The archive usually includes an .sql file that must be imported into a database (like MariaDB) to store player data.

Instead of downloading dozens of individual scripts (resources), the .rar file provides a snapshot of a working environment.

It often includes the specific versions of es_extended and its dependencies (like mysql-async or oxmysql ) that are known to work together.

To turn an Esx_Legacy.rar file into a functioning server, a developer typically follows these steps:

Managing skins, clothes, and identity data via MySQL databases. The Significance of the .rar Format

Whitelisted jobs (Police, EMS) and public jobs (Taxi, Mechanic).

The contents are extracted into the resources folder of a FiveM server directory.