Ever wanted to make your FiveM server stand out with unique weapon sounds? Whether you’re running a military RP, zombie apocalypse scenario, or just want better sound immersion, custom gun sounds are the way to go. This guide will show you exactly how to make custom FiveM gun sounds from scratch and get them working smoothly in-game.
What Are Custom Gun Sounds in FiveM?
In FiveM, custom gun sounds allow you to replace GTA V’s default weapon audio with personalized effects. These could be realistic, sci-fi, cinematic, or anything in between. With just a few tools and a bit of time, you can give every gun in your server a signature sound.
This modding feature is especially popular among advanced RP servers where realism and atmosphere matter. Whether it’s the bang of a rifle or the subtle hiss of a silencer, custom sounds bring another level of immersion.
What You’ll Need to Create Custom Gun Sounds
Before you get started, gather the following tools and files:
- Audio Editing Software (Audacity, Adobe Audition, or FL Studio)
- High-Quality Sound Files (WAV format preferred)
- FiveM Server Access
- OpenIV (for exploring GTA file structures)
- Audio Conversion Tools (like CodeWalker or GTAUtil)
Make sure your FiveM setup is working properly and you’re familiar with basic server resource structure.
How to Make Custom FiveM Gun Sounds: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Record or Find the Right Sound
First, you need quality gunshot audio. You can either:
- Record your own (ensure legal and safe conditions)
- Use royalty-free sound libraries
Look for sounds that match the weapon you’re replacing. For example, if it’s a pistol, don’t use a machine gun burst.
Step 2: Edit and Clean the Audio
Use an audio editor to:
- Trim silence at the beginning or end
- Normalize the volume
- Reduce background noise
- Convert stereo to mono if needed
Once finalized, export the sound as a 16-bit PCM WAV file. This format is required for GTA V compatibility.
Step 3: Convert Audio to .awc Format
GTA V uses .awc files for sound. To convert:
- Open GTAUtil or CodeWalker
- Create an .oac file referencing your .wav file
- Build the .awc container
Make sure filenames exactly match the original GTA sounds you intend to replace, like weap_rifle.awc.
Step 4: Create a FiveM Resource Folder
Set up a new resource folder like this:
custom_gunsounds/
├── fxmanifest.lua
├── stream/
└── resident/
└── weap_rifle.awc
Use the following example in your fxmanifest.lua:
fx_version ‘cerulean’
game ‘gta5’
files {
‘stream/resident/weap_rifle.awc’
}
data_file ‘AUDIO_WAVEPACK’ ‘stream/resident’
Step 5: Add to Your Server and Test
Place the folder in your FiveM server’s resources directory. Then, open server.cfg and add:
ensure custom_gunsounds
Start the server, spawn the weapon, and fire it. You should hear the new sound if everything is working.
Tips for High-Quality Sound Design
To get the best results:
- Keep audio length short to avoid delays
- Match volume with GTA V’s sound levels
- Avoid overly bass-heavy mixes
- Test in different environments (indoors, city, countryside)
You can also layer different effects (initial pop, echo tail) to simulate more dynamic acoustics.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong File Format: Always use 16-bit WAV
- Incorrect File Names: They must match GTA originals
- No Resource Declaration: Missing data_file lines in fxmanifest.lua
- File Too Large: Aim for files under 1MB for performance
These small oversights can cause the mod not to load or crash your game entirely.
Using Different Sounds for Multiple Weapons
You’re not limited to one custom sound. To support multiple:
- Create separate .awc files for each gun
- Place them in the stream folder
- Include all files in fxmanifest.lua
This is ideal for modded RP servers where each weapon type has a unique role.
Conclusion
Custom gun sounds are one of the easiest ways to make your FiveM server stand out. With just a few tools and a bit of patience, you can bring cinema-level sound quality to your RP world.
Whether you want realistic military-style rifles, sci-fi blasters, or just better pistol pops, now you know how to make it happen.
So fire up your DAW, grab your best sound effects, and let your creativity echo through Los Santos!
FAQs
Can I use MP3 files for custom gun sounds?
No. GTA V requires 16-bit WAV files for audio mods.
Do these sounds work for everyone on the server?
Yes, as long as your resource is streamed properly and added to server.cfg.
Is this allowed on public RP servers?
Some servers limit custom assets. Check with your admins first.
Can I make reload sounds custom too?
Yes, reload and empty click sounds can also be replaced the same way.
Why is my sound not playing?
Double-check your file name, format, fxmanifest setup, and server logs.
