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

# How to Install Mods on Your FiveM Server

> A complete guide for deploying vehicles, scripts, and maps. Learn the professional technical workflow for FiveM resource management.

## The Modding Blueprint

In the FiveM ecosystem, every modification - whether it is a complex economy system, a tactical script, or a high-fidelity vehicle pack - is categorized as a **Resource**. To maintain a stable and performant environment for your community, you must adhere to a standardized technical workflow: Research, Transfer, and Activation. This guide walk you through the professional deployment of community-made assets on your FREAKHOSTING instance.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Difficulty" icon="gauge-low">
    Beginner
  </Card>

  <Card title="Time" icon="clock">
    12 Minutes
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Step 1: Strategic Content Acquisition

To safeguard your server against "Global Bans" or malware-infected scripts, we strongly recommend exclusively using reputable community repositories.

* **[Cfx.re Forums](https://forum.cfx.re/):** The primary official source for verified releases and framework updates.
* **[GTA5-Mods.com](https://www.gta5-mods.com/):** A vast library of vehicle models and map assets (require manual resource conversion).
* **[LCPDFR.com](https://www.lcpdfr.com/):** The definitive destination for law enforcement and emergency service themed modifications.

***

## Step 2: Technical Asset Transfer (SFTP)

While our web-based File Manager is optimized for rapid configuration edits, we highly recommend using a dedicated SFTP client (such as **FileZilla** or **WinSCP**) for transferring large assets or entire modpacks.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Establish Connection">
    Retrieve your SFTP credentials from the **Settings** tab in your Game Panel and connect via your preferred client.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Initialize Directory">
    Navigate to the `/resources/` directory. This is the only folder where the engine will monitor for modded logic.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Deploy Unzipped Folders">
    Upload your extracted resource folders directly. Ensure that each folder contains a valid `fxmanifest.lua` file in its root directory.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Step 3: Engine Activation Protocol

Simply uploading the files does not initialize them. You must explicitly instruct the CitizenFX engine to "ensure" the resources are active during the boot sequence.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Modify server.cfg">
    Open your `server.cfg` file using the integrated editor.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Execute Ensure">
    Add the `ensure` command followed by the exact folder name of your mod.

    * *Example:* `ensure freak_script`
  </Step>

  <Step title="Finalize and Restart">
    Save the configuration and **Restart** your server.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  ### Tactical Logic: Ensure vs. Start

  We recommend exclusively using the `ensure` command. Unlike the legacy `start` command, `ensure` performs an internal validation check. If the resource is already initialized, it will not attempt a dual-load, effectively preventing redundant execution and silent logic errors.
</Tip>

***

## Troubleshooting & Verification

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Resolving Initialization Failures">
    If a script fails to load, verify that the `fxmanifest.lua` is present. Modern FiveM resources **must** use `fxmanifest.lua`; older scripts using `__resource.lua` are considered deprecated and may trigger stability issues.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Handling Desynced Assets">
    If your custom vehicles or maps are invisible to players, verify your [Patreon License Key](/games/fivem/how-to-change-server-license-key-on-your-fivem-server) status. Most asset-streaming features require an Argentum-tier membership or higher.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

<Note>
  ### Need Extra Help?

  If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

  * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
  * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
  * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
  * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)
</Note>

<Tip>
  ### Save on Your Hosting

  Ready to get a new server? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first month!
</Tip>

***

<div align="center">
  **Last Updated:** January 2026 | **FiveM:** Environment ready.
</div>