Garry's Mod Server Setup — TTT, DarkRP, and Sandbox Guide
Set up and configure a Garry's Mod server. Gamemode installation, addon management, FastDL setup, and server optimization.
GMod Server Basics
Garry's Mod servers run on the Source Engine. Requirements: 2GB RAM minimum, 4GB for 32+ players, NVMe SSD for addon loading, 2+ vCPU cores. Popular gamemodes: Trouble in Terrorist Town (TTT), DarkRP, Prop Hunt, Sandbox, Star Wars RP, and Military RP. Each gamemode has unique plugin/addon ecosystems. Our GMod plans include one-click gamemode installation.
Gamemode Installation
From the control panel: select your gamemode from the one-click installer. TTT: install the TTT gamemode + weapon packs + map collection. DarkRP: install DarkRP gamemode + job packs + economy addons. Sandbox: install basic tools + Wiremod + Advanced Duplicator. Each gamemode install takes 2-5 minutes. Add custom addons from the Steam Workshop by entering the Workshop ID.
FastDL Setup
FastDL (Fast Download) lets players download server files from a web server instead of the game server — dramatically faster join times. Required for servers with 50+ addons. Set up: configure sv_downloadurl in server.cfg to point to your FastDL URL, upload all addon files (.bsp, .gma, materials, models, sounds) to your web server, keep files synchronized between server and FastDL. Without FastDL, players wait 5-10 minutes to join. With FastDL: 30-60 seconds.
Essential GMod Addons
TTT: Custom roles (Jester, Phantom, Detective variants), weapon packs (M9K, CW 2.0), map packs (ttt_minecraft, ttt_richland). DarkRP: F4 menu (job selection), printers (economy base), drug mod, car dealer, bank system. All gamemodes: ULX Admin Mod (essential admin tool), ULX Autocomplete, Wiremod (sandbox building), Advanced Duplicator, and damage logs for admin auditing.
Server Optimization
GMod servers struggle with many addons. Optimize: remove unused addons (each one consumes RAM), use maps optimized for your gamemode (not generic sandbox maps for TTT), set sv_maxrate to 0 (unlimited — let Source engine manage rate), set net_maxfilesize to 64 (allow larger files via FastDL), restart daily to clear memory from Lua errors, and compile Lua files with GCompute for better performance. Regular restarts prevent Lua memory leaks from overtaking the server.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many addons is too many?
50-100 addons: acceptable with FastDL. 100-200 addons: expect longer join times even with FastDL. 200+ addons: players with slow internet may time out before joining. Audit addon list regularly — each addon consumes RAM and increases join time.
Why do players disconnect during loading?
Usually missing FastDL or broken addons. Without FastDL, game server bandwidth saturates during player joins. Check your FastDL URL is correct and all server files exist there. Check console for Lua errors during player connection.
Still have questions?
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