---
title: "Getting started with your Garry's Mod server"
description: "Boot your Garry's Mod SRCDS server, connect on port 27015, and set hostname, sv_region, the rate convars and sbox_max limits in garrysmod/cfg/server.cfg."
url: "https://www.gameserverkings.com/knowledge-base/garrys-mod/getting-started-with-your-server/"
category: "Garry's Mod"
category_url: "https://www.gameserverkings.com/knowledge-base/garrys-mod/"
published: "2026-07-02T02:10:05.990Z"
updated: "2026-08-07T20:33:16.452Z"
source_format: "markdown"
site: "GameServerKings"
---

# Getting started with your Garry's Mod server

Garry's Mod (GMod) is a Source engine sandbox with an enormous Workshop and decades of game mode innovation (DarkRP, TTT, Sandbox, Murder, Prop Hunt, Jailbreak). Your server runs on SRCDS and has deep customization options.

This guide covers first boot, core server config, and game mode and map selection. Then branch out:

- [Game Modes](/knowledge-base/garrys-mod/gamemodes/) for DarkRP, TTT, and other modes in depth
- [Workshop and Fast Downloads](/knowledge-base/garrys-mod/workshop-and-fastdl/) for addon delivery
- [Admin Mods](/knowledge-base/garrys-mod/admin-mods/) for ULX and Sourcebans++

## First Boot

1. Open your [hosted Garry's Mod server](/games/gmod/) in the panel.

2. Click **Start**.

3. First boot downloads SRCDS files (about 12 GB after content extras), which takes 15 to 20 minutes.

4. When you see `VAC secure mode is activated` and `Server is hibernating`, you can connect.

To connect: in GMod, open the console with `~` and run:

```
connect 203.0.113.10:27015
```

## Configuration: server.cfg

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

```cfg title="garrysmod/cfg/server.cfg"
hostname "My GSK GMod Server"
sv_password ""
rcon_password "STRONG_RANDOM"
sv_region 1

sv_lan 0
sv_loadingurl ""

sv_maxrate 30000
sv_minrate 30000
sv_maxupdaterate 66
sv_minupdaterate 66
sv_mincmdrate 66
sv_maxcmdrate 66
sv_client_min_interp_ratio 1
sv_client_max_interp_ratio 2

sv_alltalk 0
sv_voiceenable 1
sv_allowupload 0
sv_allowdownload 1
sv_downloadurl ""

sbox_allownpc 1
sbox_maxballoons 10
sbox_maxbuttons 20
sbox_maxdynamite 10
sbox_maxeffects 50
sbox_maxemitters 5
sbox_maxlamps 20
sbox_maxlights 50
sbox_maxnpcs 10
sbox_maxprops 100
sbox_maxragdolls 5
sbox_maxsents 20
sbox_maxthrusters 30
sbox_maxvehicles 6
sbox_maxwheels 20
sbox_noclip 1
sbox_godmode 0
sbox_playershurtplayers 1

exec banned_user.cfg
exec banned_ip.cfg
writeid
writeip
```

| Setting | Notes |
|---------|-------|
| hostname | Server browser display |
| sv_region | Region filter (1=US West, 0=US East, 3=Europe, etc.) |
| sv_password | Empty for public |
| rcon_password | Set a strong one |
| sv_maxupdaterate/cmdrate | 66 for smooth feel |
| sbox_max* | Per-player limits on props, NPCs, ragdolls, etc. |
| sv_downloadurl | Fast download URL for Workshop and custom files (see Workshop and Fast Downloads) |

## Game Modes

Set the game mode in the Startup tab. Defaults include:

- **sandbox** (default)
- **terrortown** (Trouble in Terrorist Town)
- **darkrp** (the most popular RP framework)
- **prop_hunt**
- **murder**
- **deathrun**
- **jailbreak**

Custom game modes are dropped into `garrysmod/gamemodes/<name>/` and selected by name. After changing the game mode, restart the server.

For DarkRP and TTT setup in depth, see [Game Modes](/knowledge-base/garrys-mod/gamemodes/).

## Map Selection

Set the **map** field in the Startup tab. Popular vanilla maps:

- `gm_construct` (Sandbox classic)
- `gm_flatgrass`
- `rp_downtown_v4c_v2` (DarkRP)
- `ttt_minecraft_b5` (TTT)
- `ph_island` (Prop Hunt)

For Workshop maps, see [Workshop and Fast Downloads](/knowledge-base/garrys-mod/workshop-and-fastdl/).

## Performance Tips

- **Limit sbox_max settings**: `sbox_maxprops 100` is generous; 50 for crowded sandbox servers
- **Restart every 6 to 12 hours**: GMod accumulates leftover entities and Lua memory
- **Avoid wiremod abuse**: Wiremod and Advanced Duplicator 2 can cause massive prop counts that tank performance
- **Use Lua optimization addons** like `gPropController` to despawn idle props

## Backups

Your `server.cfg`, game mode configs (especially DarkRP job/shop configs), and addon configs are the things to back up. The panel **Backups** tab handles the whole volume.

> [!TIP]
> Daily snapshots are recommended, especially for RP servers where player progress and config tuning represent real work.

## Common Issues

- **Server stuck loading map**: Map is missing from the workshop collection or cache. See [Workshop and Fast Downloads](/knowledge-base/garrys-mod/workshop-and-fastdl/).
- **High CPU with few players**: Likely a runaway addon or wiremod contraption. Check the console for Lua errors.
- **Players kicked with "STEAMAUTH FAIL"**: Steam authentication issues, usually transient. If persistent, confirm `sv_lan 0` (the default).
- **Custom HUD addons not appearing**: Some addons require a client-side install; not all GMod addons are server-only.

## What to Read Next

- [Game Modes](/knowledge-base/garrys-mod/gamemodes/) for DarkRP and TTT setup
- [Workshop and Fast Downloads](/knowledge-base/garrys-mod/workshop-and-fastdl/) for addon and map delivery
- [Admin Mods](/knowledge-base/garrys-mod/admin-mods/) for ULX and Sourcebans++

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