How to Set Up a RedM Server: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

RedM is the Red Dead Redemption 2 equivalent of FiveM — a modification framework built by the CitizenFX Collective that allows private, custom multiplayer servers in the world of RDR2. If you have ever wanted to run a Western roleplay community, a frontier survival server, or any kind of custom RDR2 multiplayer experience, RedM is how you do it. This guide covers a complete server setup from scratch.

What Makes RedM Different from FiveM?

RedM uses the same underlying CitizenFX technology as FiveM, so many concepts transfer directly. However, there are important differences:

• You need Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC instead of GTA V
• The scripting language is the same (Lua, JavaScript) but the native API is completely different
• FiveM scripts do not work on RedM without being rewritten for RDR2 natives
• The framework ecosystem is smaller but growing — VORP Core is the dominant framework
• The community is more focused on immersive, slow-paced Western roleplay

If you want a quieter, more atmospheric roleplay community with a dedicated playerbase, RedM is an excellent choice.

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What You Need Before Starting

• A legitimate, purchased copy of Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC (Rockstar Launcher or Steam)
• A VPS or dedicated server — same specs as FiveM, 4+ cores, 8GB+ RAM recommended
• A Cfx.re account — the same account you would use for FiveM
• MySQL installed and a database created
• Git on your server for downloading resources

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Step 1: Download RedM Server Artifacts

RedM server artifacts are separate from FiveM's and must be downloaded from a different location. Go to artifacts.fivem.net/server/ and select the RedM / rdr3 artifacts for your operating system (Windows or Linux).

Create a folder for your RedM server:

C:/RedMServer/server/        ← extract artifacts here
C:/RedMServer/server-data/   ← your config and resources

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Step 2: Get a License Key

RedM uses the exact same keymaster system as FiveM:

1. Go to keymaster.fivem.net
2. Sign in with your Cfx.re account
3. Click New Server
4. Select RedM as the server type
5. Copy the license key

Add it to your server.cfg:

sv_licenseKey "YOUR_REDM_LICENSE_KEY"

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Step 3: Create Your server.cfg

Create server.cfg in your server-data/ folder:

sv_hostname "My RedM Western RP Server"
sv_maxclients 32
sv_licenseKey "YOUR_LICENSE_KEY"

sets tags "redm, roleplay, western, vorp"
sets locale "en-US"

set oxmysql_connection_string "mysql://root:password@localhost/redm_db?charset=utf8mb4"

ensure oxmysql
ensure mapmanager
ensure chat

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Step 4: Set Up Your Database

Create a dedicated database for your RedM server:

CREATE DATABASE redm_server
  CHARACTER SET utf8mb4
  COLLATE utf8mb4_unicode_ci;

Install oxmysql the same way as for a FiveM server — it is the same resource and works for both platforms:

git clone https://github.com/overextended/oxmysql resources/[ox]/oxmysql

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Step 5: Install VORP Core

VORP Core (Vorp Framework) is the most widely used and actively maintained RedM framework in 2025. The majority of available RedM scripts target VORP Core.

Download resources from the VORP-Framework GitHub organization:

git clone https://github.com/VORPCORE/vorp_core resources/[vorp]/vorp_core
git clone https://github.com/VORPCORE/vorp_inventory-lua resources/[vorp]/vorp_inventory
git clone https://github.com/VORPCORE/vorp_character resources/[vorp]/vorp_character

Import the VORP Core SQL file:

mysql -u root -p redm_server < resources/[vorp]/vorp_core/sql/vorp.sql

Add all VORP resources to server.cfg:

ensure oxmysql

ensure vorp_core

ensure vorp_inventory
ensure vorp_character

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Step 6: Install Essential RedM Resources

With VORP Core running, install these foundational scripts one at a time:

vorp_horse — horse ownership and management. Horses are the primary vehicle equivalent in RDR2 and are essential for any serious RedM server.

vorp_stables — stable locations where players can store, access, and manage their horses.

vorp_basicneeds — hunger and thirst system. Important for survival RP.

vorp_crafting — crafting system for making items from raw materials. Common in Western RP for ammunition, food, and equipment.

For each resource, follow the same process: clone it, import its SQL file if it has one, and add it to server.cfg below vorp_core.

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Step 7: Configure Your Load Order

A complete basic VORP server server.cfg resource section:

# Core infrastructure
ensure oxmysql

# Framework
ensure vorp_core

# Character and inventory
ensure vorp_character
ensure vorp_inventory

# World systems
ensure vorp_horse
ensure vorp_stables
ensure vorp_basicneeds

# Your custom scripts
ensure your-job-script
ensure your-economy-script

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Step 8: Write a RedM fxmanifest.lua

RedM resources use the same fxmanifest.lua format as FiveM, but with a different game identifier:

fx_version 'cerulean'
game 'rdr3'              -- rdr3 for RedM, not gta5

description 'My RedM Script'
version '1.0.0'

client_scripts { 'client.lua' }
server_scripts { 'server.lua' }
shared_scripts { 'config.lua' }

This is the most important difference to remember when writing or installing RedM scripts — always use game 'rdr3'.

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Step 9: Set Up txAdmin

txAdmin works with RedM exactly the same as with FiveM. Run the RedM server binary, navigate to http://localhost:40120, and follow the setup wizard. Point it at your server-data/ folder.

Configure scheduled restarts, set up your admin accounts, and connect a Discord webhook for notifications.

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RedM vs FiveM: Key Technical Differences

| Aspect | FiveM (GTA V) | RedM (RDR2) | |---|---|---| | Game in fxmanifest | gta5 | rdr3 | | Primary framework | QBCore or ESX | VORP Core | | Player model | MP Freemode | RDR2 human model | | Vehicles | Cars, bikes, planes | Horses, wagons, boats | | Script compatibility | Vast ecosystem | Smaller but growing | | Community focus | City RP, racing, variety | Western/frontier RP |

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Browse RedM-compatible scripts, horses, and custom content at modforge.xyz.