
ESX Framework Overview (2026)
ESX is one of the two dominant FiveM roleplay frameworks. The maintained line is ESX Legacy (es_extended), and in 2026 it is built on oxmysql and commonly paired with ox_inventory and ox_lib.
The shared object
ESX = exports['es_extended']:getSharedObject()The xPlayer object
Server-side, each player is an xPlayer with money accounts, job and identifiers:
local xPlayer = ESX.GetPlayerFromId(source)
print(xPlayer.getName(), xPlayer.job.name, xPlayer.job.grade)
xPlayer.addAccountMoney('bank', 1000)Structure
| Part | Purpose |
|---|---|
| es_extended | The framework core |
| esx_* resources | Jobs, shops, vehicleshop, society, etc. |
| ox_inventory | Modern inventory used by most ESX servers |
| oxmysql | Database layer |
Jobs and society
ESX jobs use grades and *society* accounts (shared job funds). Boss menus manage grades, hiring and society money — conceptually similar to QBCore's boss grades.
ESX vs QBCore
- API style: ESX uses
xPlayer/getSharedObject; QBCore usesPlayerData/GetCoreObject. - Ecosystem: both are huge; many paid scripts ship for both.
- Choice: pick the framework your scripts and developers know best. Mixing is possible via bridges but adds complexity.
Getting started
Install oxmysql, then es_extended, import the SQL, and ensure them in order before your esx_* resources.
What You Will Learn
This Beginner tutorial focuses on practical outcomes for FiveM scripting and QB Core development. By following the steps in ESX Framework Overview (2026), you will understand how the topic fits into a real server workflow and how to apply it safely.
You will learn the reasoning behind the implementation choices (especially for beginner topics), so you can make the same decisions again for future resources. The goal is to reduce trial-and-error, improve consistency across updates, and help your team ship changes without breaking gameplay.
- Identify the correct use case for this approach in a QB Core or FiveM environment
- Implement the key concepts with an install-ready workflow
- Validate compatibility and avoid common setup conflicts
- Apply best practices to keep your server stable over time
Why This Matters
When scripts, configs, and documentation are aligned with your server architecture, you reduce maintenance overhead. That means fewer upgrade surprises, faster onboarding for new admins, and a more reliable experience for your players.
FAQ
Do I need advanced knowledge? This tutorial is matched to a Beginner difficulty level, and the steps are designed to build confidence without assuming everything is already known.
Will this work on my QB Core server? The tutorial emphasizes compatibility and integration checks so you can confirm requirements before installing.
How do I apply this to my next update? Use the same workflow and validation approach described here, then adapt the final details to your server’s setup.