Quick answer: For new FiveM RP servers in 2026, QBCore is the most popular choice. ESX suits legacy setups. OX is a modern library layer, not a standalone framework.
This overview helps you choose the right framework for your FiveM server. The framework is the foundation of your server – all scripts build on it.
Note: Detailed installation guides can be found in the left navigation.
The most important frameworks compared
| Feature | ESX Legacy | QBCore | OX Core |
|---|---|---|---|
| Development status | Barely developed further | Active, large community | New, modern |
| Performance | Worse (many callbacks) | Better than ESX | Significantly better |
| Available scripts | Very many (oldest framework) | Many, growing | Fewer, but compatible with many ESX/QB scripts |
| Database | MySQL (oxmysql recommended) | MySQL (oxmysql recommended) | MySQL (oxmysql integrated) |
| Learning curve | Easy, many tutorials | Medium | Slightly steeper, but better documentation |
| Recommended for | Servers with many older scripts | Most RP servers | New servers that value performance |
ESX Legacy
The oldest and most well-known framework. ESX has the most available scripts and countless tutorials. However, performance on full servers is worse than with more modern frameworks. ESX uses many callbacks, which becomes noticeable with 64+ players.
Choose ESX if:
- You're building a server with many older, proven scripts
- You need many tutorials and community help
QBCore
The modern standard. QBCore is more performant than ESX, has a large community and constantly new scripts. Most new RP servers use QBCore.
Choose QBCore if:
- You're starting a new server
- You want good performance with many players
- You need access to current scripts
OX Core (Overextended)
The newest framework, developed by the team behind oxmysql and ox_inventory. OX Core is extremely performant and uses modern Lua features. Many ESX and QBCore scripts are compatible or can be easily adapted.
Choose OX Core if:
- You're building a completely new server
- Performance is your highest priority
- You're willing to learn a newer system
Recommendation
For most new servers we recommend QBCore – it offers the best balance of performance, available scripts and community support. If you want maximum performance and are willing to invest time learning, OX Core is the more future-proof choice.
Detailed installation guides for each framework can be found in the articles in the left navigation.