How To Create A RedM Server

RedM is the multiplayer modification for Red Dead Redemption 2, made by the same team that builds FiveM. It lets communities run custom roleplay and gameplay servers in the Wild West. If you want to start your own, this guide covers what you need, the main steps, and what to look for in hosting.

What You Need Before You Start

• A server machine. A VPS running Windows or Linux. Linux is popular for hosting, Windows is easier if you are not used to the command line.
• A server licence key. RedM servers need a key from Cfx.re, the platform behind FiveM and RedM. You create it for free on their site, tied to your account.
• A framework. Most roleplay servers use a community framework that provides characters, inventory, jobs and more. Choose one with active support and documentation, and check that your scripts are made for it.
• A database. Most frameworks use MariaDB or MySQL to store characters and items.
• Players with the game. Everyone who joins needs their own copy of Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC.

Choosing The Hardware

RedM servers behave much like FiveM servers: single-core speed matters, and heavy scripts cost more than a few extra players. A modest VPS with fast cores and NVMe storage is a good start for a new community. As the player count grows, move to a bigger package. For sizing, read server requirements by player slots. The same ideas apply to RedM.

Setup In Six Steps

1. Prepare the machine. Update the operating system, create a non-root user on Linux and set up a firewall. See How to Secure a Linux VPS for Your Game Server.
2. Download the server files. Get the latest recommended server build from the official Cfx.re download page and extract it into its own folder.
3. Create your configuration. Set up the server.cfg file with your server name, licence key, player slots and the resources you want to start. Use the template from your framework's documentation and make sure the game setting is set for RedM, as the framework's guide describes.
4. Install the database. Create a database and a dedicated user for the server, and import the SQL files your framework gives you.
5. Add the framework and resources. Place resources in the resources folder and list them in the configuration, in the order your framework requires.
6. Start the server and test. Start with the txAdmin web interface if you use it, check the console for errors, and connect with the game to test.

Ports And The Firewall

The game port is usually 30120, on both TCP and UDP. If you use txAdmin, its web interface has its own port, and you should limit it to your own IP address instead of leaving it open to everyone. Keep the database port closed to the outside. Only open what players need.

Plan For DDoS Protection

RedM servers, like FiveM servers, can be targets of DDoS attacks, especially once a community becomes popular. Pick hosting that filters attacks on the network, before they reach your machine. Learn how that works in How DDoS Protection Works for Game Servers. At Linceris.com, our servers are protected by DataForest.net, and we tune Layer 7 filtering for FiveM and RedM traffic.

Keep It Healthy

• Back up your database and configuration regularly, and before every big update.
• Add scripts one at a time and watch performance.
• Restart on a schedule.
• Read the logs after each restart, because errors often show up there before players notice.

Build Your Community

The technical side is only half of it. A clear rule set, a Discord server, active staff and regular events are what keep players coming back. Start small, make sure the server is stable, and grow from there.

Ready To Host?

See our VPS packages. They are hosted in Frankfurt am Main, Germany with DDoS protection included. For differences with FiveM, see RedM vs FiveM Hosting: What Is Different?

Related Guide

See How To Protect A RedM Server for the matching guide.