FiveM Development Tutorial 2025 - Complete Guide for Beginners

⏱️ Estimated Time: 60-90 minutes | 🎯 Difficulty: Beginner | 📚 Step-by-Step Learning Path

Welcome to the most comprehensive FiveM development tutorial for 2025! This guide will take you from zero to creating your first custom FiveM server with QBCore framework. Whether you’re completely new to FiveM or looking to upgrade your skills, this tutorial has everything you need.

What is FiveM Development?

FiveM development involves creating custom game modes, servers, and modifications for Grand Theft Auto V using the FiveM modification framework. It allows developers to:

• Create Custom Servers: Build unique roleplay experiences
• Develop Resources: Custom scripts and game modifications
• Manage Communities: Admin tools and player management systems
• Monetize Projects: Create revenue through server donations

Why Choose QBCore for FiveM Development?

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before we begin, ensure you have:

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 10+ or Linux (Ubuntu 18.04+)
• RAM: Minimum 8GB (16GB recommended)
• Storage: At least 10GB free space
• Internet: Stable connection for downloads

🛠️ Development Hardware Recommendations

Want the best FiveM development experience? Here’s what we recommend:

Development Setup Essentials

For optimal FiveM development, consider:

• High-performance SSD: Faster loading and compilation times
• 16GB+ RAM: Handle multiple development tools and test servers
• Modern CPU: Better performance for code compilation and testing

Learning Resources

Perfect for beginners starting their development journey:

• Programming fundamentals books
• Online coding courses and tutorials

Pro Tip: A good mouse and mechanical keyboard make coding sessions much more comfortable during long development sessions!

Required Software

• FiveM Server Files: Latest version
• Database: MySQL or MariaDB
• Code Editor: VS Code (recommended)
• Git: For version control
• Steam Account: For FiveM license key

Knowledge Prerequisites

• Basic Programming: Understanding of variables and functions
• Command Line: Basic terminal/command prompt usage
• Text Editing: Comfortable with code editors

Step 1: Setting Up Your Development Environment

Download & Install Required Software

# Recommended VS Code Extensions
- Lua Language Server
- FiveM Natives
- GitLens
- Code Spell Checker

sudo apt update
sudo apt install mysql-server
sudo mysql_secure_installation

sudo apt install git
git --version

Step 2: Download & Setup FiveM Server

Get FiveM Server Files

mkdir fivem-server
cd fivem-server

wget https://runtime.fivem.net/artifacts/fivem/build_proot_linux/master/[latest-build]/fx.tar.xz
tar -xf fx.tar.xz

Configure Basic Server

Create server.cfg file in your server directory:

# Server Information
sv_hostname "^7My FiveM Development Server ^3[QBCore]"
sv_projectName "FiveM Development Server"
sv_projectDesc "Learning FiveM Development with QBCore"

# Server Settings
sv_maxclients 32
sv_endpointprivacy true
sv_listing_type "private"  # Change to "public" when ready

# License Key (REPLACE WITH YOUR KEY)
sv_licenseKey "YOUR_LICENSE_KEY_HERE"

# Database Connection (Update with your MySQL details)
set mysql_connection_string "mysql://root:password@localhost/qbcore?charset=utf8mb4"

# Essential Resources
ensure mapmanager
ensure chat
ensure spawnmanager
ensure sessionmanager
ensure basic-gamemode
ensure hardcap
ensure baseevents

# QBCore Resources (We'll add these after installation)

Step 3: Install QBCore Framework

Download QBCore

cd resources
git clone https://github.com/qbcore-framework/qb-core.git [qb-core]

# Core Framework Components
git clone https://github.com/qbcore-framework/qb-multicharacter.git [qb-multicharacter]
git clone https://github.com/qbcore-framework/qb-spawn.git [qb-spawn]
git clone https://github.com/qbcore-framework/qb-hud.git [qb-hud]
git clone https://github.com/qbcore-framework/qb-inventory.git [qb-inventory]
git clone https://github.com/qbcore-framework/qb-menu.git [qb-menu]

Update Server Configuration

Add QBCore resources to your server.cfg:

# QBCore Framework
ensure qb-core
ensure qb-multicharacter
ensure qb-spawn
ensure qb-hud
ensure qb-inventory
ensure qb-menu

# Additional QBCore Resources
ensure qb-vehiclekeys
ensure qb-garages
ensure qb-fuel
ensure qb-shops
ensure qb-banking

Step 4: First Server Launch & Testing

Start Your Server

# Navigate to server directory
cd C:\path\to\your\fivem-server
 
# Start server
run.cmd +exec server.cfg

# Make run script executable
chmod +x run.sh
 
# Start server
./run.sh +exec server.cfg

Connect to Your Server

1. Open FiveM client
2. Go to “Play” → “Connect”
3. Enter: localhost:30120
4. Click “Connect”

Step 5: Understanding FiveM Development Basics

Resource Structure

Every FiveM resource follows this structure:

resource-name/
├── fxmanifest.lua      # Resource configuration
├── config.lua          # Settings and options
├── server/
│   └── main.lua        # Server-side code
├── client/
│   └── main.lua        # Client-side code
├── shared/
│   └── shared.lua      # Code available on both sides
└── html/               # UI files (optional)
    ├── index.html
    ├── style.css
    └── script.js

Your First Custom Resource

Let’s create a simple “Hello World” resource:

cd resources
mkdir [hello-world]
cd [hello-world]

fx_version 'cerulean'
game 'gta5'
 
name 'hello-world'
description 'My first FiveM resource'
author 'Your Name'
version '1.0.0'
 
client_scripts {
    'client/main.lua'
}
 
server_scripts {
    'server/main.lua'
}

-- Server-side code runs on the server
print("^2[Hello World] ^7Server-side script loaded successfully!")
 
-- Register a server event
RegisterServerEvent('hello-world:serverTest')
AddEventHandler('hello-world:serverTest', function()
    print("^3[Hello World] ^7Server event triggered by player: " .. GetPlayerName(source))
end)
 
-- Register a command
RegisterCommand('hello', function(source, args, rawCommand)
    if source == 0 then
        print("^5[Hello World] ^7Hello from server console!")
    else
        TriggerClientEvent('hello-world:clientResponse', source, "Hello from server!")
    end
end, false)

-- Client-side code runs on each player's game
print("^2[Hello World] ^7Client-side script loaded successfully!")
 
-- Register client event
RegisterNetEvent('hello-world:clientResponse')
AddEventHandler('hello-world:clientResponse', function(message)
    print("^4[Hello World] ^7Received message: " .. message)
    
    -- Show notification to player
    SetNotificationTextEntry("STRING")
    AddTextComponentString(message)
    DrawNotification(false, false)
end)
 
-- Trigger server event when player spawns
AddEventHandler('onClientResourceStart', function(resourceName)
    if resourceName == GetCurrentResourceName() then
        TriggerServerEvent('hello-world:serverTest')
    end
end)

ensure hello-world

Test Your Resource

1. Restart your server or use refresh and ensure hello-world in server console
2. Connect to your server
3. Type /hello in chat
4. Check both server console and game for messages

Step 6: QBCore Integration Basics

Understanding QBCore Structure

QBCore provides several key objects and functions:

-- Get QBCore object (use in any script)
local QBCore = exports['qb-core']:GetCoreObject()
 
-- Common QBCore functions
local Player = QBCore.Functions.GetPlayer(source)  -- Get player object
local PlayerData = QBCore.Functions.GetPlayerData() -- Get client player data
QBCore.Functions.Notify("Hello!", "success")        -- Show notification

Creating a QBCore Resource

Let’s modify our hello-world resource to use QBCore:

Update client/main.lua:

local QBCore = exports['qb-core']:GetCoreObject()
 
RegisterNetEvent('hello-world:clientResponse')
AddEventHandler('hello-world:clientResponse', function(message)
    -- Use QBCore notification instead of GTA notification
    QBCore.Functions.Notify(message, "success", 3000)
end)

Update server/main.lua:

local QBCore = exports['qb-core']:GetCoreObject()
 
RegisterCommand('hello', function(source, args, rawCommand)
    if source == 0 then
        print("^5[Hello World] ^7Hello from server console!")
    else
        local Player = QBCore.Functions.GetPlayer(source)
        if Player then
            local playerName = Player.PlayerData.charinfo.firstname .. " " .. Player.PlayerData.charinfo.lastname
            TriggerClientEvent('hello-world:clientResponse', source, "Hello " .. playerName .. "!")
        end
    end
end, false)

Step 7: Essential Development Tools & Tips

Debugging Tools

Common Development Commands

# Server console commands
refresh                    # Reload all resources
ensure [resource-name]     # Start specific resource  
stop [resource-name]       # Stop specific resource
restart [resource-name]    # Restart specific resource
 
# In-game commands (if you have admin permissions)
/dev                      # Toggle development mode
/coords                   # Get current coordinates
/car [vehicle-name]       # Spawn vehicle

Performance Best Practices

1. Efficient Event Usage: Don’t spam server events
2. Proper Threading: Use Wait() in loops to prevent blocking
3. Resource Cleanup: Clean up blips, entities, and events
4. Minimal Database Queries: Cache frequently accessed data
5. Optimized Loops: Avoid unnecessary iterations

-- Bad: Blocking loop
while true do
    -- This will freeze the server/client
    DoSomething()
end
 
-- Good: Non-blocking loop with wait
CreateThread(function()
    while true do
        DoSomething()
        Wait(1000) -- Wait 1 second between iterations
    end
end)

Step 8: Next Steps & Resources

Continue Learning

Ready-Made Resources

Save development time with professional QBCore resources:

Essential Documentation

• QBCore Installation Guide - Detailed installation instructions
• QBCore Functions Reference - Complete API documentation
• Resource Development Guide - Advanced scripting techniques
• Database Schema - Understanding QBCore’s data structure

Community & Support

• GitHub Discussions - Official QBCore community
• QBCore Discord - Real-time help and discussions
• Support Page - Direct support channels and troubleshooting

Common Issues & Solutions

Server Won’t Start

Problem: Server crashes or won’t start Solutions:

• Check server.cfg syntax for errors
• Verify MySQL connection string
• Ensure license key is valid
• Check resource dependencies

Can’t Connect to Server

Problem: Connection timeout or failed Solutions:

• Verify server is running (check console)
• Check firewall settings (port 30120)
• Ensure IP address is correct
• Try localhost:30120 for local testing

Resource Errors

Problem: Custom resources not working Solutions:

• Check fxmanifest.lua syntax
• Verify file paths in manifest
• Look for Lua syntax errors in console
• Ensure resource is added to server.cfg

Database Connection Issues

Problem: MySQL connection errors Solutions:

• Verify MySQL server is running
• Check connection string credentials
• Ensure database exists
• Import required SQL files

What’s Next?

1. Practice: Experiment with the code examples and create variations
2. Explore: Browse existing QBCore resources to understand different patterns
3. Build: Start your first real project - maybe a custom job or activity
4. Connect: Join the QBCore community and share your progress
5. Level Up: Move on to intermediate tutorials for advanced features

Ready to dive deeper? Continue your journey with our Lua Scripting for FiveM tutorial, or explore our complete QBCore vs ESX comparison to understand why QBCore is the right choice for your project.