How to Move a FiveM Server to a New Host
Moving a FiveM roleplay server to a new host means carrying three things: your resources, your server.cfg, and — crucially — your MySQL database. This guide covers migrating without losing characters, jobs or economy, and getting a faster core if lag drove the switch.
A FiveM server has three parts to move: the resources folder (your scripts and framework), server.cfg, and the MySQL/MariaDB database that holds characters, the economy and inventories. Miss the database and you keep the map but lose all player progress — so it's the part to get right. Match the FXServer artifacts version, sort the Cfx key, and your RP carries over.
Below is the process. Moving to us? Our FiveM hosting ships txAdmin and a database with a fast dedicated core — the usual reason RP servers leave a laggy host.
What you'll need
A quick checklist before you begin — have these ready and the rest is easy.
- Access to the old server's files and database (SFTP + phpMyAdmin/mysqldump).
- A backup: resources/ folder, server.cfg, and the database .sql.
- The same FXServer artifacts version on the new host.
- A Cfx.re key valid for the new server.
- A fast dedicated core on the new host (FiveM is single-thread bound).
Migrate your FiveM server, step by step
Export the database first
The database is the one thing you can't rebuild. Export it (mysqldump or phpMyAdmin) from the old host — it holds characters, money, jobs, inventories and everything ESX/QBCore stores. This is the most important step.
mysqldump -u user -p your_db > backup.sql
Back up resources & server.cfg
Stop the server, then download the whole resources/ folder (your scripts and framework) and your server.cfg. Note your FXServer artifacts version so you can match it.
resources/ server.cfg (+ artifacts version)
Set up the new host & import the database
On the new host, create a MySQL/MariaDB database and import your .sql into it. Match the FXServer artifacts version. Then upload your resources/ folder and server.cfg over the defaults.
mysql -u user -p new_db < backup.sql
Update connection details & the Cfx key
In server.cfg, update the mysql_connection_string to the new database, and set your sv_licenseKey — you may need a fresh Cfx.re key tied to the new server (generate one in the Cfx portal). Update any hard-coded IPs in configs.
set mysql_connection_string "...new host..." sv_licenseKey "your-new-cfx-key"
Update the connect address
Share the new server's connect address (IP:port or your cfx.re/join link) with your community, and update your Discord/website. If you use a domain, repoint it.
Test, then cancel the old host
Start via txAdmin, watch the console for resource errors, log in and confirm characters, money and jobs load from the database. Have players test. Only cancel the old host once confirmed — keep the database export safe.
Keep the RP, lose the lag
The database is everything
Characters, money, jobs and inventory all live in MySQL. Export it first and verify the import — miss it and you lose all player progress.
Match the artifacts version
Resources can break on a different FXServer artifacts build. Match the version you were on, then update deliberately once it's stable.
Sort the Cfx key
Your sv_licenseKey may be tied to the old server. Generate a key for the new server in the Cfx.re portal so it lists and starts.
Switching for a faster core?
RP servers usually move because of frame-time lag. Make sure the new host gives a fast dedicated core — FiveM is single-thread bound.
Common problems & fixes
Hit a snag? These are the issues people run into most — and how to solve them.
Players lost all their progress after the move
The database wasn't migrated (or the connection string still points at the old one). Import the .sql on the new host and set mysql_connection_string to it.
Resources throw errors on the new host
Artifacts version mismatch. Match the FXServer build you were on, then update deliberately later.
The server won't list or start
The Cfx sv_licenseKey is invalid for the new server. Generate a new key in the Cfx.re portal and set it in server.cfg.
It's still laggy after moving
FiveM is single-thread bound — the new plan needs a fast dedicated core. Confirm that, and trim heavy scripts. See our FiveM cost guide.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Moving your FiveM server to us? Our FiveM hosting ships txAdmin and a database on a fast dedicated core with DDoS protection — and our support helps you migrate the resources and database.
Frequently asked questions
How do I move a FiveM server without losing characters?
Export the MySQL/MariaDB database first (mysqldump or phpMyAdmin) — it holds characters, money, jobs and inventories. Copy your resources/ folder and server.cfg, import the database on the new host, update the connection string and Cfx key, and test. The database is the part that must transfer.
What do I need to back up to migrate a FiveM server?
Three things: the resources/ folder (scripts and framework), server.cfg, and — most importantly — the MySQL database. Also note your FXServer artifacts version so you can match it on the new host.
Do I need a new Cfx key when I move FiveM hosts?
Often yes — sv_licenseKey can be tied to the server. Generate a key for the new server in the Cfx.re portal and set it in server.cfg, or the server won't list or start.
Why did my FiveM resources break after migrating?
Usually a different FXServer artifacts version, or the mysql_connection_string still points at the old database. Match the artifacts version and update the connection string to the new database.
How do I move the FiveM database to a new host?
Export it with mysqldump (or phpMyAdmin) on the old host, create a database on the new host, and import the .sql into it. Then update mysql_connection_string in server.cfg to the new credentials.
Will my players lose progress when I switch FiveM hosts?
Not if you migrate the database — all character, money and job data lives there. Miss the database and you keep the scripts but reset every player, so exporting and importing it is the critical step.
Keep reading
FiveM is operated by Cfx.re, a Rockstar Games company. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Cfx.re or Rockstar.
