How to Play

Hydrate is a roleplay server you join through FiveM, a free program that connects your copy of GTA V to community servers. It isn't part of GTA Online. You don't need any FiveM experience: work through the steps in order.

Before You Start

You'll need:

• A Windows PC. FiveM doesn't run on PlayStation, Xbox or Mac.
• A legitimate PC copy of GTA V.
• The Discord app on your PC.
• A working microphone. See Character Expectations.
• To be 16 or older. See Age Restrictions.
• To have read the Server Rules. Joining means you agree to them.

1. Get GTA V

Buy it on Steam (opens in a new tab) or the Epic Games Store (opens in a new tab). It's sold as GTA V Enhanced, and that purchase includes GTA V Legacy. FiveM uses Legacy.

1. In your library, install Grand Theft Auto V Legacy. You don't need Enhanced.
2. Launch it. Sign in to your Rockstar Games account when asked, or create one for free.
3. Wait for the game to load, then quit.

2. Install FiveM

1. Go to fivem.net (opens in a new tab) and click the big Download FiveM button.
   • Not Download FiveM for GTAV Enhanced further down. That version can't connect to Hydrate.
2. Open the downloaded FiveM.exe. The first launch can take a few minutes.
3. If FiveM asks where GTA V is, choose your GTA V Legacy folder.
4. Sign in to a Cfx.re account when asked, or create one for free.

From now on, open FiveM to play. It starts GTA V for you.

3. Get Verified in the Hydrate Discord

You can't connect without the Verified role.

1. Join discord.gg/hydraterp (opens in a new tab).
2. In the onboarding questions, choose Play on the FiveM server.
   • Already in the Discord? Click Channels & Roles at the top of the channel list and select Play on the FiveM server.

4. Connect to the Server

Every time you play:

1. Open Discord first.
2. Then open FiveM. If it was already open, restart it.
3. Join with any one of the options below.

Option A: One-click link

Click cfx.re/join/l9yp9v (opens in a new tab) and let your browser open FiveM.

Option B: F8 console

1. Open FiveM and wait for the main menu.

2. Press F8. On some laptops, hold Fn as well.

3. Type this, then press Enter:

   connect play.hydraterp.com
   

Option C: Server browser

1. Open FiveM and click Play.
2. Search for Hydrate.
3. Can't see us? Clear the language filter, or set it to Australian English.
4. Click Hydrate, then Connect.

Your First Join

The first join takes longer than later ones.

• Agree to the rules. A one-time card asks you to confirm you're 16 or older and agree to the Server Rules, Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
• Downloads. FiveM downloads the server's cars, maps and clothing. Later joins are much faster.
• Pure Mode. If FiveM asks to restart in Pure Mode, accept, then connect again. To skip this in future, see Pure Mode.
• The queue. When the city is busy you wait in a queue. FiveM shows your place.
• Your character. Once you load in, you make your first character. See Creating a Character.

Troubleshooting

Most connection problems show a message in FiveM. Find yours below.

Not Verified, or Discord not detected

"Ensure you have joined the Hydrate Discord at: discord.gg/hydraterp and get 'Verified'!"

• Get the role (step 3). The server takes up to 5 minutes to see a new role.
• Make sure the Discord app on your PC is logged in to the account that has it.

Accounts could not be detected

"The following account(s) could not be detected", then a list:

• Discord: close FiveM and Discord completely. Open Discord first, then FiveM. Don't run Discord as administrator.
• CFX.re: sign in to your Cfx.re account on the FiveM home screen.
• Rockstar: launch GTA V Legacy once from Steam or Epic and sign in to your Rockstar Games account.

Discord account already in use

"This Discord account is already in use"

The Discord account open on your PC is linked to a different Hydrate account, usually because you signed in to a different Rockstar account. Sign back in to your usual Rockstar account, or log in to Discord as the account named in the message.

Linked to a different Discord account

"Your Hydrate account is linked to a different Discord account"

Log in to Discord as that account and reconnect. Or switch: the card gives you a code to enter at hydraterp.com/relink within 15 minutes. You can switch once every 30 days.

Username refused

"Connection refused: Username ..."

Change your FiveM player name to 2 to 32 standard Latin letters, numbers and symbols, with no emoji.

Banned

"You are currently banned from Hydrate"

The message shows your Ban ID, the reason and when it ends. To contest it, see Ban Appeals and include your Ban ID.

Maintenance mode

"Sorry! We are in maintenance mode"

The server is closed for an update. Watch the announcements in our Discord (opens in a new tab).

FiveM can't find GTA V

Install GTA V Legacy, not just Enhanced, and launch it once (step 1).

The link doesn't open FiveM

Open FiveM at least once first, or use the F8 console.

Can't find Hydrate in the server browser

Clear the language filter, or use the link or F8 console.

Still stuck?

Open a general-support ticket in our Support Discord (opens in a new tab). Say which step you're stuck on and attach a screenshot of any error.

Next Steps

• Your First Day: what you start with, and what to do first.
• Creating a Character
• Keybinds and Commands
• Server Rules

See you in the city. Stay hydrated.