What must I do to be in game and building my level out? It would be kinda cool to be in VR and buid out my world.
To build out your level in VR and have an immersive experience while doing it, here’s a quick rundown of what you’d need to do:
1. **Set Up Your VR Environment**
– **VR Headset**: Ensure you have a compatible VR headset (Oculus, HTC Vive, etc.).
– **Unreal Engine VR Plugins**: Enable the **VR Template** in Unreal Engine and ensure that your VR plugin (like Oculus or SteamVR) is properly set up. You’ll need to go into **Edit > Plugins** and enable VR support.
2. **Create a New Project**
– When starting your project, choose a **VR template**. This template has built-in motion controls, camera setups, and other VR-friendly systems.
3. **Configure Controls and Interactions**
– Depending on the level of immersion you want, you’ll need to set up controls for **grabbing objects**, **teleporting** around, and **building**. You can either use Unreal’s built-in VR Blueprints or set up custom input systems.
4. **Level Design in VR**
– Once you’re in VR, you’ll be able to manipulate objects directly. You can **drag, scale, rotate**, and place assets from the **content browser** right into the world.
– You’ll probably want to **set up a grid or snapping system** to ensure things align properly.
5. **Optimize for VR**
– VR can be performance-heavy, so you’ll need to ensure you’re keeping your framerate up. Optimize your level by using **low-poly models**, **baked lighting**, and minimizing **complex shaders** where possible.
6. **Test and Iterate**
– Always test your world in VR as you build. The immersive nature of VR can sometimes show you things that look good in a 2D view but aren’t ideal in VR.
Once that’s all set, you’ll be able to dive in and start building in the space you’ve created, feeling more like a god of your own creation.
estimate what it costs to start a GTA5 server
Starting a **GTA 5 server** can vary in cost depending on a few key factors. Here’s an estimate of the costs involved:
1. **Server Hosting**
– **Basic Hosting (Shared)**: $10 – $30/month for a shared server. This is enough for a small server with light traffic, but it might not provide the performance needed for a larger server.
– **Dedicated Hosting**: $50 – $150/month or more for a dedicated server, offering better performance and control. This is more ideal for handling larger player counts and more mods.
2. **Server Software**
– The basic server software, like **FiveM** (most popular modding framework for custom servers), is **free** to use.
– However, some specialized tools, mods, or plugins may have **associated costs**, especially if you’re paying for premium content or features.
3. **Mods and Assets**
– **Free Mods**: Many mods are free, but some premium mods or assets (custom vehicles, maps, etc.) may cost you. This could range anywhere from **$10 – $100+** depending on what you’re adding to your server.
4. **Custom Development (Optional)**
– If you want a custom, fully developed experience (unique systems, mechanics), hiring developers can be expensive. Rates vary from **$25 – $100/hour** for developers, depending on their expertise and the complexity of the system.
5. **Website and Other Services**
– **Website/Forum Hosting**: You might want to create a website for your server, which could range from **$5 – $50/month** depending on the services you use.
– **VoIP (Voice Chat)**: If you want to integrate voice chat like **Mumble** or **TeamSpeak**, you might have an additional **$10 – $30/month**.
### Basic Estimate (First Month):
– Low-end: **$15 – $50** for a basic shared server and free mods.
– Mid-tier: **$75 – $200** for a more robust server, with premium mods and some customization.
– High-end: **$250+** if you’re hiring developers or need a high-performance dedicated server with custom assets.
In short, the costs can start low but scale quickly depending on the size of the server, the quality of mods, and whether you’re hiring developers.
how many players does it daily
As of May 9, 2025, **Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V)** continues to boast a substantial player base:
– **Daily Active Players**: Approximately **7.97 million** players engage with GTA V daily across all platforms. citeturn0search0
– **Steam Concurrent Players**: On Steam alone, the game had a peak of **106,711** players in the past 24 hours. citeturn0search5
These figures highlight the game’s enduring popularity, especially considering its release over a decade ago.
Regarding **FiveM**, the multiplayer modification for GTA V:
– **Current Concurrent Players**: FiveM’s official site reports approximately **120,500** players online at this moment. citeturn0search6
While exact daily active user numbers for FiveM are not publicly disclosed, this real-time figure suggests a vibrant and active community.
In summary, both GTA V and FiveM maintain robust and active player communities, with millions participating daily across various platforms.
So what makes a great server for place to go
A great **GTA V server** that players actually want to spend time on usually has a mix of **quality gameplay**, **community engagement**, and **reliable performance**. Here’s what makes a server stand out:
### 1. **Performance and Stability**
– **Low Latency**: A smooth, lag-free experience is crucial. Players will abandon a server if it has constant lag, crashes, or downtime.
– **Server Specs**: Invest in good server hardware or hosting services that can handle a lot of players at once. Performance tuning (like reducing resource-heavy scripts) goes a long way.
### 2. **Custom and Unique Content**
– **Mods & Customizations**: Offering something unique, like custom cars, skins, or game modes, can make your server stand out. The more personalized the experience (think custom missions, role-playing systems, or custom environments), the more likely players are to stay.
– **Balanced Economy**: For roleplay servers, a balanced economy and progression system can really make a difference. No one likes a system that’s broken or pay-to-win.
### 3. **Active and Supportive Community**
– **Friendly Admins**: Having a group of active, fair, and approachable admins helps keep the server’s vibe positive. They should be quick to resolve issues and keep everything running smoothly.
– **Community Engagement**: Servers that actively engage with their player base through Discord, social media, or events tend to do better. Player-driven events, competitions, or tournaments can keep things exciting.
### 4. **Gameplay Balance**
– **Fair Rules**: Having a strong, clear set of rules is important to keep the experience enjoyable. Whether it’s a **roleplay server** or a **free-roam** server, rules help prevent chaos and maintain fairness.
– **Avoiding Pay-to-Win**: Players will leave a server if they feel the game is unfairly skewed toward paying players. Ensure that everyone has a fair shot at success without needing to spend extra cash.
### 5. **Active and Immersive Roleplay (if applicable)**
– **Well-Developed Storylines**: For roleplay servers, storylines and characters are crucial. Well-thought-out lore and unique characters make the game more immersive.
– **Roleplay Systems**: Systems like a functional **police**, **EMS**, and **gangs**, as well as jobs like **mechanics** or **taxi drivers**, add layers of depth to the gameplay.
### 6. **Customization and Player Freedom**
– **Player-Created Content**: Give players tools to create their own content (cars, missions, etc.), or have features that allow them to change their gameplay experience.
– **Build Your World**: The more freedom players have to interact with the world or affect its state, the more attached they’ll feel.
### 7. **Clear Branding and Marketing**
– **Good Website & Server Listing**: Make sure players can easily find and understand what your server offers. Having a professional-looking website or well-maintained social media can attract players.
– **Active Advertisement**: Use platforms like **FiveM forums**, **Discord servers**, or **Reddit** to advertise and engage with potential players.
### 8. **Events and Updates**
– **Regular Updates**: Continuously improving and adding new content or features keeps players coming back.
– **Events**: Regular events (races, heists, community days) can keep things fresh and keep players engaged long-term.
### 9. **Streamlined Onboarding**
– **Tutorials for New Players**: A clear, friendly onboarding process makes new players feel welcome and helps them understand the server rules and systems quickly.
– **Mentorship or Community Support**: Some experienced players can guide the newbies, creating a friendlier and more connected atmosphere.
In summary, **reliability**, **custom content**, **fair gameplay**, and **a strong community** will keep your server alive and thriving. It’s all about offering an experience that players can’t get anywhere else while ensuring they have fun and feel supported.
Can I build and test the system locally before launch?
Yes, you can absolutely build and test your **GTA 5 server system locally** before launching it to the public! Here’s how you can do it:
### 1. **Set Up a Local Server**
– **Install the Necessary Tools**:
For a **FiveM server** (one of the most popular ways to run custom GTA 5 servers), you’ll need to download the **FiveM server software** from their official site. You’ll also need to have **GTA V** installed on your PC and be able to run it in single-player mode.
– **FiveM Server Setup**: [FiveM Docs](https://docs.fivem.net/docs/)
– **Local Hosting**:
You can run the server directly on your own PC (though it might be less ideal for testing with multiple people) to get a feel for the performance and features.
– Use **localhost** (127.0.0.1) to test the server locally on your machine. You can connect using your own IP address (localhost) when playing.
– **Dedicated Testing Server**:
If you want more accurate tests with multiple players, you can rent a cheap **virtual private server (VPS)** to simulate the actual server setup. This is ideal for testing **network performance**, **lag**, and other aspects that might behave differently on a public server.
### 2. **Test Mods, Custom Content, and Features**
– **Custom Content (Cars, Maps, Scripts)**:
You can install your **custom mods, cars, maps, and scripts** on your local server and test them before adding them to the public server.
– **Roleplay Systems**:
Test **roleplay mechanics**, such as jobs, economy, and NPC behaviors, to make sure they work correctly and are balanced.
– **Gameplay Balance**:
You can manually test the economy, the interaction between players, and ensure that mods and scripts don’t cause crashes or performance issues. You can also simulate **different player roles** and stress-test **server load** by running a few instances of the game (or using friends/players) to get a better sense of the performance under load.
### 3. **Use a Local Network or LAN for Testing With Others**
– **LAN Setup**:
If you have friends or testers who want to join, set up a **Local Area Network (LAN)** session where all the testers connect to your local server. This simulates the experience of having multiple players but without exposing your server to the internet.
– **Port Forwarding**:
If you want to test things like **external connections** and simulate real-world networking (i.e., how players from different locations connect to your server), you can do **port forwarding** to make the server accessible over the internet (though not recommended for public testing just yet).
### 4. **Test Game Balance, Rules, and Systems**
– **Admin Tools**:
Use **admin commands** or tools to test things like banning players, changing the time of day, or resetting game progress to check your **server control tools**.
– **Events/Content Cycles**:
Test any **events** (like special in-game activities) and **content cycles** (day/night, weather patterns, etc.) to ensure they are smooth.
### 5. **Performance Testing**
– **Simulate Heavy Load**:
Simulate multiple players logging in and interacting to see how the server handles stress, high traffic, and resource-heavy scripts. You can use testing tools like **GTAV’s Performance Test** or external server load testing tools.
– **Check FPS and Latency**:
Test your **frame rate** and **latency** in different scenarios, both as a solo player and with multiple people, to make sure the performance is solid.
### 6. **Debugging and Iterating**
– **Log Files**:
Check the **server logs** for any errors or performance issues. FiveM logs are great for troubleshooting server crashes or feature bugs.
– **Iterate and Fix**:
If something isn’t working (e.g., a script causing crashes), it’s easier to fix these issues in a **local environment** before opening it to the public.
—
Once you’ve tested everything locally and you’re satisfied with the performance and functionality, you can **deploy** the server to a **live hosting environment** and open it up for players. This process gives you the opportunity to troubleshoot, tweak, and ensure a smooth experience before the full launch.
What parts of the system are ‘moddable’ or can other physics be introduced?
When creating a custom **GTA 5 server** (especially through FiveM or other modding frameworks), a lot of aspects of the system are **moddable**, and you can introduce different types of physics and mechanics. Here’s a breakdown of what can be modified:
### 1. **Custom Physics and Environmental Interactions**
– **Vehicle Physics**:
You can **modify vehicle handling**, such as adding custom suspension systems, tweaking acceleration, braking, and even creating **unique driving physics** (e.g., for racing or drifting). This is useful if you want custom vehicle behavior in your server.
– **Object Physics**:
Objects in the world can have **custom physics** applied to them. You can create things like **destructible environments**, or make certain objects behave differently under certain conditions (e.g., objects that float, break, or explode based on player actions).
– **Custom Gravity**:
Custom gravity effects can be applied to certain areas or objects, so you could create zones where gravity behaves differently (low-gravity areas or zero-gravity for space simulations).
– **Water Physics**:
Modifying the way **water interacts with objects**, such as creating **waves**, **buoyancy**, and **current systems**, can be done with scripting. You could add things like **floating debris**, **objects sinking** or **swimming mechanics** that react realistically to the player’s interactions.
– **Destruction Physics**:
You can **script destructible environments**, like buildings, bridges, or terrain features that break apart realistically when impacted by explosions or certain player actions.
### 2. **Custom Character Physics and Interactions**
– **Player Movement**:
While GTA V has its own character physics (running, jumping, climbing, etc.), you can **modify movement behavior**. For example, you could add features like **wall-running**, **sliding**, or **superhuman abilities**.
– **Combat Physics**:
You can add custom combat mechanics like **ragdoll physics** for more realistic character reactions when shot or impacted. Also, you could create special combat interactions, like the ability for players to grab and throw objects or use them in creative ways.
– **Animation and Effects**:
Using **custom animations** and **ragdoll physics**, you could create more immersive character behaviors, such as realistic falls, stumbles, and unique character movements.
### 3. **World Physics (Environment and Terrain)**
– **Terrain Modifications**:
Terrain physics can be introduced, like **destructible terrain** or **mud puddles** that affect player movement and vehicle physics. You could even create features where **terrain dynamically changes** as players interact with it (e.g., digging, building, or altering the environment).
– **Weather and Environmental Effects**:
Modding weather systems and environmental conditions can be done, including creating **wind** that affects vehicles or objects, **dynamic rain** with water physics, or **sandstorms** that affect visibility and movement.
### 4. **Custom Scripts and Logic**
– **Custom AI Behavior**:
NPCs in GTA V already follow certain physics and behaviors, but you can **script** custom AI logic. You can create NPCs that behave differently based on **weather**, **time of day**, or player interactions. For example, you could have NPCs that move in more **realistic patterns**, like avoiding obstacles or running for cover during a gunfight.
– **Custom Game Modes**:
You can introduce new game mechanics or **completely new physics-based game modes** (e.g., gravity-bending survival mode, vehicles with unique behaviors, etc.).
### 5. **Modding the Game’s Mechanics**
– **Physics for Objects and Vehicles**:
You can write **custom scripts** for new vehicles or custom assets, which can alter the way they behave within the world. For example, creating **vehicles with hydraulic systems** (like lowriders) or **airborne vehicles** (e.g., hovercraft or jetpacks).
– **Health and Damage Systems**:
You can mod the **health** and **damage** systems, creating more realistic injury effects, where characters move slower after being injured, or vehicles behave differently based on damage received (e.g., a car losing traction if the tires are shot out).
### 6. **Scripting Interactions Between Players**
– **Physics-based Interactions**:
Players can interact with each other in new ways. For example, players might be able to push each other, pick up objects, or even create physical barriers that interact with other players. You could also set up unique systems where **player-created structures** interact with the environment, such as a fort being built and then subjected to destruction physics.
### 7. **Custom Game Modes and Mini-Games**
– **Unique Gameplay Experiences**:
You can create **physics-based mini-games** like racing with custom physics (e.g., slippery tracks or boost zones), obstacle courses, or combat zones where the environment itself is part of the challenge.
– **Arena Combat**:
Build custom arenas where physics play a key role in the gameplay, such as using **gravity traps** or **explosive obstacles** that alter the environment as the match progresses.
### 8. **Server-Specific Physics**
– **Customizable Player Settings**:
Servers can have specific settings where **player physics** are altered. For example, players can have different **gravity levels**, move faster, or be affected differently by in-game forces, which can introduce new strategic elements to combat and exploration.
– **Scripted Events**:
You could create events that are **physics-heavy**, such as building destruction or creating huge **environmental hazards** (e.g., earthquakes, floods) that affect the gameplay directly.
### Tools and Resources to Modify Physics
– **FiveM Scripting**: The primary modding framework for GTA V, which lets you script your own gameplay mechanics, physics interactions, and world changes using **Lua** or **JavaScript**.
– **OpenIV**: A tool that allows you to modify **game files**, including physics settings, textures, and models.
– **RAGE Plugin Hook**: Another plugin that can be used to mod GTA V’s internal mechanics and scripts, including physics.
– **Menyoo**: A popular modding tool for creating custom scenarios and physics objects for GTA V.
—
### Conclusion
You have a lot of flexibility when it comes to modding **GTA 5** for your server, from **vehicle handling** and **object physics** to **custom scripts** that introduce entirely new behaviors. If you’re looking to make a truly unique experience, adding **custom physics** and new interactions is definitely a great way to stand out. Just make sure to test performance thoroughly, as complex physics systems can affect the server’s stability, especially with a lot of players.
So what you are saying is this is a ready made game for designers to continue putting their flavor to?
Exactly! **GTA 5** is essentially a **foundation** that designers and developers can build upon, and it’s been designed with **modding** in mind, especially through frameworks like **FiveM**. It’s an open-ended sandbox that lets you introduce **your own flavor** to the game—whether it’s through **custom game modes**, **unique physics**, **world-building**, or even **storytelling**.
Here’s why **GTA 5** (with mods and FiveM) is essentially like a canvas for game designers:
### 1. **Open World Framework**
– **Vast, Detailed Environment**: GTA 5’s world is already **incredibly rich** and vast, with cities, countryside, oceans, mountains, and all the detailed systems that go along with it. You get **instant access to this world**—from its environment to its NPC systems—so you can layer your own mechanics on top without needing to create everything from scratch.
– **Dynamic Interactions**: The game’s **dynamic day-night cycle, weather**, and **traffic systems** can all be **leveraged or modified** for different gameplay experiences. You can even create **interactive environments** that react to your changes or physics.
### 2. **Modding Framework (FiveM, RAGE, OpenIV)**
– **FiveM**: This allows you to run a **custom multiplayer server** with mods and custom scripts. It essentially opens up the whole **GTA V universe** for you to add your **own mods, game mechanics, and systems**. You can create anything from **role-playing servers** to more **arcade-like experiences** with completely new physics or weapons.
– **RAGE Plugin Hook & OpenIV**: These tools let you dive deeper into the **game’s internals** and make changes to things like **vehicle physics**, **animations**, or even **the AI**. It’s essentially a sandbox for you to re-imagine the core of GTA 5 however you want.
– **Scripting**: The ability to script with **Lua** or **JavaScript** means you can program almost any behavior, from **simple interactions** to **complex gameplay systems** (e.g., custom quests, AI behaviors, economic systems).
### 3. **Custom Content Creation**
– **Vehicles, Weapons, and Models**: You can create **new assets**—like **custom vehicles**, **weapons**, and **characters**—and integrate them into the game. With modding tools, you’re free to design your own **vehicles, buildings**, and other in-game objects, and use them in your world.
– **Physics and Interactions**: You can introduce **custom physics** for all these new assets. For example, making a vehicle behave like it’s **flying**, or creating **a vehicle with unique properties** (think **hovercrafts**, **tank-like cars**, or **exploding objects** on impact).
### 4. **Game Modes and Custom Rules**
– **New Game Modes**: You’re free to completely **rework** the game’s mechanics to create **your own experience**. Want to build a **battle royale**, **heist mode**, or a **realistic roleplay** simulation? You can do that. There’s nothing stopping you from crafting an entirely new game around GTA’s mechanics.
– **Customizable Rulesets**: Whether it’s **combat systems**, **health systems**, or **game progression**, you can define your own rules. Want a server where **everyone starts with the same car** and has to earn money to upgrade it? Done. Want **randomized events**? Easy.
### 5. **Community and Multiplayer**
– **Multiplayer Community**: GTA V’s online multiplayer (and mods like FiveM) provides a built-in community that can connect to your server and enjoy your **customized world**. You don’t have to worry about creating the entire multiplayer infrastructure from scratch—you get to focus on the **creative side**.
– **Roleplaying Servers**: You can design entire worlds for players to **live out alternate lives**, complete with **jobs, social systems**, and **economic models**. The modding community for this is massive, with tons of resources and assets for roleplayers.
### 6. **Expandable and Modular Design**
– **Layer Your Own Mechanics**: The game doesn’t limit you to just one type of game mechanic. You can layer **different gameplay styles** on top of one another. For example, you could make a **combat-focused game mode** that includes elements of **racing**, **exploration**, and **puzzles**. This kind of flexibility is something many game engines don’t offer out of the box.
– **Mods Can Evolve**: New content and features can be easily added and updated over time. You can **introduce new mods** as you go along, and the community will continue to build off each other’s ideas.
### 7. **No Need to Build From Scratch**
– Instead of building a game **from the ground up**, you’re building on top of **an established and proven system**. This gives you a **head start** because you don’t need to worry about things like **basic physics, world-building, AI behavior**, or **multiplayer infrastructure**. GTA already does all of that.
– Your job as a designer is to **focus on the fun**—adding unique gameplay mechanics, creating immersive worlds, and telling your own stories.
—
### In a Nutshell:
Yes, **GTA 5** is a **ready-made game** for designers to continue building on. Through mods and the FiveM framework, you can **take the base game and mold it** into whatever you envision—whether it’s a **totally new world**, **game mechanics**, **physics**, or **stories**. You’re basically **reprogramming the game** with your own ideas, and the best part is that you’re doing it in a world with tons of pre-existing resources, assets, and a thriving community to help you along the way.