FiveM Maps vs MLOs: What’s the Difference?
FiveM Maps vs MLOs: What’s the Difference & When to Use Each?
Every FiveM server owner eventually asks: Should I install a map mod or an MLO? Both add new places and transform roleplay, but they work very differently under the hood. Picking the wrong one can mean wasted slots, FPS drops, or assets your players never touch. Let’s break down what actually matters.
What is a Map in FiveM?
A “map” in FiveM usually refers to exterior edits: new roads, highways, racetracks, islands, or modified landscapes. These files change how the world looks from the outside. They’re often lightweight compared to full interiors but can still impact streaming if they cover large terrain.
- Best for: Expanding your server’s world (racetracks, islands, new neighborhoods).
- Performance impact: Moderate, depending on polycount and draw distance.
- Limitations: Mostly exterior—rarely gives you explorable interiors.
Browse our Custom Maps to see examples of optimized terrain expansions.
What is an MLO?
An MLO (Map Load Object) is an interior with full collision, lighting, and rooms. Unlike simple YMAP props, an MLO lets players walk inside, interact with furniture, and use the space for RP jobs. Because of portals, rooms, and occlusion data, MLOs feel far more immersive—but they’re heavier to stream.
- Best for: Roleplay jobs (mechanic shops, clubs, police stations, safehouses).
- Performance impact: Higher than simple maps, especially with detailed textures.
- Limitations: Poorly optimized MLOs cause FPS drops, missing collisions, or texture flicker.
Check out our FiveM MLOs for premium interiors designed with optimization in mind.
Maps vs MLOs: Direct Comparison
| Factor | Maps | MLOs |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Exterior edits (roads, terrain, buildings) | Fully explorable interiors with collisions |
| Performance impact | Usually lighter, depends on scale | Heavier, especially detailed interiors |
| Use case | Expanding the world map | Jobs, RP hubs, realistic interiors |
| Immersion | Good for scenery & driving variety | High—players can live & work inside |
| Examples | Race circuits, custom islands | Mechanic shop, club interior, PD HQ |
When to choose a Map
Go for a map if your community wants more driving space, racing content, or unique exteriors. They’re lightweight and rarely conflict with job scripts. Perfect for car meets, races, or exploration-heavy servers.
When to choose an MLO
If your RP revolves around jobs, crime, or detailed interiors, an MLO is essential. A police RP without a proper station interior feels hollow. A mechanic job without a shop is flat. Immersion and RP depth scale directly with your interior quality.
Final Checklist
- Server size: For small servers, start with maps (lower impact). Larger servers benefit more from curated MLO hubs.
- Player behavior: Are your players racing & exploring? Or working jobs & hosting events?
- Hardware budget: Lower VRAM and CPU = lean maps. Higher slots and stronger specs = MLO-friendly.
- Mix smartly: Most established servers use both: a few lightweight maps + key MLOs.
Bottom line
Maps reshape the world outside, MLOs create experiences inside. If you want players to explore, expand the map. If you want them to live jobs, invest in MLOs. The smartest servers mix both—driving variety from maps, immersion from interiors.