FiveM Server Optimization

FiveM performance issues usually come from three places: (1) CPU-heavy resources, (2) entity/streaming overload, and (3) unstable networking or hitches. The fastest path to smooth gameplay is measuring, fixing the worst offenders and repeating.

1) What “lag” means in FiveM

Players call all sorts of issues “lag,” but there are different root causes:

• Thread hitch warnings: thread loop delays, causing lag and timeouts when severe.
• High script CPU: resources consuming too much CPU time.
• Entity overload: too many peds/vehicles/objects or frequent entity updates.
• Network issues: packet loss, poor routing, or overloaded bandwidth.
• Client FPS drops: huge MLOs (multi level objects), unoptimized maps, or heavy textures/models.

2) Key metrics to watch

Track these consistently so you know what actually improved:

Quick operational checklist

• Measure at low load and peak load (results differ).
• Change one thing at a time; keep notes.
• Re-test after each resource update or big content drop.

3) Quick wins (5–10 minutes)

If you only have a few minutes, do these steps first. They don’t require rewriting your framework - they just make it easier to see what’s causing hitches and rule out common issues.

# server.cfg (example)
# Choose a hitch threshold that matches your tolerance (lower = more sensitive).
# Then watch logs/console during peak and fix the offenders.
set sv_mainThreadHitchWarning "350"

4) Resource optimization (biggest wins)

Resources are the #1 cause of server hitches. Fixing a single bad loop can outperform any hardware upgrade.

Audit your worst offenders

• Identify scripts that run every tick unnecessarily.
• Reduce polling: replace tight loops with events/callbacks where possible.
• Batch work: do less per tick, spread heavy operations over time.
• Cache database results and avoid repeating the same queries.

Database and I/O hygiene

• Index SQL relational database table columns used for frequent lookups (inventory, users, vehicles, properties) to avoid full table scans.
• Prefer prepared statements and pooled connections.
• Avoid writing to DB every small state change; batch or debounce updates.

Reduce server-side work per player

• Scope proximity checks: grid/zone-based checks instead of scanning all players.
• Limit expensive “global” operations (e.g., iterating all vehicles every tick).
• Use state bags / shared state carefully - don’t spam updates.

5) Caching FiveM client assets (skins, NUI, and resources)

When people talk about “caching” in FiveM, they’re usually referring to client asset caching - not gameplay traffic. This applies to downloadable files like skins, clothing, vehicle textures, maps, and NUI assets that players have to download when joining your server.

To achieve this, players download the assets from a caching reverse proxy such as an Nginx web server or CDN service instead of fetching them directly from the server. Our FiveM DDoS Protection service includes a download cache as standard with all plans.

What assets can be cached?

• Clothing and ped textures (EUP, custom skins, uniforms).
• Vehicle models and textures.
• MLO and map assets.
• NUI assets (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images).
• Other static resource files required on join.

Why asset caching helps

• Faster first-time joins for new players.
• More reliable downloads for large asset packs.
• Less bandwidth pressure on your game server.
• Better performance during peak join waves.

Best practices for FiveM asset caching

• Use proper cache headers for static assets.
• Version assets when updating (avoid breaking player caches).
• Compress text-based files (JS, CSS, JSON, SVG).
• Host large asset sets separately from core server logic.
• Use geographically distributed delivery if your player base is global.

6) server.cfg best practices

Your server.cfg should be clean, consistent, and built for stability. Treat it like production infrastructure.

Operational best practices

• Keep artifacts updated (but don’t update blindly - test on staging first).
• Remove unused resources and old dependencies.
• Organize resources by category and load order.
• Separate secrets (keys) from the public config where possible.

# Example: tidy load order (conceptual)
ensure core
ensure chat
ensure framework
ensure database
ensure jobs
ensure housing
ensure vehicles
ensure ui
ensure maps
ensure standalone

7) OneSync & entity streaming

High player counts and busy city areas can overload entity updates. The fix is usually controlling how many entities exist and how often they change.

Entity discipline

• Delete unused entities (abandoned vehicles, props left behind).
• Limit AI density and scripted pedestrians.
• Avoid spawning large object sets for every player.
• Prefer instanced interiors or limited-access zones for heavy scenes.

Streaming hot zones

If a single location always lags (e.g., Legion Square during events), treat it as a performance budget problem: reduce props, cut AI, simplify MLOs, and avoid scripts that tick faster in that area.

8) Network & routing tweaks

Network issues can look like server lag. The goal is stable routing, low packet loss, and enough headroom.

What to do

• Host close to your player base region (latency matters).
• Use a quality network provider and monitor ICMP packet loss at the network level.
• Keep bandwidth headroom for peak times (events, updates, big joins).
• Use FiveM DDoS protection that doesn’t introduce unstable latency spikes.

9) Client assets, loading, and FPS

Even if your server is perfect, heavy client assets can tank FPS and feel like lag. Optimize what players stream and render.

Asset optimization tips

• Compress textures and avoid excessively high resolutions for small objects.
• Reduce draw calls by simplifying overly complex props.
• Prefer fewer, optimized MLOs over many unoptimized ones.
• Audit NUI (UI) assets: optimize images, avoid excessive JS loops.

10) How to use the FiveM resource profiler

The fastest way to eliminate hitches is to identify which resource is consuming the most CPU time. Profiling turns “it feels laggy” into a ranked list of problems you can fix.

The FiveM profiler is a powerful tool to help you identify problematic resources or scripts.

Step 1: Establish a baseline at peak

• Profile during your busiest hours (or reproduce load with staff testing).
• Write down your current “feel”: rubber-banding? delayed events? only in specific zones?
• Note player count and what major activities were happening (jobs, heists, events, etc.).

Step 2: Find the top CPU resources

Look for resources that consistently sit at the top or spike during lag reports. Fix those first before touching anything else.

Step 3: Optimize with a “one change” workflow

• Make one change (e.g., reduce a loop frequency, add caching, debounce DB writes).
• Restart, re-test under similar conditions, and compare results.
• Keep a simple changelog so you can revert quickly if needed.

Common fixes that move the needle

• Replace tight server loops with events/callbacks.
• Reduce frequency of proximity checks (use zones/grids, not global scans).
• Cache expensive computations and DB reads.
• Batch updates instead of writing every small state change.

11) Monitoring & maintenance routine

Optimization is a process. A stable routine beats “random tuning” every time.

12) Hosting & Server specs

Optimization fixes what you control (scripts, entities, assets). Hardware, network and I/O performance determine your performance ceiling. A faster or larger CPU won’t fix inefficient code, but it does give you more headroom at peak if the issue isn't an infinite loop (which will always consume all available CPU time, perhaps on a single thread).

FAQ