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Garry's Mod Server Setup Guide 2026

Complete step-by-step tutorial to set up your own Garry's Mod server

Free TutorialStep-by-Step GuideCode ExamplesTroubleshooting Tips
Garry's Mod
GM

Garry's Mod

Facepunch Studios • November 29, 2006

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Garry's Mod Server Requirements

What You'll Need

Software Requirements

  • Garry's Mod installed
    Buy GMod
  • Source Dedicated Server (SRCDS)
    Download SteamCMD
  • Minimum 2GB RAM (4GB+ recommended)
  • Port 27015 forwarded
  • Workshop content management

Hardware Requirements

Minimum (5-10 players)
  • • CPU: 1.7 GHz Processor
  • • RAM: 512 MB RAM
  • • Storage: 150 MB available space
  • • Network: 10+ Mbps upload
Recommended (20+ players)
  • • CPU: Pentium 4 processor (3.0GHz, or better)
  • • RAM: 1 GB RAM
  • • Storage: 1 GB available space (SSD)
  • • Network: 50+ Mbps upload

Step-by-Step Garry's Mod Server Setup

1

Step 1: Install SteamCMD and download GMod server files

Install SteamCMD and download GMod server files

2

Step 2: Set up server directory structure

Set up server directory structure

3

Step 3: Configure server

Configure server.cfg and autoexec.cfg

4

Step 4: Install desired game modes (DarkRP, TTT, etc

Install desired game modes (DarkRP, TTT, etc.)

5

Step 5: Set up Workshop collection for addons

Set up Workshop collection for addons

6

Step 6: Configure admin system (ULX/ServerGuard)

Configure admin system (ULX/ServerGuard)

7

Step 7: Forward port 27015

Forward port 27015

8

Step 8: Start server with game mode parameters

Start server with game mode parameters

Code Example:

bash
./srcds_run -console -game garrysmod +gamemode darkrp +map rp_downtown_v4c_v2

Garry's Mod Server Configuration

Basic Settings

Server NameMy Garry's Mod Server
Max Players20
Game Modesurvival
Difficultynormal

Advanced Settings

Performance Optimization

  • • Allocate 1GB RAM per 4-6 players
  • • Use SSD storage for better performance
  • • Optimize view distance based on player count
  • • Enable server-side optimizations

Security Settings

  • • Set strong admin passwords
  • • Configure firewall rules
  • • Enable whitelist if needed
  • • Regular backup schedule

Common Garry's Mod Server Issues & Solutions

🚫 Players Can't Connect to Server

Symptoms: Server appears offline, connection timeouts

Solutions:

  • Check port forwarding configuration (port 25565 for Minecraft)
  • Verify firewall settings allow server traffic
  • Confirm server is running and listening on correct port
  • Test with local IP first, then external IP

⚠️ Server Lag and Performance Issues

Symptoms: Slow response, block lag, entity lag

Solutions:

  • Increase RAM allocation (minimum 2GB recommended)
  • Reduce view distance in server properties
  • Limit entity spawning and mob farms
  • Use performance optimization plugins

💥 Server Crashes Frequently

Symptoms: Unexpected shutdowns, error messages

Solutions:

  • Check server logs for error messages
  • Ensure sufficient RAM allocation
  • Update server software to latest version
  • Remove problematic plugins or mods

Server Setup Complete! 🎉

Your Garry's Mod server is ready. Now let's get players to join!

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