ESX, QBCore, Qbox: where FiveM frameworks stand in 2026
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Whenever you install a script or an MLO on a FiveM server, one question always comes up: which framework is the server running? In 2026, three names keep coming up in community discussions — ESX, QBCore, and Qbox. Here’s a neutral rundown of what actually sets them apart.
ESX, the veteran
ESX remains the oldest of the three major frameworks still in wide use. Many long-running servers still run on it, and the ecosystem of ESX-compatible scripts remains large — a solid argument for anyone already running an established server who’d rather not migrate.
QBCore, still actively maintained
According to its own documentation, QBCore remains actively tracked by its community in 2026, with an “upstream change history” visible directly on its GitHub repositories. It’s currently one of the most widely used frameworks for new servers, backed by a large catalog of qb-* resources and extensive documentation.
Qbox, the rising fork
Qbox (qbx_core) is a fork of QBCore created on September 27, 2022, developed by a team separate from QBCore’s original creators. Per its official documentation, the goal is to “improve upon QBCore while maintaining backwards compatibility” with most of its scripts — making migration easier for servers already running QBCore. Qbox also builds on resources from the Overextended project (such as ox_lib), though it explicitly states it isn’t affiliated with that team. Its main pitch is a more modern foundation, with an emphasis on performance and security.
What this means for your script and MLO purchases
None of these three frameworks has “won” in 2026 — all three coexist, each with its own community and resource catalog. Before installing a new script or MLO, the habit worth keeping is simple: check its compatibility against your exact framework, including its precise version, rather than assuming “ESX” or “QBCore” alone is enough information.
At KEOPS Studios, every product page lists the frameworks it supports — check that before any purchase, or ask us on Discord if you’re unsure about your setup.
Overview accurate as of September 16, 2026, based on each project's official documentation. All three frameworks evolve continuously — always check their respective repositories for the latest updates.