GTA V Ballistic Shield Custom Props (SWAT)

Slap Mods onto Your FiveM Server Like a Pro

Alright, listen up, you want to get those sweet mods onto your FiveM server, right? Tired of the same old boring server and want to spice things up with custom cars, scripts, or maps? Let's get this sorted. Installing mods on FiveM is how you level up your server from basic to banging. It's easier than you think, even if you're not a tech wizard. This guide will walk you through it step by step, no jargon, just straight-up instructions to get your server looking and playing exactly how you want.

Step 1: Snag Your Mod - Find the Goodies

First things first, you need to find the mods you actually want. Think of it like going shopping, but for your server.

1. Hit up the usual spots: Websites like fivem-mods.net, GTA5-Mods.com are goldmines. Loads of creators post their work there.
2. Community is key: Don't sleep on forums and Discord servers. You'll find hidden gems and get recommendations from other server owners.
3. GitHub & Dev Sites: For more unique scripts, check out GitHub or the developers' own websites. Sometimes the best stuff is off the beaten path.

Pro Tip: Double-check the mod is actually gonna work with your server version, especially if you're running frameworks like QBCore or ESX. Compatibility is king. Once you've found your treasure, download the files. They'll usually be in a .zip or .rar file.

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Step 2: Server Prep - Get Ready to Rumble

Right, time to get into the server's guts. Don't panic, it's not brain surgery.

1. Access your server files: You'll need to log into your server's file manager. This is usually through an FTP client like FileZilla or your hosting provider's control panel.
2. BACK IT UP, fam: Seriously, before you change anything, make a backup of your server files. If you mess something up (and we all do sometimes), you can just restore it and pretend it never happened.
3. Find the 'resources' folder: This is your mod garage. It's where all the magic happens. Dig around in your server files and locate the resources folder.

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Step 3: Mod Installation - Drop It In

Now for the main event - getting that mod live.

1. Extract the files: If your mod is zipped up, unzip it to a folder on your computer.
2. Upload to the 'resources' folder: Use your FTP client or file manager to drag and drop (upload) the extracted mod folder into the resources folder on your server.
   • Folder name matters: Make sure the folder name is something you'll recognise later, you'll need it for server config.
3. Tell your server to load the mod: This is the server.cfg bit.
   • Open your server.cfg file. It’s in the main directory of your server.
   • Add a line like this: ensure [mod_name]
   • Replace [mod_name] with the actual name of your mod folder.
   • Example: If your mod folder is called sick_drift_car, you'd add ensure sick_drift_car.

ensure [mod_name]

ensure my_car_mod

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Step 4: Dependencies - The Extras You Might Need

Sometimes, mods are a bit needy and require extra bits and bobs to work. Dependencies, they're called.

1. Check the mod's info: The mod creator should tell you if there are any dependencies. Read the documentation!
2. Install dependencies: If there are dependencies, download them and install them in the same resources folder, just like you did with the main mod in Step 3.
3. Load dependencies too: You'll also need to add ensure [dependency_name] lines in your server.cfg file for each dependency, above the ensure [mod_name] line for your main mod.

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Step 5: Server Restart - Fire It Up

Time to reboot and see if it all works.

1. Restart your server: Use the 'Restart' button in your control panel or restart it manually if you're old school.
2. Watch the console: Keep an eye on your server console after restart. Any red text or error messages? If so, check the mod's docs or Google the error.

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Step 6: In-Game Test - Does It Bang?

Get in the game and see if your mod is doing its thing.

1. Join your server: Fire up FiveM and connect to your server.
2. Test it out: Does the mod work as expected? New car there? Script doing its job? Map looking fresh?

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Step 7: Troubleshooting - When Things Go Wrong

Sometimes things don't go to plan. Don't sweat it, happens to the best of us.

• Check file paths: Are your files in the right folders? Double-check everything.
• Review server logs: Server logs are your friend. They tell you if anything went wrong.
• Update dependencies: Are your dependencies up to date? Outdated ones can cause issues.
• Compatibility check again: Is the mod actually compatible with your FiveM version and other mods? Conflicts happen.

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FAQs - Your Burning Questions Answered

Q: Where do I find good FiveM mods?

A: Websites like fivem-mods.net and GTA5-Mods.com are great starting points. Community forums and Discord servers are also goldmines.

Q: What's 'server.cfg' and why do I need to mess with it?

A: server.cfg is your server's brain. It tells your server what to load and how to behave. You need to edit it to tell your server to load your new mods.

Q: What if the mod doesn't work after installing?

A: Troubleshooting time! Check file paths, server logs, dependencies, and mod compatibility (as mentioned in Step 7). Google is your friend too!

Q: Do I need to restart my whole server every time I install a mod?

A: Yep, you do. Restarting the server makes it reload all the resources, including your newly installed mod.

Q: Can mods break my server?

A: Potentially, if they're poorly made or incompatible. Always download mods from trusted sources and back up your server before installing anything new.

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Final Word - Mod Like a Boss

See? Installing mods on your FiveM server isn't rocket science. It's all about following the steps, being a bit careful, and not being afraid to experiment. Get out there, find some killer mods, and make your FiveM server the envy of everyone. Happy modding!