How to Set Up a Garry's Mod Server

Garry's Mod servers power everything from Trouble in Terrorist Town to complex DarkRP economies. Setting up a GMod server involves choosing a game mode, configuring addons, and fine-tuning settings for your community. This guide covers the full process from hosting selection to addon management.

What You'll Need

• Garry's Mod on Steam — Required for testing and connecting.
• Counter-Strike: Source content — Many addons and maps rely on CS:S textures. Your server may need CSS content mounted.
• A hosting plan — Managed hosting starts at $4-6/month. Self-hosting requires SteamCMD and port forwarding knowledge.
• A game mode chosen — TTT, DarkRP, Sandbox, Prop Hunt, or another mode. This determines everything else.

Step 1: Choose Your Hosting Approach

Managed Hosting (Recommended)

GMod servers are lightweight but addon-heavy. Managed hosts like Shockbyte, Nodecraft, and Apex Hosting handle the infrastructure while giving you full file access for customization:

• 2-4GB RAM depending on game mode and addon count
• Full FTP/SFTP access — Essential for addon and config management
• Workshop collection support — Automatic addon downloads
• FastDL support — Speeds up content downloads for players

Self-Hosted

Install using SteamCMD (app_update 4020). Forward port 27015 (TCP/UDP). GMod servers run on both Windows and Linux.

Step 2: Set Up on a Managed Host

1. Purchase a plan — 2GB for TTT/Prop Hunt (16-24 slots), 3-4GB for DarkRP (32-64 slots).
2. Select Garry's Mod as your game.
3. Choose your initial game mode — Most hosts let you set this during setup.
4. Access your control panel and note the server IP, port, and RCON password.
5. Start the server and connect via the console: connect IP:PORT.

Step 3: Configure server.cfg

The main config file lives at garrysmod/cfg/server.cfg:

// Server identity
hostname "My GMod Server | DarkRP | Custom Jobs"
sv_password ""                  // Empty for public
rcon_password "YourRCONPass"   // Remote console password

// Network
sv_maxrate 0
sv_minrate 75000
sv_maxupdaterate 66
sv_minupdaterate 33
net_maxfilesize 64

// Gameplay
sv_allowcslua 0                // Disable client Lua (anti-cheat)
sv_allowdownload 1
sv_allowupload 0
sbox_maxprops 150              // Prop limit per player
sbox_maxragdolls 10

// Workshop collection
host_workshop_collection 1234567890  // Your collection ID

Step 4: Set Up Workshop Addons

GMod uses Steam Workshop for addons. The most efficient approach:

Create a Workshop Collection

1. Go to the Steam Workshop for Garry's Mod.
2. Create a new collection with all your server addons.
3. Add the collection ID to server.cfg with host_workshop_collection.
4. Players automatically download addons when connecting.

Essential Addons by Game Mode

DarkRP:

| Addon | Purpose | |---|---| | DarkRP Modification | Core DarkRP config customization | | M9K Weapons | Popular weapon pack | | FAdmin | Admin management | | 3D2D Textscreens | Signage for shops | | Precision Tool | Building precision |

TTT:

| Addon | Purpose | |---|---| | ULX + ULib | Admin system | | Pointshop | Player cosmetics shop | | Custom Roles | Additional TTT roles | | Damagelogs | Track kills and damage |

Step 5: Configure Your Game Mode

DarkRP Setup

DarkRP configuration lives in garrysmod/addons/darkrpmodification/lua/darkrp_config/:

• settings.lua — Core gameplay settings (salary, jail time, etc.)
• jobs.lua — Custom job definitions with models, weapons, and salaries
• entities.lua — Custom entity spawns (printers, shipments)
• doorgroups.lua — Door ownership for specific jobs

TTT Setup

TTT settings are in server.cfg and garrysmod/cfg/:

// TTT-specific settings
ttt_preptime_seconds 30         // Preparing phase
ttt_firstpreptime 60           // First round prep
ttt_roundtime_minutes 10       // Round length
ttt_traitor_pct 0.25           // 25% traitors
ttt_detective_pct 0.13         // 13% detectives
ttt_karma 1                    // Enable karma system

Step 6: Set Up Admin System

ULX is the standard admin framework for GMod:

1. Install ULX and ULib from the Workshop.
2. In-game, open the console and run ulx adduser YourName superadmin.
3. Configure groups and permissions in the ULX menu (type !menu in chat).
4. Set up ranks: superadmin, admin, moderator, VIP, etc.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Players see ERROR signs and purple/black textures:

• Install CSS content on the server. Most hosts offer a "Mount CSS" option.
• Ensure players have Counter-Strike: Source installed, or use a content pack addon.

Server crashes with many addons:

• Check the server console for Lua errors.
• Remove recently added addons and test.
• Reduce addon count — aim for 40-60 well-curated addons rather than 200.

Long loading times for players:

• Set up FastDL or a Workshop collection (not both for the same content).
• Compress custom content with bzip2.
• Remove unused addons that add unnecessary downloads.

Next Steps

• Set up a loading screen with server rules, Discord link, and music.
• Create a Discord for your community with role integration.
• Configure logging to track admin actions and player behavior.
• Add a donation system with custom ranks and perks.

GMod servers thrive on community, and hosts like Shockbyte and Nodecraft keep the technical side simple so you can focus on building a great player experience.