--- title: "Garry's Mod Gamemodes" description: "Set startup gamemodes, install DarkRP or TTT directly from GitHub, and avoid configuration mistakes that break custom GMod modes." url: "https://www.gameserverkings.com/knowledge-base/garrys-mod/gamemodes/" category: "Garry's Mod" category_url: "https://www.gameserverkings.com/knowledge-base/garrys-mod/" published: "2026-07-02T02:09:17.413Z" updated: "2026-08-19T08:22:42.302Z" source_format: "markdown" site: "GameServerKings" --- # Garry's Mod Gamemodes GMod's identity is its game modes. This guide covers the two most popular in depth (DarkRP and TTT) and points to the rest. Complete [Getting started with your Garry's Mod server](/knowledge-base/garrys-mod/getting-started-with-your-server/) first, and set up [Workshop and Fast Downloads](/knowledge-base/garrys-mod/workshop-and-fastdl/) since most game mode content comes from the Workshop. ## Setting the Game Mode Set the game mode in the Startup tab, then restart. Built-in and common options: - **sandbox** (default) - **terrortown** (Trouble in Terrorist Town) - **darkrp** (the most popular RP framework) - **prop_hunt** - **murder** - **deathrun** - **jailbreak** Custom game modes go in `garrysmod/gamemodes//` and are selected by name in the Startup tab. ## DarkRP (the Most Popular Game Mode) DarkRP is a roleplay framework with jobs, money, jails, and shop systems. It is the backbone of most GMod RP communities. ### Installing DarkRP 1. Set the game mode to `darkrp` in the Startup tab. 2. Download the DarkRP framework from `github.com/FPtje/DarkRP` (or use the Workshop version via a collection). 3. Upload it to `garrysmod/gamemodes/darkrp/`. 4. Restart. ### DarkRP Modification (Required for Customization) > [!IMPORTANT] You do not edit the DarkRP framework directly > Instead, you use **DarkRP Modification**, a separate addon that holds your custom jobs, shipments, and entities so your changes survive DarkRP updates. 1. Download DarkRP Modification from `github.com/FPtje/darkrpmodification`. 2. Upload it to `garrysmod/addons/darkrpmodification/`. 3. Edit jobs, shipments, and config in `garrysmod/addons/darkrpmodification/lua/darkrp_customthings/`. 4. Restart. Donor-only jobs live here too: a job in `darkrp_customthings/jobs.lua` with a `customCheck` against the usergroup your admin mod sets. [Garry's Mod Server Monetisation](/knowledge-base/garrys-mod/server-monetisation/) has that wiring, and what Facepunch's rules allow a paid job to do. ### Common DarkRP Addons Most DarkRP servers run dozens of community addons: - **NLR (New Life Rule) systems**: Enforce the roleplay death rule - **F4 Menu replacements**: Custom job and shop menus - **Custom shipments, entities, and NPCs**: Weapons dealers, drug labs, printers - **Hitman and mob job systems** - **Pointshop 2**: Cosmetic in-game store > [!TIP] Pack creators on the Workshop bundle many of these > Browse the GMod Workshop's DarkRP category and add the ones you want to your Workshop collection (see [Workshop and Fast Downloads](/knowledge-base/garrys-mod/workshop-and-fastdl/)). ### A Note on DarkRP Money and Persistence DarkRP stores player money and data in a database. For a small server it uses SQLite by default. For larger or multi-server setups, point it at MySQL via the **Databases** tab on your [managed Garry's Mod server](/games/gmod/) (see [How to Create a Database](/knowledge-base/general/how-to-create-a-database-via-your-panel/)) so data persists reliably and can be shared. ## TTT (Trouble in Terrorist Town) TTT is a hidden-role game where Innocents, Detectives, and Traitors compete. The base game mode ships with GMod. ### Setting Up TTT 1. Set the game mode to `terrortown` in the Startup tab. 2. Add TTT maps to your Workshop collection (start with `ttt_minecraft_b5`). 3. Restart. ### Popular TTT Addons - **Custom Roles for TTT**: Adds Jester, Vampire, Glitch, and dozens of other roles. The big one for modern TTT servers - **TTT Equipment Menu Overhaul**: Cleaner shop UI - **Pointshop or Pointshop 2**: Cosmetics bought with credits earned across rounds - **Custom weapons and traitor weapons**: Expand the arsenal - **TTT2**: A community rewrite of TTT with a richer role and addon ecosystem (an alternative base, not just an addon) ## Other Game Modes - **Prop Hunt** (`prop_hunt`): Hide-and-seek where one team disguises as props. Use `ph_` maps - **Murder** (`murder`): One murderer, one armed bystander, everyone else unarmed. Use `mu_` maps - **DeathRun** (`deathrun`): One activator triggers traps against runners. Use `deathrun_` maps - **Jailbreak** (`jailbreak`): Guards vs prisoners roleplay. Use `ba_jail_` maps Each is selected by game mode name in the Startup tab and paired with its prefixed maps from the Workshop. ## Custom Game Modes To run a community game mode not in the defaults: 1. Download the game mode (often distributed via Workshop or GitHub). 2. Upload it to `garrysmod/gamemodes//`. 3. Set the Startup game mode field to match the folder name. 4. Add any required maps to your Workshop collection. 5. Restart. ## Common Issues - **DarkRP customizations disappear after an update**: You edited the DarkRP framework directly instead of using DarkRP Modification. Move your jobs and shipments into the `darkrpmodification` addon. - **Game mode loads but maps are wrong**: The game mode needs its prefixed maps (`rp_`, `ttt_`, `ph_`, etc.) in your Workshop collection. See [Workshop and Fast Downloads](/knowledge-base/garrys-mod/workshop-and-fastdl/). - **TTT roles not appearing**: Custom Roles for TTT (or TTT2) is not installed, or not in the collection. - **DarkRP money resets**: Database not persisting. Confirm SQLite is writing, or move to MySQL for reliability. ## What to Read Next - [Workshop and Fast Downloads](/knowledge-base/garrys-mod/workshop-and-fastdl/) since game mode content and maps come from the Workshop - [Admin Mods](/knowledge-base/garrys-mod/admin-mods/) for managing players on your RP or TTT server - [Getting started with your Garry's Mod server](/knowledge-base/garrys-mod/getting-started-with-your-server/) for core server config --- Made with 💜 by GameServerKings