If you are planning to create or manage a RedM server for Red Dead Redemption II, choosing the right framework is a crucial step. Your choice will greatly impact the success of your server. In this article, we will compare the most popular frameworks for RedM: VORP, RSG, RedEM:RP, and QBCore.
For developers, the choice of framework might seem trivial since all frameworks are open source, making them easy to modify. However, it remains important because it will define a large part of your server's optimization.
If you are a developer wanting to reach more users with your RedM scripts, considering using jo_libs. This tool lets your scripts work with all frameworks presented in this article in just a few seconds. You no longer need to worry about which framework is the most popular. That’s why all our RedM scripts are compatible with these frameworks.
Understanding Frameworks and Cores
Before we compare frameworks, let is clarify two important terms:
- A core is defined as a set of files and folders necessary to create a RedM server.
- The framework refers to how this core operates and interacts with RedM scripts.
One can draw an analogy with the automotive world: the framework would be the car model and the core the engine model.
Each framework has its own core, which can make changing frameworks later complicated. This article is here to help you make the right choice.
VORP, the Most Popular Framework
VORP is the most popular framework for RedM servers. Created by blue and primarily developed by outsider, VORP was launched in June 2020. Initially programmed in C#, VORP was designed to work under RedM’s Onesync. However, the C# language proved to be more complex for novice developers, leading to a quick migration of scripts to LUA. Today, the majority of RedM scripts in VORP’s core are in LUA, making them more accessible and easier to customize.
VORP is free, making it an attractive option for many RedM server administrators. Its popularity is reflected in the wide variety of RedM scripts available, both free and paid, across various forums and community platforms. Additionally, VORP benefits from robust official documentation, although some users report that it is not always up to date or contains errors. Another significant advantage is the framework’s daily updates, ensuring continuous compatibility with the latest versions of RedM.
However, VORP also has some drawbacks. The main developer is sometimes reluctant to accept external help and can easily ban users on their Discord, which can be an obstacle for those seeking active community support. Moreover, accessing SQL updates requires being present on their Discord, adding an extra layer of complexity for some users. It would have been preferable to have these queries available in GitHub releases.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
|
Wide variety of both free and paid scripts Daily updates Most widely used framework Official documentation |
Main developer is quite reluctant to accept external help Documentation is not always up to date Must be on their Discord to receive SQL updates |
RSG, the RedM Framework to Follow
The RSG framework, created by RexShack in early 2023, is a derivative of the popular QBCore from FiveM, specifically adapted for RedM. Although less known than VORP, RSG is quickly gaining market share thanks to its flexibility and rapid evolution. Its similarity to QBCore allows developers coming from FiveM to easily adapt without having to learn a new coding method, which is a major advantage for those already familiar with the FiveM ecosystem.
RSG is programmed in LUA, ensuring smooth compatibility with RedM scripts. Despite its rapid growth, RSG suffers from incomplete documentation, forcing developers to explore the core code directly to understand its various functions. On the aesthetic side, the FiveM-derived artistic direction results in modern interfaces that can sometimes break the immersion for players in the Red Dead Redemption II universe.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
|
Flexibility and rapid evolution Easy adaptation for developers coming from FiveM Based on a proven framework (QBCore) |
Existing documentation is incomplete, requiring developers to delve into the core code to understand various functions Artistic direction from FiveM means some interfaces have a modern design that can break player immersion |
RedEM:RP, the First RedM Framework
RedEM:RP is the first framework to have gained popularity on RedM, released in December 2019. Initially created by Kanersps and later taken over by Sinatra, this framework became widely popular due to its simplicity and ease of use in the early days of RedM. However, in early 2023, RedEM:RP underwent a major overhaul to bring it back into the spotlight. Unfortunately, this new version is not compatible with scripts from the first version. In recent months, the development of the framework appears to have been abandoned, leaving users uncertain about future support and updates.
Despite this apparent abandonment, RedEM:RP remains a viable option for those willing to invest time in fixing bugs or adding custom features, thanks to its LUA and clear files. The documentation for the 2023 version is relatively complete, providing a solid foundation for developers who wish to work with this framework. Additionally, being one of the first available frameworks, a large number of compatible RedM scripts are accessible, although it is essential to verify their compatibility with the current core version.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
|
Relatively complete documentation for the 2023 version Wide availability of compatible scripts Accessibility: LUA and clear files allow for bug fixes or adding custom features |
Development has been abandoned for a few months Incompatibility between the two core versions: old & 2023 |
QBCore RedM Edition, the Adaptation of FiveM's Popular Framework
QBCore is a relatively recent framework in the RedM ecosystem, created in August 2021 by Kakarot. It is an adaptation of FiveM’s QBCore, designed to be compatible with RedM. While QBCore offers great flexibility and a modern design for interfaces, the project was quickly abandoned, limiting its ability to establish a strong presence in the RedM ecosystem. As a result, the number of compatible RedM scripts with QBCore is significantly lower compared to VORP and RSG.
One of the main advantages of QBCore is its compatibility with FiveM, allowing developers and players to adapt without difficulty due to its identical operation. This compatibility also facilitates the transition for those who wish to migrate their RedM scripts from FiveM. However, the lack of specific documentation for QBCore RedM forces users to refer to FiveM’s documentation, which can complicate the onboarding process for some.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
|
Compatibility with FiveM: Developers and players are not lost thanks to identical operation Very high flexibility |
Project was quickly abandoned Few compatible scripts available compared to VORP and RSG Lack of specific documentation for QBCore RedM, requiring the use of FiveM’s documentation Lack of community support due to project abandonment |
Conclusion
In the end, there is no bad choice among the frameworks presented. Each RedM framework has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice will primarily depend on your specific needs and your level of development expertise.
- For Beginners: If you have no development knowledge, VORP is the best option. Thanks to its large community and the availability of numerous free and paid RedM scripts on the official forum, VORP greatly simplifies the management and expansion of your RedM server.
- For Experienced Developers: If you have solid development skills, RSG will likely be more enjoyable to use. Its flexibility and the active support from its development team, which is open to new projects, make it an ideal choice for those looking to customize and extend their RedM server in a more advanced way.
Finally, it is important to note that the vast majority of RedM scripts available on our shop are multi-framework thanks to the jo_libs gateway. This allows you to retain and use our scripts even if you decide to change frameworks in the future, providing additional flexibility for managing your RedM server.