Players stuck on "Downloading server manifest..." when loading into the city.
What does "Downloading server manifest..." mean?
Getting stuck on "Downloading server manifest" in FiveM usually means your client connected to the server, but couldn’t retrieve the list of resources to download and load. This step is essential — if the manifest fails to load, the game can't proceed to load resources, maps, or scripts.
The server manifest is a JSON file that lists:
All the resources (scripts, maps, etc.)
Resource metadata (version, dependencies)
Instructions on how to download/load them
If you’re stuck here, something is blocking or stalling that fetch request.
Common Causes & Fixes
Resource/Manifest File Corruption
A resource has an invalid or missing fxmanifest.lua / __resource.lua.
Go to the affected resource(s) and check:
The file is named correctly (fxmanifest.lua or __resource.lua)
Syntax is clean
No stray BOM (Byte Order Mark) at the top — use a clean text editor like VS Code or Notepad++
Run ensure or start on only a few resources and test — isolate the problematic one.
Incorrect file encoding or syntax error in the manifest.
Go to the affected resource(s) and check:
The file is named correctly (fxmanifest.lua or __resource.lua)
Syntax is clean (especially for fxmanifest.lua)
No stray BOM (Byte Order Mark) at the top — use a clean text editor like VS Code or Notepad++
Client-Server Communication Timeout
Your client (player) is trying to connect but the server is too slow or blocked.
Restart router/modem.
Switch networks (e.g., use hotspot or VPN to test).
Disable firewall
Try connecting using direct IP (F8 console → connect <IP>:30120).
High latency or packet loss.
Check for packet loss using ping or tracert or MTR to the server IP.
The server is not properly reachable on required ports/out allowing HTTP/UDP traffic.
On the servers Windows Firewall, ensure the following Inbound Rules are properly created:
Ensure port 30120 (UDP and TCP) are open and properly forwarded.
Ensure port 40120 (TCP) is open and properly forwarded.
Incorrect or Incomplete server.cfg
You haven’t ensure'd all required base resources, or a broken script is referenced.
