Beginner’s Guide to FiveM Scripting: Step-by-Step Tutorial

FiveM is a modified multiplayer platform for Grand Theft Auto V that allows players to create and customize their own multiplayer servers. One of the most exciting aspects of this platform is scripting, which lets developers create custom player experiences. If you’re a beginner looking to dive into FiveM scripting, this guide will help you get started step-by-step.

What is FiveM Scripting?

FiveM scripting involves writing code to create and customize functionalities and features for GTA V multiplayer servers. With scripting, you can develop anything from simple game mechanics to complex mini-games and user interfaces.

Getting Started: Basic Steps

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

• A legal copy of Grand Theft Auto V
• Basic programming knowledge (preferably in Lua, JavaScript, or C#)
• A text editor (e.g., Visual Studio Code)

Installing FiveM

1. Download FiveM: Visit the official FiveM website and download the client.
2. Installation: Follow the instructions on the website to install the FiveM client.
3. Server Setup: Set up a local server by following the instructions in the FiveM server documentation.

Writing Your First Script

Choosing a Programming Language

For FiveM scripting, you can use Lua, JavaScript (via Node.js), or C#. Lua is a popular choice for beginners due to its simplicity and the extensive support from the FiveM community.

Creating Your First Lua Script

1. Folder Structure:
   Create a new folder in your resources directory on your server. Name it my_first_script.
2. fxmanifest File:
   Create a file named fxmanifest.lua in your my_first_script folder. This file tells FiveM that it should load this resource.

   fx_version 'cerulean'
   game 'gta5'

   author 'YourName'
   description 'My First Script'
   version '1.0.0'

   client_script 'client.lua'

3. Client Script:
   Create a file named client.lua and add a simple script:

   RegisterCommand('hello', function()
       local playerPed = PlayerPedId()
       local playerCoords = GetEntityCoords(playerPed)
       print('Hello, World!')
       print('Player Coordinates:', playerCoords)
   end, false)

This script registers a new command /hello that prints the player’s coordinates to the console.

4. Server Configuration:
   Open your server.cfg file and add start my_first_script to start your script when the server runs.
5. Starting the Server:
   Start your FiveM server and connect to it. Enter /hello in the chat to see your script in action.

Useful Resources and Tools

Documentation

• FiveM Lua Reference
• FiveM Native Reference

Tools

• Visual Studio Code: A powerful, free code editor.
• Lua Language Server: A plugin for Visual Studio Code that provides syntax highlighting and autocompletion for Lua.

Best Practices for Beginners

• Comment Your Code: This helps you and others understand your code more easily.
• Test Regularly: Test your scripts frequently on a local server to ensure they work as expected.
• Keep It Simple: Start with simple projects and gradually move to more complex scripts.
• Engage with the Community: The FiveM community is active and helpful. Use forums and Discord servers to get help and feedback.

Conclusion

Getting started with FiveM scripting can be challenging, but with the right resources and a step-by-step approach, you can quickly make progress. This guide provides the basics to help you create your first scripts and develop your skills further. Happy scripting!

By following this guide, you should have a good foundation to start your journey in FiveM scripting. Remember to leverage community resources and keep experimenting with new ideas. The possibilities are endless in the world of FiveM!

If you need further help join our discord and get support from our community or our team with experience since 2019.

Good luck with your first FiveM Script!