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
Garry's Mod Server Requirements
What You'll Need
Software Requirements
- Garry's Mod installed
Hardware Requirements
Minimum (5-10 players)
- • CPU: 1.7 GHz Processor
- • RAM: 512 MB RAM
- • Storage: 150 MB
- • Network: 10+ Mbps upload
Recommended (20+ players)
- • CPU: Pentium 4 processor (3.0GHz, or better)
- • RAM: 1 GB RAM
- • Storage: 1 GB (SSD)
- • Network: 50+ Mbps upload
Step-by-Step Garry's Mod Server Setup
1
Step 1: Install SteamCMD and download server files
Install SteamCMD and download server files
Code Example:
bash
./steamcmd.sh +login anonymous +app_update 4020Garry's Mod Server Configuration
Basic Settings
Server Name
My Garry's Mod ServerMax Players
20Game Mode
survivalDifficulty
normalAdvanced 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!