How to Enable PvP on a FiveM Server

This guide walks you through enabling player-versus-player (PvP) combat on your FiveM server. You’ll learn where the relevant settings live, how to adjust them for both default and custom game modes, and how to verify the change took effect. This applies to servers running the standard standalone or deathmatch gametypes, as well as many popular roleplay frameworks that use their own PvP toggles.

What You’ll Need

• Access to your server’s files (via FTP, a file manager in your hosting panel, or a local directory if you self-host).
• Basic familiarity with editing text files (Notepad++, VS Code, or any plain text editor).
• Permission to restart your server or run a resource refresh.
• If you use a framework like ESX, QBCore, or vRP, you’ll need to know where its config file is located.

Step-by-Step

1. Locate your server.cfg file. This is the main configuration file for your FiveM server, usually found in the root directory of your server files. It controls core settings like server name, max players, and startup resources.
2. Open server.cfg in a text editor. Make a backup copy first (e.g., server.cfg.bak) so you can revert if something goes wrong.
3. Check for an existing PvP setting. Look for a line containing set sv_pvp or sv_pvp. If it exists, note its current value (0 or 1). If not, you’ll need to add it.
4. Set the PvP value. Add or change the line to:

   set sv_pvp 1

   This enables PvP globally. To disable it, use set sv_pvp 0. Save the file.

5. Restart your server. A full restart is the most reliable way to apply the change. If you can’t restart, you can try using the refresh and exec server.cfg commands in the server console, but some settings require a restart.
6. Verify the change. Join your server and test by having two players attempt to damage each other. If they can, PvP is enabled. You can also check the server console for any errors related to the setting.
7. If you use a framework (ESX, QBCore, etc.), also check its config. Many frameworks override the default PvP setting. Look for a file like config.lua in the framework resource and search for PvP, EnablePvP, or AllowCombat. Set it to true or 1 as appropriate.
8. If you use a custom gametype script, check its settings too. Some gametype scripts (like those for deathmatch or capture-the-flag) have their own PvP toggles. Look in the script’s config or main file for a similar setting.

Common Mistakes

• Editing the wrong file. Some servers have multiple config files (e.g., server.cfg and settings.cfg). Make sure you’re editing the one that’s actually loaded.
• Forgetting to restart. Changes to server.cfg are not applied instantly. A restart is required.
• Framework override. You may set sv_pvp 1 but the framework resets it to 0 on player spawn. Always check the framework config.
• Syntax errors. A missing space or incorrect capitalization can cause the line to be ignored. Use exactly set sv_pvp 1.
• Using the wrong value. Some scripts use true/false instead of 1/0. Check the documentation for your specific script.

Tips

• Use a backup. Always back up your config files before making changes.
• Test on a development server. If possible, test PvP changes on a private test server before applying to your main server.
• Check resource logs. If PvP isn’t working, look at the console output for any errors from resources that might be blocking it.
• Consider using a PvP toggle resource. There are community resources that let players toggle PvP on/off with a command. This is useful for roleplay servers where PvP should be optional.
• Keep your server.cfg organized. Put PvP settings near other gameplay settings and comment them with # so you can find them later.

Troubleshooting

PvP still not working after setting sv_pvp 1?

• Check if a framework is overriding it. Search your resources folder for sv_pvp or SetPlayerPvp and adjust those scripts.
• Verify the line is not commented out (starts with #).
• Ensure the server actually restarted. Check the uptime in the console.
• Some anti-cheat or admin scripts may block PvP. Disable them temporarily to isolate the issue.

Players can damage each other but not vehicles?

This is often controlled by a separate setting. Look for set sv_vehicleDamage or similar in your server.cfg or framework config.

PvP works but NPCs are also hostile?

That’s likely a separate AI setting, not related to PvP. Check your gametype or AI resource configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to enable PvP in both server.cfg and the framework?
A: Yes, if your framework has its own PvP setting, it will override the default. Set both to be safe.

Q: Can I enable PvP only in specific zones?
A: Yes, you can use a resource like pvp_zones or script it yourself. This is common in roleplay servers for safe zones.

Q: Will setting sv_pvp 1 affect all players equally?
A: Yes, it’s a global setting. For per-player control, you need a script that uses SetPlayerPvp or similar natives.

Q: My server uses a custom gametype. Where is the PvP setting?
A: Check the gametype’s main script file or its config. Look for terms like pvp, combat, or damage.

Q: Can I change PvP without restarting the server?
A: In some cases, you can use the server console command set sv_pvp 1 directly, but it may not persist. A restart is recommended for permanent changes.

Q: What if I want to disable PvP temporarily during an event?
A: You can use a simple admin command resource that toggles sv_pvp on the fly, or just set it to 0 and restart if you don’t have such a resource.

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