Like this article but want to see how alt:V compares to Fivem? Don't worry I've got you covered.

https://stuyk.com/altv-vs-fivem/

This is my development perspective of these two projects and the current teams that are behind them. I'll try to be as neutral as possible between the two and let you come up with your own conclusion.

Before I begin comparison; I have developed with both of these projects and this is general information that I've experienced. I currently work with JavaScript, Typescript, C++, C#, and Python.

Features for Rage:MP

• Scripting Languages for Server-side: JS, C#, C++
• Scripting Languages for Client-side: JS, C#
• Reconnect: True
• Custom DLC Support: True
• Sync: Not Absolute (Still in Progress / Not Public)
• Appearance / Vehicle Sync: True
• Scripted Animation Sync: True
• Stability: Currently Stable
• Voice Chat: Built In, Requires Code to Function
• NPC Sync Including Traffic: False
• Max Players: 1000+
• Client Functions: Wrappers on GTA Natives
• Module SDK: Yes
• Client Resource Encryption: No
• Public Beta Builds: No
• Public Bug Tracking: No
• Script Hook V: Custom Build / Not Used
• Average Update Time after Rockstar Releases: 1+ Days
• Number of Developers: 1 George (2 if Adam had access to Rage)
• Anti-Cheat: Cheat Engine Detection / Rest is Unknown
• Open Source: No
• Discord RPC Integration: Outdated

Features for alt:V

• Scripting Languages for Server-side: JS, C#, C++, (Python in the Future)
• Scripting Languages for Client-side: JS
• Reconnect: Development Only
• I would like to add that there is the potential to have any language for this project since the module SDK is open source.
• Custom DLC Support: True
• Sync: Absolute
• Appearance / Vehicle Sync: True
• Scripted Animation Sync: True
• Stability: Currently Stable
• Voice Chat: Built In, Requires Code to Function
• NPC Sync Including Traffic: False
• Max Players: 1000+ Dependent on Hardware
• Client Functions: GTA Natives + alt:V Extras
• Module SDK: Yes
• Client Resource Encryption: Yes (Prevents Stealing)
• Public Beta Builds: Yes
• Public Bug Tracking: Yes
• Script Hook V: Custom Build / Not Used
• Average Update Time after Rockstar Releases: Less than 6 hours.
• Number of Developers: 4+
• Anti-Cheat: None, client values are encrypted.
• Open Source: Some Components
• Discord RPC Integration: Latest Features

Comparing Sync

Rage:MP

With the current iteration of Rage Multiplayer the sync is questionable. It is incredibly noticeable when you do any form of melee combat. Gun accuracy is non-existent and not that great at best. However, they are working towards a new synchronization solution that resolves most of these problems. There is no public evidence of the new sync handling more than 100+ players at a time and being stable.

alt:V

With the current iteration of alt:V the sync is great. It noticeable from the get go that head shots land, that fist fights work, and evidently better than what GTA: Online has to offer. They are actively working and improving sync with each beta release.

Comparing Updates

Rage:MP

The last RAGE:MP update was back in December of 2018. The developers are working on synchronization issues; but no public update has been release in over 6 months. It is unknown what other features the developers are working on at this time other than synchronization.

alt:V

At the time of this post; the last update was released today for their development branch. They merge to the master branch quite often and are very transparent about the content they are working on.

Comparing Transparency

Rage:MP

It is non-existent; there is no information about what these developers are currently working on other than synchronization. In retrospect there are only two developers actively working on this project and they may not have time to answer everyone's questions.

alt:V

These developers are very transparent about their road map which can be found in their various Github repositories. You just have to read the .MD files provided in this repository.

Comparing Seniority

Rage:MP

Rage:MP is a merger of the old GTANetwork project from 2-3 years ago with a combination of the existing Rage:MP project. This project has been in development for a long time.

alt:V

Prior to alt:V it used to go under a few different names: FiveNet, and GTA:Orange. They pruned several developers from their team when the team was overly toxic. They've since completely changed their act and have made steady progress since these changes.

Comparing Community

Rage:MP has a large community but no where near what FiveM has. alt:V is under that same umbrella of not having a community as large as FiveM. Both of these projects have their very own Discords and the developers actively post in each community.

On a personal note; getting help with development in each of the communities is a vastly different experience. In alt:V you can get your questions answered even on general development. In Rage:MP you'll get sub-par assistance with minor questions and potentially banned for asking arbitrary questions about general development.

Comparing Documentation

Rage:MP

The JavaScript documentation for Rage:MP is mostly filled for every single function, event, etc. While the entire C# client-side of the documentation is mostly incomplete. They use an open source wiki to have their community fulfill the information about the API. If there isn't a page for the function; you will have to do your own research.

Example of incomplete pages: https://wiki.rage.mp/index.php?title=Client-side_CSharp_functions

alt:V

The documentation is relayed from GitHub and displayed on their main website. This documentation is mostly automatically generated based on builds. At first glance it looks a bit incomplete but that's not true. People may contribute by forking and making pull requests for documentation. C# has all the information necessary for server-side. The JavaScript Client/Server API is mostly complete as well; including all the native functionality built into GTA:V and on how to utilize them.

Development Experience (Opinion)

Rage:MP

Rage:MP is relatively easy to get started with; you don't need to do much to get immediately started with JavaScript. C# requires a bit more work and understanding of the underlying configuration for C# coding. Plus the way you distribute client and server resources can be a confusing task for the average coder. C# requires a specific file to be included for users to access their C# client-side code. Overall JavaScript is easier to get started with; but C# offers the opportunity for better performance. There are also Type definitions available if you would like to work in Typescript and compile down to JS.

alt:V

alt:V takes a little bit of reading to get the initial setup of your resource started. When you download the server files you can also download examples as well; which helps out initially. There are various boiler plates available in their resources section to help you get the general feel of the structure of this client. Structure wise when you're working on a resource you can easily separate your client files and server files per resource. Which is great for organization. I have not experienced the C# side of this client yet; but others have had great experiences with it. There are also Type definitions available if you would like to work in Typescript and compile down to JS.

Performance

Rage:MP

Initially RAGE servers take up plenty of CPU/RAM usage. If you don't have high-end hardware you mind your servers performance to be sub-optimal. Its hard to say what the general performance of the server is with more than 200+ players at a time.

alt:V

There is a bit of information on the performance of alt:V. Colshapes take around 9KB of RAM and general CPU usage is very low. At 200 players you can roughly expect around 20% CPU usage, 150MB RAM usage, 3Mbps Outgoing Connection, 1 Mbps Incoming Connection. Which is incredibly low for the amount of players in the server.

Final Comments (Opinion)

Rage:MP

While RAGE has been in development for quite some time; it falls flat on updates. They've failed to be transparent with their community about what they are currently working on and what their general road map is. There is no community input on the development path of RAGE. We have no idea what to expect from this team in the future. We've even seen an entire server completely unable to broadcast their server to the RAGE master-list after the owner was banned from their Discord. Getting started with Rage:MP is a generally painless process but depending on which language you choose; you will find the information to be slightly out of date.

alt:V

Project alt:V may been the new kid on the block; but they have been consistent on their updates and kept the communities best interests in mind. As well as worked constantly towards updating their client as often as possible. Usually a new development update is available every day. They even speak to their community about how different API features should be handled with various opinions being discussed. You can even find one of the developers streaming what they are working on from time to time. From a development perspective it took a little bit for me to get started; but that's because I was completely used to development with RAGE. I can safely say that my experience with alt:V so far has been refreshing.