FiveM Scripts Explained: Types, ESX vs QBCore vs Standalone, and How to Choose
A plain-language guide to FiveM scripts: the main categories (HUD, jobs, casino, anti-cheat, map cleanup), framework differences, and a checklist for picking scripts that won't lag your server.
Opening a FiveM server or filling out your city? The first question is usually "what exactly is a FiveM script, and which kind do I need?" This guide covers the basics and ends with a checklist you can use before buying.
What a FiveM script is
A script (a resource) is a bundle of Lua/JavaScript placed in the server's resources/ folder and started with ensure <name> in server.cfg. It adds a system to your city: a HUD, jobs, shops, minigames, or anti-cheat.
Most scripts have three parts:
- client — runs on the player's machine (UI, animations, key binds)
- server — runs on the server (charges money, stores data, decides outcomes)
- shared/config — the settings you edit
The important bit: anything involving money or rewards must be decided on the server. Otherwise players can edit client values and cheat.
Script types most servers need
| Type | What it does | Example |
|---|---|---|
| HUD / UI | Notifications, progress bars, loading screen | X3D Notify, X3D Progress Bar, X3D Loading Screen (free) |
| Jobs | Police, EMS, mechanic, delivery | Job systems, paychecks |
| Banking / economy | Bank and every ATM, transfers by phone number, history, server-checked | X3D Banking (free) |
| Entertainment | YouTube boombox that mounts on cars; fortune teller with siamsi and tarot | X3D Music, X3D Fortune (free) |
| Phone / EMS | Calls, SMS, dispatch to medics, banking, camera, Buzz; death screen with Call EMS | X3D Phone, X3D Respawn (free) |
| Gangs / crime | Sell drugs to rotating buyers, rob houses, crack safes | X3D Sell Drug, X3D House Robbery (free) |
| Minigames (export) | WASD lockpick, A/D safe dial, callable from any script | X3D Lockpick, X3D Safe Cracking (free) |
| Casino / minigames | A money sink for the city economy | X3D Slots 1024 Ways |
| Anti-cheat | Detects, records evidence, bans | X3D Anti-Cheat |
| Replay / evidence | Records every player automatically; admins watch it back in game to settle reports and catch macros (BETA) | X3D Replay |
| Map cleanup / optimization | Disables NPCs, AI traffic, blood decals; boosts FPS | X3D Environment (free) |
| Gameplay | Carry players, shooter-style slide | X3D Carry, X3D Slide (free) |
| Usable items | Meds, AED, repair kits, ammo, loot boxes, buff food, armor, helmet; server-checked | X3D Use Item (free) |
| Server utilities | Offline mailbox — deliver items/money to players who are not online, plus redeem codes | X3D Mailbox (free) |
| Player retention | Daily check-in with streaks and an editable reward table | X3D Daily Login (free) |
| Main menu | System cards, announcements, timed events, city guide, player settings | X3D Main Menu (free) |
| Character customization | 77-slot editor with orbiting camera and poses; barbers and clothing shops can open it; no skinchanger | X3D Character Skin (free) |
| Core / framework | A faster es_extended that stops save corruption on crash and locks the economy before restarts; drop-in | ESX Legacy Core — X3D Build (free) |
Browse everything by type on the categories page.
ESX vs QBCore vs Standalone
- ESX — the most common framework on Thai servers; ships money, jobs and inventory
- QBCore — popular on international RP servers
- Standalone — framework-agnostic, works on any server
Check the tags before you buy. Every X3D script supports ESX and Standalone.
Checklist for choosing a FiveM script
- Supports your framework (ESX / QBCore / Standalone)
- Server-side logic for anything touching money
- Editable config file, no core edits required
- Versioned and updated, not a dead file
- Server-bound license — a sign it's legitimate (see how to check a script is safe)
- Try before you buy — the only way to know it fits your server
Not sure which store to trust? Read where to buy FiveM scripts safely, with a 9-point checklist, or browse every script at the X3D FiveM script store.
Try it first
Every X3D script comes with a free 7-day trial. Log in with Discord, set up your server profile once, and get a trial key instantly. Read how the 7-day free trial works or browse all scripts.