How to Make a RedM Server in 2026 (Step by Step)
Everything you need to make a RedM server for Red Dead Redemption 2 roleplay, from txAdmin setup to running it 24/7.
Quick answer: To make a RedM server, download the FXServer artifacts, run them to open txAdmin, link your Cfx.re account, choose a RedM recipe (vanilla, or a framework such as VORP), paste in a free licence key from the Cfx.re Portal and start the server. You can run it on your own PC, but for a server that stays online 24/7 without port forwarding, run the same setup on a VPS such as an HTNetwork Game VPS, which comes with HTN Panel pre-installed.
Written by Tom Pearce, founder of HTNetwork and creator of the HighwayTrooper FiveM and RedM tutorial channel.
What is required for RedM?
You need four things before you start:
- A legal copy of Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC, for you and every player who joins.
- A Cfx.re account and a free server licence key, created on the Cfx.re Portal (which replaced Keymaster).
- Somewhere to run the server: your own Windows PC for testing, or a VPS for a server that stays online.
- A framework if you want roleplay: VORP Core or RSG Core add characters, jobs, money and inventory. Frameworks need a MySQL or MariaDB database, which the txAdmin recipe sets up for you.
A RedM server uses port 30120 (TCP and UDP) by default, and the RedM game build set with sv_enforceGameBuild 1491.
How to make a RedM server with txAdmin
RedM runs on the same server software as FiveM (FXServer), with the game set to Red Dead Redemption 2. These steps work on your own PC or on a Windows VPS.
- Create the folders. Make a main folder, for example
RedM-Server, with a subfolder for the server files. - Download the artifacts. Get the latest recommended Windows server build from the RedM or Cfx.re server artifacts page.
- Extract the files into your server files folder.
- Run
FXServer.exe. txAdmin opens in your browser. - Link your account. Sign in with your Cfx.re account, set a master password and name your server.
- Choose a recipe. Under Popular Recipes, pick RedM: a vanilla server, or a framework recipe such as VORP.
- Add your licence key. Create a server key on the Cfx.re Portal and paste it when txAdmin asks.
- Run and join. Let the recipe build your
server.cfgand start the server. Launch RedM, press F8 and typeconnect localhost(or your server's IP) to join.
Letting friends join from home: forward port 30120 (TCP and UDP) on your router to your PC. Your PC has to stay on, and players connect to your home IP address.
How to create your own RedM RP server: VORP or RSG?
A vanilla RedM server is just the open world. For roleplay, add a framework that handles characters, money, jobs and inventory.
VORP Core | RSG Core | |
|---|---|---|
Install | Official txAdmin recipe | Install from its own releases and docs |
Ecosystem | Large library of modules for inventory, crafting and jobs | Growing library, modelled on QBCore |
Best for | Most new RP servers | Developers already familiar with QBCore from FiveM |
Database | MySQL or MariaDB | MySQL or MariaDB |
Start with one framework and a small set of trusted resources, then add more one at a time, so it is easy to find whatever breaks.
Watch: How To Make A RedM Server In 2026! UPDATED | FREE
Running your RedM server 24/7 on a VPS
Hosting on your own PC is fine for testing, but a public RP server needs to stay online when you are not playing. A Windows VPS runs exactly the same txAdmin setup in a data centre.
Your own PC | Windows VPS | |
|---|---|---|
Online when your PC is off | No | Yes, 24/7 |
Port forwarding | Required | Not needed; the server has its own public IP |
Your home IP shown to players | Yes | No |
DDoS protection | None | Included on HTNetwork |
Upload speed for players | Limited by your home connection | Data centre network |
Make a RedM server on an HTNetwork Game VPS
- Order a Game VPS. 8GB is a good starting point for a VORP or RSG roleplay server.
- Connect with Remote Desktop. Windows Server is included at no extra cost.
- Install RedM in one click with HTN Panel, which comes pre-installed, or follow the txAdmin steps above exactly as you would on your PC.
- Add your licence key and start the server. Players join with your VPS's IP and port 30120.
Every HTNetwork Game VPS runs on AMD Ryzen 9 9950X with DDR5 RAM and NVMe storage, with DDoS protection, in Texas, Virginia, London and Australia.
How much does a RedM server cost?
The RedM server software and licence key are free, and Cfx.re says RedM supports up to 48 players with OneSync at no cost. Running it on your own PC costs nothing beyond electricity. For a 24/7 server you pay for hosting:
Server type | Suggested resources | HTNetwork Game VPS |
|---|---|---|
Testing or a small private server | 2 cores, 4GB RAM | From $19.35 a month billed annually |
VORP or RSG roleplay, up to 48 players | 4 cores, 8GB RAM | 8GB from $34.99 a month |
Large RP server with many scripts | 6 to 8 cores, 16GB RAM or more | Larger Game VPS plans |
RAM grows with your framework, scripts and player count. Most guides suggest 8 to 16GB for a RedM roleplay server; start at 8GB and upgrade when your resource monitor shows you need it.
RedM server FAQ
How much does a RedM server cost?
The software and licence key are free, and RedM supports up to 48 players with OneSync at no cost. Hosting on your PC is free; an HTNetwork Game VPS for 24/7 hosting starts from $19.35 a month billed annually, with 8GB from $34.99 a month.
What is required for RedM?
A legal PC copy of Red Dead Redemption 2, a Cfx.re account with a free server licence key, the FXServer artifacts, and port 30120 open. Add a framework such as VORP or RSG for roleplay.
How do I create my own RedM RP server?
Set up a RedM server with txAdmin, choose the VORP recipe (or install RSG Core), let it create the database, then add jobs, inventory and other resources one at a time.
Can I create my own RedM server for free?
Yes. Everything needed is free if you host on your own PC. You only pay if you want it online 24/7 on a VPS.
What port does a RedM server use?
Port 30120, over TCP and UDP.
Do players need to own Red Dead Redemption 2?
Yes. Every player needs a legal PC copy of RDR2 to join through RedM.
Summary
To make a RedM server, run FXServer, set it up in txAdmin with a RedM or VORP recipe, add your free Cfx.re licence key and start it. That costs nothing on your own PC. When you want it online 24/7 without port forwarding or showing your home IP, move the same setup to a VPS.
Get an HTNetwork Game VPS on Ryzen 9 9950X, with Windows included and HTN Panel pre-installed for one-click RedM, from $19.35 a month billed annually. Running FiveM too? See how to start a FiveM server.
About the author: Tom Pearce founded HTNetwork, a UK game server hosting company, and runs the HighwayTrooper YouTube channel, which publishes FiveM and RedM server tutorials.
