FiveM Anti-Cheat Guide — Protect Your RP Server from Cheaters

WaveShield is the premium anti-cheat for FiveM. It uses cloud-based detection: behavioral analysis identifies aimbots and ESP, signature-based detection catches known cheat clients, and machine learning adapts to new exploits. Installation: drop resource into resources folder, set API key in config, configure auto-ban thresholds. WaveShield detects: godmode, invisibility, speed hack, noclip, teleport, aimbot, ESP, vehicle mods, damage modifiers, infinite stamina. Recommended for serious RP servers with 50+ concurrent players.

EasyAdmin is the best free anti-cheat for FiveM. It provides admin tools (ban, kick, warn, freeze, spectate), basic cheat detection (godmode, speed hack, noclip, vehicle teleport), player management (view inventory, bank, jobs, vehicles), and server logs. Installation: download from GitHub, add to resources, configure permissions. Not as comprehensive as WaveShield but catches 90% of common cheaters. Best for: small-medium servers and servers on a budget.

BAC has been a stalwart in the FiveM community for years. It provides server-side checks: damage validation (prevents insta-kill), player blacklist sync (community-maintained), resource integrity checks, and server-side entity spoofing prevention. BAC is best used alongside another anti-cheat — it catches cheats that bypass client-based detection (like silent aim). Configure 'Config.RequiredChecks' in BAC config for custom detection rules. BAC is updated regularly and remains relevant in 2026.

Beyond anti-cheat scripts: resource ACL — only load trusted resources, check reviews before installing from unknown sources. Server.cfg: set 'sv_authToken' to prevent unauthorized connections. Player reporting: implement an in-game reporting system (qb-report or esx_report). Staff moderation: active moderation catches what automated tools miss — have staff spectate suspicious players. Discord logging: log all bans to a private Discord channel for transparency. Regular audits: review ban appeals weekly.

Ban severity by offense: first-time minor (warn + 24h ban), repeated minor (3-day ban), first-time hacking (permanent ban), advertising (permanent ban), toxicity (warn → 24h → perm). Store bans in database (not just server.cfg) so they persist across restarts. Use unique identifiers: FiveM license ID, Steam ID, IP address (note: IP bans affect shared connections — use as secondary identifier). Ban appeal process: have a Discord channel for appeals with clear rules. Never unban without evidence.