How to join a FiveM server
Join a FiveM server from the client with F8 connect IP:port, Direct Connect, or a cfx.re join link. On berrybyte, copy Overview → Server address. Players need a legal GTA V copy and the FiveM launcher.
FiveM players join with the FiveM launcher, not the Rockstar Games
launcher alone. They need a legitimate Grand Theft Auto V install, then
they connect by IP, Direct Connect, or a cfx.re/join/… link.
On berrybyte the address is Overview → Server address. Default game port is 30120.
Find the address
Open Overview
Log in to the dashboard and open the FiveM server.
Copy Server address
Copy Server address. It looks like 203.0.113.10:30120. You can
also open How to join beside it.
Confirm the process is up
Console or txAdmin should show FXServer running. A server that is still installing artifacts will reject connects.
Read the public IP and game port
Use the host panel, or your machine's public IP plus the port in
endpoint_add_tcp / endpoint_add_udp (usually 30120).
Prove it answers from outside
From a phone or a second network, open
http://YOUR_PUBLIC_IP:30120/info.json. JSON means the process is
reachable. A timeout is a closed port or a bind to localhost.
Connect from the FiveM client
Launch FiveM
Start the FiveM launcher. GTA V must already be installed and updated.
Open the client console
Press F8.
Run connect
Type connect and the address, then Enter:
connect 203.0.113.10:30120Use your real IP and port. A friend on another network is a cleaner
test than 127.0.0.1.
Open Direct Connect
In the FiveM client, open Direct Connect.
Paste the address
Enter the IP and port from Server address, then connect.
Get the join URL
Once Cfx.re lists the server, the client and
servers.fivem.net show a
cfx.re/join/… link. Owners can also share that link from txAdmin
after the first successful list.
Open it in FiveM
Clicking the link launches FiveM and connects. If the server is not
listed yet, use F8 connect instead.
The public list can take several minutes after a cold start. Direct connect does not wait for that heartbeat. If the list never shows the server, read Why isn't my FiveM server showing in the list.
If something fails
Connection timed out
The game port is closed or FXServer is down. Confirm the server is
running, then hit info.json from another network. On berrybyte the
port is already open.
Server is full
sv_maxclients is reached. Wait for a slot, or raise the cap on a plan
that allows it. Cfx.re also caps listable slots by Element Club tier.
Stuck on loading
Wait a few minutes on the first join while resources download. If it never finishes, a resource is erroring. Check txAdmin and Console, then try a smaller resource set.
Card / license errors on the client
The player needs a legitimate GTA V copy linked to the Rockstar account FiveM is using. A sideloaded game client will not join.
Staff joining for the first time should bookmark the F8 command. Players you invite only need the address or the join link.
Need a hand with txAdmin or artifacts? Work through Can't connect to a FiveM server in order, then open a support ticket from the server menu, or ask in Discord.
Frequently asked questions
How do I join a FiveM server by IP?
Open FiveM, press F8, and run connect IP:PORT using the address from the host panel. On berrybyte that is Overview → Server address, usually port 30120. Direct Connect in the client does the same thing with a form.
Do players need GTA V to join FiveM?
Yes. FiveM is a multiplayer modification. Every player needs a legitimate Grand Theft Auto V install plus the FiveM launcher from fivem.net.
Why is my FiveM server missing from the server list?
Direct connect still works while the public list catches up. Listing needs a reachable info.json on the game port, a Portal license key, and sv_master1 left commented. See the FiveM list troubleshooting post for the full checklist.
Why does FiveM sit on loading after connect?
The client is downloading resources (maps, scripts, MLOs). A busy city can take a few minutes on the first join. A hang that never finishes is usually a resource error or an artifacts mismatch. Check txAdmin and Console.
What port does FiveM use?
30120 TCP and UDP is the default game port. berrybyte opens it for you. Self-hosted servers must forward that same port and bind endpoints to 0.0.0.0, not localhost.