How to Host Your Own Garry’s Mod Server: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Welcome, Dev, to our guide on how to host your own Garry’s Mod server. This guide is designed to give you all the information you need to set up and run your own server, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner. We’ll cover everything from selecting the right hosting provider to configuring your server settings and managing your players. So, let’s get started!

Section 1: Choosing a Hosting Provider

Choosing the right hosting provider is essential to ensuring that your server runs smoothly and reliably. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Server Location

The location of your server can have a big impact on latency and connection speeds for your players. If you have a specific player base in mind, choose a hosting provider with servers located in or near their region.

2. Server Specifications

Make sure you choose a hosting provider with servers that meet the requirements for running Garry’s Mod. This typically includes at least 4GB of RAM and a dual-core processor.

3. Customer Support

Look for a hosting provider with reliable and responsive customer support. This will be invaluable if you run into any technical issues or need help with configuring your server.

4. Price

Of course, price is always a factor when choosing a hosting provider. Be sure to compare prices and features across different providers to find the best value for your needs.

5. Recommended Hosting Providers

Hosting Provider	Server Locations	Starting Price
HostGator	USA, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific	$2.75/mo*
Bluehost	USA	$2.95/mo*
A2 Hosting	USA, Europe, Asia-Pacific	$2.99/mo*

*Pricing as of October 2021. Prices subject to change.

Section 2: Installing Garry’s Mod

Once you’ve selected your hosting provider, the next step is to install Garry’s Mod on your server. Here’s how:

1. Connect to Your Server

Log in to your hosting provider’s control panel and connect to your server using SSH or FTP. If you’re not familiar with these protocols, your hosting provider should have instructions or a support team to help you.

2. Install SteamCMD

SteamCMD is a command-line tool for installing and updating Steam games. You’ll need to install SteamCMD on your server before you can install Garry’s Mod. Here’s how:

1. Download SteamCMD from the official Valve website.

2. Create a new folder on your server where you want to install Garry’s Mod.

3. Extract the contents of the SteamCMD archive to the new folder.

3. Install Garry’s Mod

Now that you have SteamCMD installed, you can use it to install Garry’s Mod on your server:

1. Open a command prompt or terminal window on your server.

2. Navigate to the folder where you installed SteamCMD.

3. Run the following command:

./steamcmd.sh +login anonymous +force_install_dir path/to/garrysmod +app_update 4020 validate +quit

Be sure to replace “path/to/garrysmod” with the path to the folder where you want to install Garry’s Mod.

4. Configure Your Server Settings

Now that you have Garry’s Mod installed on your server, you’ll need to configure your server settings to your liking. Here are some key settings to consider:

5. Recommended Server Settings

Setting	Recommended Value
sv_hostname	The name of your server
sv_password	A password for your server (optional)
sv_allowdownload	1
sv_allowupload	1
sv_lan	0
sbox_noclip	1
sbox_godmode	1

Section 3: Managing Your Players

Now that you have your Garry’s Mod server up and running, it’s time to manage your players. Here are some essential tips:

1. Set Rules for Your Server

Before you start inviting players to your server, make sure you have clear rules and guidelines in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Communicate these rules clearly to your players and enforce them fairly.

2. Use Administration Tools

Garry’s Mod comes with a range of built-in administration tools that allow you to manage your players and maintain order on your server. These include tools for kicking and banning players, limiting access to certain features and tools, and more.

3. Communicate with Your Players

Staying in communication with your players is essential to maintaining a healthy and active server community. Consider setting up a Discord or other chat platform where players can talk to each other and provide feedback and suggestions for your server.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to host a Garry’s Mod server?

The cost of hosting a Garry’s Mod server can vary depending on the hosting provider you choose, the specifications of your server, and other factors. Expect to pay anywhere from a few dollars a month for a basic server to several hundred dollars a month for a high-end setup.

2. Can I host a Garry’s Mod server on my own computer?

While it is technically possible to host a Garry’s Mod server on your own computer, it is not recommended unless you have a high-end system and a fast, stable internet connection. Hosting a server can put a significant strain on your system’s resources and can cause issues with other applications you have running.

3. How many players can I have on my Garry’s Mod server?

The number of players you can have on your Garry’s Mod server depends on the specifications of your server, as well as your network and internet connection. Most servers can comfortably support up to 32 players, but you may be able to increase this number with a high-end setup.

4. How do I set up addons and mods on my Garry’s Mod server?

To set up addons and mods on your Garry’s Mod server, you’ll need to download them from the Steam Workshop or other sources and install them on your server. Once installed, you can activate them through your server settings and configure them as desired.

5. How do I back up my Garry’s Mod server data?

Backing up your Garry’s Mod server data is essential to protecting your server from data loss or corruption. You can back up your server data manually by copying the server files to a separate location or using a backup tool provided by your hosting provider.

Conclusion

Congratulations, Dev, on setting up your own Garry’s Mod server! We hope this guide has been helpful in getting you started and answering any questions you may have had along the way. Remember, the key to a successful server is a strong and engaged community, so stay in communication with your players and always be open to feedback and suggestions. Good luck!