Framework Setup Guide
The three main FiveM frameworks compared. This guide helps you pick the right one and install it correctly.
1.ESX (ExtendedMode)
ESX is the original and most widely-used FiveM framework. It has the largest ecosystem of free scripts and the most community tutorials.
- Largest script ecosystem (90%+ of free scripts support ESX)
- Most tutorials and documentation available
- Heavier on server resources compared to QB/QBox
- Best for: servers wanting maximum free script compatibility
- Learning curve: moderate (good documentation but older code patterns)
# ESX Installation
cd resources
git clone https://github.com/esx-framework/esx_core [esx]
git clone https://github.com/esx-framework/es_extended [esx]/es_extended
# Import database
mysql -u fivem -p fivem < [esx]/es_extended/sql/legacy.sql2.QBCore
QBCore is a modern framework focused on clean architecture and performance. Most new paid scripts target QBCore.
- Modern codebase with better performance than ESX
- Growing ecosystem (most new premium scripts support QB)
- Better organized file structure and API
- Best for: new servers that want modern patterns
- Learning curve: moderate (active Discord community for help)
# QBCore Installation (recommended: use txAdmin recipe)
# In txAdmin setup wizard, select "QBCore Framework" template
# This installs everything automatically including dependencies
# Manual installation:
cd resources
git clone https://github.com/qbcore-framework/qb-core [qb]
# Follow qbcore-framework GitHub README for full dependency list3.QBox
QBox is a community-maintained fork of QBCore with bug fixes, performance improvements, and better code quality.
- Compatible with most QBCore scripts (drop-in replacement)
- Faster bug fixes and more active maintenance
- Better code quality and type safety
- Best for: developers who want QB ecosystem with improvements
- Learning curve: same as QBCore (identical API surface)
If you're choosing between QBCore and QBox, go with QBox. It's the same API with fewer bugs.
4.Which Should You Choose?
- Want maximum free scripts and tutorials? โ ESX
- Want modern code + growing paid ecosystem? โ QBCore
- Want best code quality + QB compatibility? โ QBox
- Building your first ever server? โ QBCore (best balance of ecosystem + code quality)
- Planning to develop custom scripts? โ QBox (cleanest codebase to learn from)
Pick one framework and commit to it. Switching frameworks after launch means rebuilding your entire server from scratch.
Framework Selected
You've chosen your framework. Now install it using the steps above and move on to setting up your essential scripts.