Cutting Through the Bullsh*t: Fake Devs, The Truth About FiveM Success, and Pre-Built Server Scams.

Cutting Through the Bullsh*t: Fake Devs, The Truth About FiveM Success, and Pre-Built Server Scams.

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Devs and Self-Titles

Ever watched Game of Thrones? (Shoutout to my GOT fans!) Remember that scene where King Joffrey screams, "I am the king!"? (Video link here for reference: Game of Thrones Clip, skip to 2:00). His grandfather replies, "Any man who must say, 'I am the king,' is no true king." Keep that vibe in mind for what’s coming next.

So, how many of you have “FiveM Developer” slapped on your Discord profile? Because, honestly, if you have to say, “I’m a developer,” you’re not a real developer. No one’s hiring here, you’re not in an interview, so who are you trying to impress?

Like, that’s it, just, “Lol.” Because let’s be real—you probably don’t know jack shit about actual development. Tweaking code, editing config files, or tossing files into folders doesn’t make you a developer. It makes you a server configurator, a script installer, or what some call a “script kiddie.” Then, you run to QBCore or Project Sloth asking basic dumb ass questions, and people roast and shit on you for it. Why? Because you called yourself a developer—so, aren’t you supposed to know this stuff? You’re a developer, right? Then put in the work.

Here’s an example of what not to do. A few days back, I was scrolling through the QBCore Discord, and someone asked, “How do I remove prints from the console?” Not the worst question—people leave prints in the code all the time. I even leave them in during Project Sloth work, so I get it. But here’s the thing: this guy’s profile had more titles than Daenerys Targaryen.

Check this out:

And at the very end:

“I do not develop custom scripts.”

Like, what the fuck? This is exactly what you don’t want to be. Don’t be this dude.

How do you not know how to remove prints but call yourself a “FiveM Server Developer”? Do me a favor and clock out. Then, in voice memos, this dude had the audacity to say, “There’s a massive difference between developing scripts and developing a server.” Like… did someone drop you as a kid? Makes sense, though, since “I do not develop custom scripts”—yeah, because you don’t know how shit lord.

So, to wrap it up: it’s totally okay to ask questions. It’s okay to not know everything. But don’t go slapping “developer” on your profile unless you’re ready to back it up. If you have “developer” in your profile, do us all a favor and just remove it. Otherwise, you’re probably getting roasted after this post.

Pre Built Servers

Don’t waste your money on so-called “QBCore V8 SERVER!” or “NoPixel 6.0 Server!” these are ALL scams, plain and simple. They’re just a mess of free scripts and leaked content thrown together to bait you into buying them. Most of these setups are riddled with backdoors and shitty made scripts that will only make your server a nightmare to manage.

You’ll end up spending more time fixing broken scripts and cleaning up their mess than actually building a good server. These setups are not worth a single dime, and by purchasing them, you’re supporting leakers, resellers, and people who couldn’t care less about you or your server’s success.

Also, leave the real developers alone—the ones who create legitimate scripts meant to work with authentic copies of QBOX, QBCore, or other legit frameworks. If their scripts aren’t functioning properly on your pre-built shit of a server, it’s not their fault. The broken code, outdated updates, and whatever other garbage is in your pre-built setup are the real problem. If it doesn’t work on your server, ditch the pre-built nonsense and start fresh. And if you’re a developer yourself, stand your ground—tell them to kick rocks and stop wasting your time.

If you’re running a pre-built server, it’s time to ditch it. Start fresh with QBOX or QBCore. These are legitimate frameworks that let you build your server the right way from the ground up. You’ll have control, stability, and peace of mind knowing you’re on the right path. Don’t let a scam ruin your vision—start legit and build something real that will last!

Short Cuts

Ever think about the shortcut to success? Spoiler alert: there isn’t one—especially not by buying leaked frameworks sold by shitty people or flashy features that are all broken. Let’s set the record straight: success in FiveM (or most game server) doesn’t come with a premium price tag slapped on hardware or petty UI that are all over the place, does not have a color scheme and your server will look all over the damn place. It comes from you, your dedication, and the community you build. Stop chasing shortcuts—they don’t exist.

Here’s the reality: nobody cares if your server has a custom loading screen or a high-end VPS /dedicated server if your community is dead or unwelcoming. You could run a server with basic QBCore files and still pop off. Why? Because players don’t stay for features—they stay for vibes. They stay because of how you run things, how they’re treated, and how you keep the server fun. The most successful servers out there? They’ve got the most basic setups but the most solid communities. That’s the cheat code you’re missing.

People get so hung up on “what’s my server missing?” like the answer is some magical script or the newest shiny resource that probably don’t even work and is escrowed and you won’t be able to fix. It’s not. The answer is you. The way you manage, the way you connect with your players, the way you handle drama or roll out events—that’s what keeps people coming back. It’s not the car pack you downloaded or the overpriced “exclusive” maps you bought as part of a subscription. Trust me, nobody’s going, “Damn, I’m sticking around because the UI has rounded corners.”

And let’s talk about why shortcuts don’t work. If you just slap together a server, buy a bunch of scripts, and call it a day, your players will see right through it. You might get a small rush of users at first, but it won’t stick. Why? Because what they’re really looking for is authenticity, ALL OTHER SERVERS LOOK THE FUCKING SAME. Players don’t care how much money you’ve sunk into your server—they care about the experience you’re giving them. Are you making the server about the community, or are you just making it about yourself?

At the end of the day, do things your way. Don’t copy what you think is “popular” or try to force success. Build something that reflects your vision, your passion, and your grind. That’s what will make people stick around. There are no shortcuts—just hard work, consistency, and a strong community. That’s how you go from “just another server” to the fucking server.

Summary

Success in FiveM isn’t about flashy titles, pre-built servers, or shortcuts—it’s about authenticity, hard work, and community. Don’t waste time calling yourself a developer if you’re not ready to put in the effort; instead, focus on learning and building real skills. Avoid the trap of buying pre-built servers filled with broken, leaked scripts that will cost you more time fixing than starting fresh. Most importantly, understand that there are no shortcuts to creating a thriving server. Players don’t stay for fancy UIs or overpriced maps—they stay for the experience, the connections, and the way you run your community. Do things your way, invest in what matters, and build something real that players will love. That’s how you stand out and succeed in the FiveM world.