. Database Hosting (Sometimes Separate)
Most FiveM frameworks need a database (usually MySQL).
- What it is: Storing player data, inventories, logs, etc.
- Cost: Often included with your VPS/Dedicated server. However, for very large servers needing high database performance, you might opt for a managed database service, which could cost $15 – $100+ per month.
7. Premium Anti-Cheat Systems
Cheaters ruin fun. While FiveM has basic detection, serious servers often need more.
- What it is: Third-party tools designed to detect and block cheats more effectively.
- Rough Cost: Some free options exist. Premium systems can cost $10 – $50+ per month, sometimes based on player slots.
Check out the best free anticheats here
8. Licensing for Other Tools/Software
Depending on your setup, you might use other paid tools.
- Exemples : Premium admin panels, specific logging tools, music bots for Discord linked to the server, etc.
- Cost: Varies greatly depending on the tool.
Growing Your World: Optional Growth Costs
Got an amazing server? Now you need players!
9. Advertising and Promotion
Getting the word out costs time or money (or both).
- What it is: Paying to list your server prominently, running social media ads, sponsoring content creators (streamers/YouTubers), etc.
- Rough Cost: Highly variable.
- Server list bumps: $5 – $50+ per month.
- Social media ads: You set the budget, could be $50 – $1000+ per month.
- Influencer marketing: $50 to thousands depending on the creator’s reach.
The Hidden Cost: Your Time
Never forget this one! Running a server takes temps.
- Setup & Configuration: Installing everything, tweaking settings.
- Maintenance & Updates: Keeping FiveM, the OS, and scripts up-to-date. Troubleshooting issues.
- Community Management: Handling players, disputes, staff, events.
- Development & Customization: Even if you don’t hire someone, learning and doing it yourself takes hours.
Think of it like a part-time (or full-time!) job. Your time has value!