Welcome, Dev, to our guide on how to host a server on Garry’s Mod. In this article, we will be providing you with a step-by-step guide that will help you set up your own server on Garry’s Mod.
What is Garry’s Mod?
Garry’s Mod, or GMod for short, is a popular sandbox game that was developed by Facepunch Studios. It allows players to create and manipulate objects and experiment with physics within the game’s environment. GMod also allows players to create their own game modes and share them with others.
What is a Garry’s Mod Server?
A Garry’s Mod server is a dedicated computer that runs the game’s server software. This server allows players to connect and play together in a multiplayer environment. Hosting your own GMod server gives you more control over the game’s settings and allows you to customize your gameplay experience.
Step 1: Set Up Your Server
The first step in hosting a server on Garry’s Mod is to set up your server. You can either host your server on your own computer or rent a dedicated server from a hosting provider. Here are the steps to set up your own server:
Step 1.1: Download SteamCMD
You will need to download SteamCMD, which is a command-line tool that allows you to install and update dedicated servers for Steam games.
To download SteamCMD, visit the official Valve Developer Community website and download the appropriate version for your operating system.
Step 1.2: Create a New Folder
Next, create a new folder on your computer where you want to store your server files. You can name this folder whatever you want.
Step 1.3: Download Garry’s Mod Server Files
Once you have SteamCMD and your new folder set up, you will need to download the Garry’s Mod server files.
To do this, open SteamCMD and enter the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
login anonymous |
Logs you into SteamCMD anonymously. |
force_install_dir [installation directory] |
Sets the installation directory for the GMod server files. |
app_update 4020 validate |
Downloads and installs the GMod server files. |
quit |
Exits SteamCMD. |
Make sure to replace [installation directory] with the path to your new folder.
Step 1.4: Configure Your Server Settings
Now that you have the GMod server files, it’s time to configure your server settings. You can do this by editing the server.cfg file located in your server’s cfg directory.
Open the file in a text editor and change the settings to your liking. Some important settings to consider include:
- sv_hostname – Sets the name of your server.
- rcon_password – Sets the password for remote console access to your server.
- sv_password – Sets the password for players to join your server.
- sv_downloadurl – Sets the URL for players to download custom content for your server.
Step 1.5: Start Your Server
Once you have configured your server settings, it’s time to start your server. To do this, open a Command Prompt or Terminal window and navigate to your server’s root directory.
Once there, enter the following command:
srcds.exe -game garrysmod +map gm_construct +maxplayers 16 +gamemode sandbox +host_workshop_collection [collection ID] -authkey [workshop auth key] +sv_setsteamaccount [Steam account token]
Make sure to replace [collection ID], [workshop auth key], and [Steam account token] with the appropriate values. You can find more information on these values in the Garry’s Mod documentation.
Your server should now be up and running!
Step 2: Configure Your Router
If you are hosting your server on your own computer, you will need to configure your router to allow incoming connections to your server. Here are the steps to do this:
Step 2.1: Find Your Router’s IP Address
The first step is to find your router’s IP address. You can find this by opening a Command Prompt or Terminal window and entering the ipconfig command.
Look for the Default Gateway section and take note of the IP address listed there. This is your router’s IP address.
Step 2.2: Log In to Your Router
Next, open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address into the address bar. This should take you to your router’s login page.
Enter your router’s username and password to log in. If you don’t know your router’s login credentials, you can usually find them in the documentation that came with your router or by contacting your Internet Service Provider.
Step 2.3: Set Up Port Forwarding
Once you are logged in to your router, you will need to set up port forwarding. This allows incoming connections from the internet to reach your server.
To do this, look for the Port Forwarding or Virtual Server section of your router’s settings. Here, you will need to set up a new rule that forwards incoming traffic on the port that your GMod server is using (default is 27015) to your local IP address (the IP address of the computer hosting your server).
Step 2.4: Test Your Connection
Once you have set up port forwarding, you should test your connection to make sure it’s working properly. You can do this by asking a friend to connect to your server from outside your local network.
Step 3: Customize Your Server
Now that your server is up and running, it’s time to customize it to your liking. Here are some things you can do:
Step 3.1: Install Addons
Garry’s Mod supports a wide variety of addons that can add new content and functionality to your server. You can find addons on the Steam Workshop or on other websites dedicated to GMod addons.
To install an addon, simply download it and place it in your server’s addons directory.
Step 3.2: Set Up Server Rules
You can set up rules for your server to help ensure a positive and fair gameplay experience for all players. Some common server rules include:
- No griefing
- No hacking or cheating
- No racism or hate speech
- Respect other players
Step 3.3: Manage Your Server
As a server administrator, it’s your responsibility to manage your server and ensure that everything runs smoothly. Here are some things you can do:
- Monitor your server’s performance
- Enforce server rules
- Respond to player complaints and feedback
- Regularly update and maintain your server
FAQ
Q: How much does it cost to host a Garry’s Mod server?
A: The cost of hosting a Garry’s Mod server varies depending on the hosting provider and the server’s specifications. You can expect to pay anywhere from a few dollars a month to hundreds of dollars per month for a dedicated server.
Q: Can I host a Garry’s Mod server on my own computer?
A: Yes, you can host a Garry’s Mod server on your own computer. However, keep in mind that this may put a strain on your computer’s resources and may not be suitable for larger servers with many players.
Q: How many players can join my Garry’s Mod server?
A: The number of players that can join your Garry’s Mod server depends on the server’s specifications and the resources available. However, most GMod servers can support up to 32 players.
Q: How do I update my Garry’s Mod server?
A: To update your Garry’s Mod server, you will need to use SteamCMD. Simply log in to SteamCMD, navigate to your server’s directory, and enter the app_update 4020 command.
Q: How do I install addons on my Garry’s Mod server?
A: To install addons on your Garry’s Mod server, simply download the addon and place it in your server’s addons directory. You can find addons on the Steam Workshop or on other websites dedicated to GMod addons.
That’s it, Dev! We hope this guide helped you set up your own Garry’s Mod server. Remember to regularly update and maintain your server to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gameplay experience for all players. Good luck!