Learning how to install an artifact on FiveM is essential for server owners who want to keep their multiplayer environment running smoothly with the latest features, performance improvements, and security patches. An artifact—also known as a server build—is the core executable that powers your FiveM server, and installing or updating it correctly ensures compatibility with mods, scripts, and clients. In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the artifact installation process, from downloading the correct build to verifying functionality and troubleshooting common issues on both Windows and Linux environments.
What is a FiveM Artifact and Why Does It Matter?
A FiveM artifact is a packaged server build distributed by the Cfx.re team, containing the FXServer executable and all necessary runtime files. Each artifact corresponds to a specific version number and includes updates, bug fixes, new natives, and compatibility enhancements. Installing the correct artifact is critical because outdated builds may lack support for newer scripts, cause connection errors, or expose your server to vulnerabilities.
There are typically three types of artifact channels available:
- Recommended: The stable release, tested and safe for production servers.
- Optional: Features newer experimental updates; generally stable but may contain minor bugs.
- Latest: Cutting-edge builds with the newest features, ideal for testing but not recommended for live servers.
For most server administrators—especially those using professional FiveM hosting from Nexus Games—the Recommended channel is the safest choice. Nexus Games servers are powered by AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D processors with 16 cores, DDR5 ECC RAM, and NVMe SSD storage, ensuring that even the most resource-intensive artifacts run flawlessly.
Step-by-Step: How to Install an Artifact on FiveM (Windows)
Installing a FiveM artifact on a Windows server is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure a clean, functional installation:
1. Download the Artifact
Navigate to the official FiveM artifact repository. Select the Recommended build unless you have a specific reason to use Optional or Latest. Click the download link to obtain the .zip file.
2. Extract the Files
Create a dedicated folder for your FiveM server, for example C:\FiveM-Server. Extract the contents of the downloaded artifact into this directory. You should see files including FXServer.exe, citizen folder, and various .dll libraries.
3. Prepare Your Server Configuration
Inside your server folder, create or update your server.cfg file. This configuration file controls server behavior, resources, and permissions. A basic template includes:
endpoint_add_tcp "0.0.0.0:30120"
endpoint_add_udp "0.0.0.0:30120"
sv_licenseKey "your_license_key_here"
sv_hostname "My FiveM Server"
sv_maxclients 32
exec resources.cfg
Replace your_license_key_here with a valid key from Cfx.re Keymaster.
4. Launch the Server
Open Command Prompt, navigate to your server directory, and execute:
FXServer.exe +exec server.cfgThe server will initialize, load resources, and bind to the specified ports. Monitor the console output for errors or warnings.
5. Verify Installation
Launch the FiveM client, open the server browser, and search for your server by name or connect directly via IP. Successful connection confirms that the artifact is installed and functioning correctly.
For server owners who prefer a managed solution, Nexus Games offers fully automated FiveM hosting with one-click artifact updates through the Nexus Panel, eliminating manual installation entirely.
Installing an Artifact on Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)
Linux environments are popular for FiveM servers due to their stability, security, and lower resource overhead. Here’s how to install a FiveM artifact on a Linux VPS:
1. Update Your System
Ensure your system packages are current:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
2. Download the Artifact
Use wget or curl to download the Linux artifact from the official Linux artifact page. For example:
cd /home/fivem
wget https://runtime.fivem.net/artifacts/fivem/build_proot_linux/master/[artifact-number]/fx.tar.xz
Replace [artifact-number] with the latest recommended build number.
3. Extract and Organize Files
Extract the archive and organize your server directory:
tar -xf fx.tar.xz
mkdir -p /home/fivem/server
mv alpine /home/fivem/server/
4. Configure the Server
Create your server.cfg file inside /home/fivem/server with the same structure as the Windows example. Ensure file permissions allow execution:
chmod +x /home/fivem/server/alpine/opt/cfx-server/FXServer
5. Run the Server
Start the server using the following command:
cd /home/fivem/server/alpine/opt/cfx-server
./FXServer +exec /home/fivem/server/server.cfg
To run the server in the background, consider using screen or tmux:
screen -S fivem
./FXServer +exec /home/fivem/server/server.cfg
Press Ctrl+A then D to detach from the session.
Administrators seeking enterprise-grade Linux hosting should consider Nexus Games Linux VPS solutions, which include pre-configured environments, 1 Gbps network bandwidth, and optional Pterodactyl panel integration for streamlined artifact management.
Updating Your FiveM Artifact Safely
Regular artifact updates are essential for security, performance, and feature access. However, improper updates can break scripts or corrupt databases. Follow these best practices:
Backup Before Updating
Always back up your server-data, resources, and server.cfg files before installing a new artifact. Store backups in a separate directory or cloud storage.
Test in a Staging Environment
If possible, replicate your server setup on a test instance and install the new artifact there first. Verify that all scripts, resources, and databases function correctly before deploying to production.
Check Compatibility Notes
Review the Cfx.re forums and changelog for each artifact release. Some builds may deprecate certain natives or require script updates.
Replace Binaries, Keep Config
When updating, only replace the executable files and runtime folders (e.g., FXServer.exe, citizen folder). Do not overwrite your server.cfg, resources, or custom files unless specifically instructed.
Verify After Update
After installation, monitor your server console closely. Look for deprecation warnings, errors, or performance anomalies. Test key gameplay features and resource functionality.
Nexus Games customers benefit from automated artifact updates through the Nexus Panel, which performs safe, incremental updates with automatic rollback capabilities in case of issues.
Troubleshooting Common Artifact Installation Issues
Even with careful installation, problems can arise. Here are solutions to frequent issues:
Server Fails to Start
If the server console crashes immediately, check for:
- Invalid or missing
sv_licenseKeyinserver.cfg - Corrupted artifact files—re-download and extract cleanly
- Port conflicts—ensure ports 30120 (TCP/UDP) are available and not blocked by firewall
Players Cannot Connect
Connection issues may stem from:
- Firewall rules blocking inbound traffic on server ports
- Incorrect
endpoint_add_tcpandendpoint_add_udpsettings - Outdated artifact incompatible with current FiveM client version
Scripts or Resources Not Loading
If resources fail to start, verify:
- Resource paths in
server.cfgare correct - Dependencies are installed (e.g.,
mysql-async,oxmysql) - Script compatibility with the installed artifact version
Performance Degradation
If the server lags or experiences frame drops after an artifact update, consider:
- Reviewing new optimizations or breaking changes in the changelog
- Disabling or updating resource-heavy scripts
- Upgrading server hardware—Nexus Games servers feature AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D CPUs with up to 128 GB DDR5 ECC RAM for unparalleled performance
Optimizing Your FiveM Server Post-Installation
Once your artifact is installed and verified, implement these optimizations to maximize server performance and player experience:
Enable OneSync
OneSync improves synchronization and increases player slots. Add to server.cfg:
onesync on
Tune Network Settings
Adjust rate limits and tick intervals for smoother gameplay:
sv_maxclients 48
sv_endpointprivacy true
set sv_enforceGameBuild 2699
Use Efficient Resource Management
Load only essential resources at startup. Use lazy-loading or conditional resource starts where possible. Monitor resource CPU/memory usage with built-in profiler:
profiler record 30
Leverage Professional Hosting Infrastructure
Self-hosted servers on home networks or low-tier VPS often suffer from inconsistent performance. Nexus Games FiveM hosting provides dedicated resources, NVMe SSD storage for instant map loads, and 24/7 expert support, ensuring your artifact runs at peak efficiency.
Choosing the Right Hosting Environment for Your Artifact
The hosting platform you choose directly impacts artifact performance, update frequency, and administrative ease. Consider these factors:
Dedicated Resources vs. Shared Hosting
Shared hosting can lead to CPU throttling and memory contention. Opt for dedicated game server hosting or VPS with guaranteed resources. Nexus Games offers both Windows VPS and Linux VPS options with full root access and pre-installed artifact management tools.
Managed vs. Unmanaged Solutions
Managed hosting simplifies artifact updates, backups, and troubleshooting. The Nexus Panel automates installation, allowing one-click artifact upgrades without SSH or command-line knowledge. Unmanaged VPS grants full control but requires technical expertise.
Network Quality and Latency
Low-latency, high-bandwidth connections are critical for FiveM servers. Nexus Games infrastructure features 1 Gbps network bandwidth and strategically located data centers, ensuring minimal ping for players worldwide.
Scalability and Flexibility
As your player base grows, you may need to increase RAM, CPU cores, or storage. Choose a host that offers seamless upgrades. Nexus Games plans scale from entry-level to enterprise configurations with up to 128 GB DDR5 ECC RAM and 32-thread processing power.
Conclusion: Mastering artifact installation is a fundamental skill for every FiveM server administrator. Whether you’re running a Windows or Linux environment, following the steps outlined in this guide—downloading the correct build, configuring server files, verifying functionality, and maintaining regular updates—will keep your server secure, stable, and feature-rich. By pairing proper artifact management with robust hosting infrastructure like Nexus Games’ Ryzen 9 7950X3D-powered servers and NVMe SSD storage, you’ll deliver an exceptional multiplayer experience that scales with your community’s growth.
FAQ
Can I install multiple FiveM artifacts on the same server?
Yes, but each artifact must reside in a separate directory with its own configuration files and server ports. This setup is useful for running test and production environments simultaneously, but requires careful resource management and port mapping to avoid conflicts.
What should I do if my artifact installation breaks existing scripts?
First, check the artifact changelog for breaking changes or deprecated natives. Update scripts to the latest versions compatible with the new build. If issues persist, roll back to the previous artifact by restoring your backup and report the issue on the Cfx.re forums with console logs.
How often should I update my FiveM artifact?
For production servers, update to new Recommended builds every 4-6 weeks, or immediately if a critical security patch is released. Always test updates in a staging environment first. Managed hosting solutions like Nexus Games automate this process with safe, incremental updates and rollback support.
