> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.wasabihosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Join a FiveM Server - Connect to Your GTA V Server

> Install the FiveM client and connect to your FiveM server hosting at Wasabi Hosting via the server list, direct connect, or cfx.re join links.

Once your FiveM server at Wasabi Hosting is online, connecting takes less than a minute. This guide covers installing the FiveM client and the three ways to join a server: the in-game server list, direct connect, and cfx.re join links.

## Install the FiveM Client

<Steps>
  <Step title="Own a legal copy of GTA V">
    FiveM requires a legitimate copy of **Grand Theft Auto V** purchased through Steam, the Rockstar Games Launcher, or the Epic Games Store. Make sure the game is installed and has been launched at least once.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download FiveM">
    Get the client from the official site: [https://fivem.net](https://fivem.net). Only download FiveM from this domain — third-party mirrors are a common source of malware.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run the installer">
    Run the downloaded file. FiveM installs into its own folder and keeps separate game files — it does **not** modify your GTA V installation or affect GTA: Online.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Launch and sign in">
    Start FiveM and sign in with (or create) a free **Cfx.re account**. Many servers use this account as one of your player identifiers.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Find Your Server Address

Your server's IP address and port are shown in the [Wasabi Hosting Game Panel](https://panel.wasabihosting.com) on your server's overview page. FiveM servers use port **30120** by default, so your address looks like `203.0.113.10:30120`.

## Ways to Connect

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Server List">
    1. Launch FiveM and click **Play**, then browse or search the server list.
    2. Type your server's name (the `sv_hostname` from your config) into the search bar.
    3. Click the server to connect.

    <Note>
      New servers can take a few minutes to appear in the list after their first start, and only show up with a valid Cfx.re license key set. Use direct connect in the meantime.
    </Note>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Direct Connect">
    The fastest and most reliable method:

    1. Launch FiveM and press **F8** to open the console (works in the main menu and in-game).
    2. Type the connect command and press Enter:

    ```
    connect 203.0.113.10:30120
    ```

    You can also use the **Direct Connect** option at the bottom of the server list and paste the same `IP:port`.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="cfx.re Join Link">
    Every listed server gets a short join link like `cfx.re/join/abc123`. You can:

    * Paste it into the F8 console: `connect cfx.re/join/abc123`
    * Open it in a web browser, which launches FiveM and connects automatically.

    Join links are ideal for sharing in Discord because they keep working even if your server's IP changes.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Add Your Server to Favorites

In the server list, hover over your server and click the **star icon** to add it to your **Favorites** tab. Combined with the **History** tab, this makes reconnecting after restarts effortless — no need to remember the IP.

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Server doesn't show in the server list">
    * Fresh servers take several minutes after startup to be indexed in the public list.
    * The list requires a valid `sv_licenseKey` from the [Keymaster](https://keymaster.fivem.net) — check the [server.cfg guide](/games/fivem/server-cfg).
    * Check the console in the Game Panel for errors during startup.
    * Direct connect with `connect IP:30120` always works, even before the server is listed.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Game build mismatch error">
    If the server sets `sv_enforceGameBuild` (for newer DLC content), your FiveM client switches to that build when connecting — this can trigger a short download or a client restart. If the connection fails:

    * Make sure your FiveM client is fully updated (restart the client to pull updates).
    * Verify your GTA V installation is up to date in Steam/Rockstar/Epic.
    * Ask the server owner which build is enforced; very new builds may require the FiveM "beta"/latest update channel in FiveM settings.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Connection failed or timed out">
    * Confirm the server shows as **Online** in the Game Panel and the console has finished loading all resources.
    * Double-check the IP and port — the default is `30120` unless you changed it.
    * Make sure no rule in the [Firewall Manager](/firewall-manager) is blocking your connection.
    * Try `quit` in the F8 console and restart FiveM to clear a stuck session.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Stuck on infinite loading screen">
    Long load times are usually server-side: a resource failing to start or a heavy loading screen resource. Check the live console in the Game Panel for red error lines, and see [Install Resources](/games/fivem/install-resources) for how to spot a broken resource.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

Now that you can connect, set up your management dashboard and permissions:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="txAdmin Setup" icon="gauge" href="/games/fivem/txadmin-setup">
    Deploy a framework and manage your server from the web.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Add Admins" icon="user-shield" href="/games/fivem/add-admins">
    Give yourself and your staff admin permissions.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Card title="Need a FiveM server?" icon="rocket" href="https://wasabihosting.com/game-servers/fivem">
  Get FiveM server hosting from **€4.80/month** at Wasabi Hosting — deployed in about 2 minutes with DDoS protection included.
</Card>