> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.heartbreakhotel.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Requirements

> Before you install, make sure you have all of this.

Before you install, make sure you have all of this.

<Note>
  **Not comfortable with Linux, SSH, or DNS?** Open a ticket in our Discord ([discord.com/invite/BvhyYKBTBu](https://discord.com/invite/BvhyYKBTBu)). I'll walk you through every step, and if you have zero understanding of the install side, I'll do the whole setup for you. No extra cost, comes with your purchase.
</Note>

## A Linux server (VPS or dedicated)

* **OS:** Ubuntu 22.04 / 24.04, Debian 12, or any modern Linux with `apt` or `dnf`.
* **RAM:** 1 GB minimum. 2 GB recommended.
* **Disk:** 5 GB free.
* **Root access** (you must be able to `sudo`).
* **A public IP address.**

The dashboard does **not** have to run on the same machine as your FiveM game server. It only needs to reach the game server's MySQL database over the network.

## A domain name

You need a domain (or subdomain) pointed at your dashboard server's IP.

Example: `dash.mygtaserver.com → 203.0.113.10`

Add an **A record** at your domain registrar. Wait 5–10 minutes for DNS to update before installing, the SSL certificate step will fail otherwise.

## Your FiveM MySQL database

The dashboard reads your existing FiveM database (QBox, QBCore or ESX). You need:

* DB host (e.g. `127.0.0.1` if on same machine, or a public host).
* DB port (usually `3306`).
* DB username.
* DB password.
* DB name.

If the database is on a different machine, make sure your dashboard server can reach it (firewall, MySQL `bind-address`, user `GRANT` with the dashboard server's IP).

## Optional: Discord application

Want admins to log in with Discord? Create an app at [discord.com/developers/applications](https://discord.com/developers/applications):

1. New Application → name it.
2. OAuth2 tab → copy **Client ID** and **Client Secret**.
3. Add redirect URI: `https://yourdomain.com/api/auth/discord/callback`.

Skip this if you only want password login.

## Network ports

The setup script will open these on the dashboard server:

* **80**, HTTP (redirects to HTTPS).
* **443**, HTTPS (the dashboard).
* **3000**, internal, only used between nginx and Node. Do **not** open to public.

## Cheap hosts that work

You do not need a beefy server. Anything with 1-2 GB RAM and a public IP is enough. Pick a region close to your FiveM game server so the MySQL connection stays fast.

| Host                       | Plan                                 | Approx price       | Notes                                                                    |
| -------------------------- | ------------------------------------ | ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Oracle Cloud Free Tier** | Always Free (ARM A1, 4 vCPU / 24 GB) | **\$0/mo**         | Best deal if available in your region. Strict sign-up, but free forever. |
| **Hetzner Cloud**          | CX22 (2 vCPU / 4 GB / 40 GB)         | \~\$4.50/mo        | Best value paid host. EU + US regions.                                   |
| **RackNerd**               | 1 GB KVM                             | \~\$11-15/**year** | Black Friday and yearly deals are absurd. US-only.                       |
| **Vultr**                  | Cloud Compute Regular (1 GB)         | \$6/mo             | Many regions including Joburg, Sydney, Sao Paulo.                        |
| **Linode / Akamai**        | Nanode 1 GB                          | \$5/mo             | Solid uptime, simple UI.                                                 |
| **Contabo**                | VPS S (4 vCPU / 8 GB / 50 GB)        | €5/mo              | Cheapest big box. Sometimes oversold during peak hours.                  |
| **OVH**                    | VPS Starter                          | \~€3.50/mo         | EU + Canada. DDoS protection included.                                   |

**Skip these:** anything with less than 1 GB RAM, anything advertised as "shared hosting" or "cPanel hosting" (you need root SSH), free tiers that auto-expire after a trial.

**Tip:** if you already have a Linux VPS for your FiveM game server with spare RAM, just install the dashboard on the same machine. Saves money and removes network latency to the DB.

That's it. Next: [Auto install](/nexora-dashboard/getting-started/auto-install).