Writing FiveM server rules (with a template)
Group rules into sections (community, roleplay, combat, crime, staff), number every rule so staff can cite it, define the standard terms (RDM, VDM, metagaming, powergaming, fail RP, NLR, value of life), state punishments in a ladder, and publish the rules in Discord, on your website and in short form on the loading screen. Review them when the same argument keeps coming up.
Rules are how a roleplay server keeps its character. Too few and every argument becomes a staff debate; too many and nobody reads them. The best rule sets are short, numbered, use the common roleplay vocabulary players already know, and explain the consequences.
Common roleplay terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| RDM | Random deathmatch — attacking without a roleplay reason |
| VDM | Vehicle deathmatch — using a vehicle as a weapon without reason |
| Metagaming | Using information your character could not know (streams, Discord) |
| Powergaming | Forcing actions on others or doing the impossible |
| Fail RP | Unrealistic behaviour that breaks the scene |
| NLR | New Life Rule — after being downed/respawned you forget the events leading to it |
| Value of life | Acting as if your character fears death |
A template to adapt
## 1. Community
1.1 Respect everyone. No harassment, hate speech or discrimination.
1.2 No cheating, exploiting or bug abuse. Report bugs in #bug-reports.
1.3 Staff decisions are final in game; appeal via ticket.
## 2. Roleplay
2.1 Stay in character. Out-of-character talk only in /ooc, kept short.
2.2 No metagaming. Streams and Discord are out-of-character information.
2.3 No powergaming or fail RP.
2.4 Value your life. Comply when outnumbered or at gunpoint.
2.5 New Life Rule: after respawning, forget the events that led to it.
## 3. Combat
3.1 No RDM or VDM. Initiate with clear roleplay first.
3.2 No combat logging to avoid a scene.
## 4. Crime
4.1 Robberies need a minimum number of police on duty (see #server-info).
4.2 No crime in safe zones (hospital, police station, city hall).
## 5. Punishments
Warning → temporary ban → permanent ban, depending on severity.A punishment ladder
| Offence | Typical response |
|---|---|
| First minor rule break | Verbal or written warning |
| Repeated minor breaks | Short temporary ban |
| Serious breaks (RDM sprees, exploits) | Long temporary ban |
| Cheating, hate speech, doxxing | Permanent ban |
Record every warning and ban with the rule number — txAdmin does this for you; see ban systems.
Where rules live
- Discord #rules (with Community rules screening).
- Your website, one section per heading so staff can link them — see server website.
- The top five rules on the loading screen — see rules on the loading screen.
Common questions
What rules should a FiveM roleplay server have?
Community conduct, core roleplay rules (no RDM, VDM, metagaming, powergaming, fail RP, NLR, value of life), combat and crime rules, and a punishment ladder.
What does RDM mean?
Random deathmatch: attacking or killing someone without a roleplay reason.
What is the New Life Rule?
After your character is downed and respawns, you forget the events that led to it.
Should rules be on the loading screen?
The most important few, yes — with a link to the full rules.
Want a loading screen you never have to debug?
Build it in the browser, export once, and edit it whenever — no HTML, no re-uploads.
Start free