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Getting started with your Garry's Mod server

Updated July 23, 2026
Garry's Mod

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:

First Boot

  1. Open your Garry's Mod server 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:

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.

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.

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. 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.
  • 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.

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