Hey there Devs! Are you planning to host a Garry’s Mod server for your community, but don’t know where to start? In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about hosting your own Garry’s Mod server. From choosing the best hosting provider to configuring plugins, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in!
Chapter 1: Understanding Garry’s Mod Server Hosting
Garry’s Mod is a sandbox game developed by Facepunch Studios that allows players to create and manipulate objects in a virtual environment. Garry’s Mod also supports multiplayer gameplay, which requires a dedicated server to host the game for other players to join. In other words, a Garry’s Mod server host is an essential component for playing the game with friends and other players around the world.
Hosting a Garry’s Mod server can be an overwhelming task, especially for beginners. However, with the proper guidance and knowledge, anyone can host a Garry’s Mod server with ease. In the following chapters, we will cover everything you need to know about hosting a Garry’s Mod server.
Chapter 2: Choosing the Best Garry’s Mod Server Host
Choosing the right hosting provider for your Garry’s Mod server is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. There are many hosting providers available in the market, each with its own pros and cons. Here are some factors you should consider when choosing a Garry’s Mod server host:
Server Location
The location of your server can significantly affect the gameplay experience of your players. Choose a hosting provider that has servers located in a region that is geographically closer to your target audience. This will result in lower latency, faster connection, and less lag.
Server Specifications
The server specifications, such as CPU, RAM, and storage, also play a crucial role in the performance of your Garry’s Mod server. Ensure that your server meets the minimum requirements for hosting a Garry’s Mod server, and choose the best specifications based on your budget and number of players.
Server Management
Managing a server can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. Choose a hosting provider that offers user-friendly control panels and automated server management tools to make server administration easier.
Cost
The cost of hosting a Garry’s Mod server varies depending on the hosting provider and the server specifications. Compare the pricing of different hosting providers and choose the one that offers the best value for your money.
Customer Support
Technical issues can occur at any time, and having reliable customer support is essential for a smooth hosting experience. Look for a hosting provider that offers 24/7 customer support via multiple channels, such as live chat, email, and phone.
Chapter 3: Setting Up a Garry’s Mod Server
Once you have chosen a hosting provider for your Garry’s Mod server, it’s time to set it up. Here are the steps to set up a Garry’s Mod server:
Step 1: Installing SteamCMD
SteamCMD is a command-line tool that allows you to install and update dedicated servers for various games, including Garry’s Mod. Follow these steps to install SteamCMD:
Operating System |
Command |
|---|---|
Windows |
Download the SteamCMD zip file from the official website and extract it to a directory. Open the command prompt and navigate to the SteamCMD directory using the ‘cd’ command. Type ‘steamcmd.exe’ and press Enter. SteamCMD will start downloading the necessary files. Once done, type ‘quit’ and press Enter to exit SteamCMD. |
Linux |
Open the terminal and run the following command: ‘sudo apt-get install steamcmd’ |
Step 2: Creating a Steam Account
You need a Steam account to download and install Garry’s Mod server files. If you don’t already have one, create a new account on the official Steam website.
Step 3: Installing Garry’s Mod Server Files
Follow these steps to install Garry’s Mod server files:
- Open SteamCMD and log in to your Steam account using the ‘login’ command.
- Type the following command to download the Garry’s Mod server files: ‘app_update 4020 validate’
- The server files will be downloaded to the SteamCMD directory under the ‘garrysmod’ folder.
Step 4: Configuring the Server
Before starting the server, you need to configure it according to your preferences. You can configure the server by editing the ‘server.cfg’ file located in the ‘garrysmod/cfg’ directory. Here are some common configurations:
Server Name
You can set the server name by adding the following line in the ‘server.cfg’ file: ‘hostname “Your Server Name”‘.
Server Password
If you want to password-protect your server, add the following line in the ‘server.cfg’ file: ‘sv_password “Your Password”‘.
Game Mode
You can set the game mode by adding the following line in the ‘server.cfg’ file: ‘gamemode “Your Game Mode”‘.
Map
You can set the default map by adding the following line in the ‘server.cfg’ file: ‘map “Your Map Name”‘.
Step 5: Starting the Server
Finally, start the server by running the following command in the SteamCMD terminal: ‘srcds.exe -game garrysmod -console +maxplayers 32 +map gm_construct +gamemode sandbox’
Chapter 4: Configuring Garry’s Mod Server Plugins
Plugins are essential for adding extra features and functionalities to your Garry’s Mod server. Here are some popular plugins that you can use:
ULX
ULX is a powerful admin mod that provides a user-friendly interface for managing your Garry’s Mod server. It allows you to add new admin ranks, set permissions, and create custom commands. Follow these steps to install ULX:
- Download the latest version of ULX from the official website.
- Extract the files to the ‘garrysmod/addons’ directory.
- Restart the server.
Wiremod
Wiremod is a popular mod that enables you to create complex contraptions and advanced systems using wires and components. Follow these steps to install Wiremod:
- Download the latest version of Wiremod from the official website.
- Extract the files to the ‘garrysmod/addons’ directory.
- Restart the server.
Chapter 5: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How much RAM do I need for a Garry’s Mod server?
A. The minimum requirement for hosting a Garry’s Mod server is 1 GB RAM. However, we recommend using at least 2 GB RAM for a smoother experience.
Q2. Can I host a Garry’s Mod server on my PC?
A. Yes, you can host a Garry’s Mod server on your PC. However, keep in mind that hosting a server on the same machine you’re playing on may result in performance issues and lags.
Q3. How many players can join my Garry’s Mod server?
A. The maximum number of players that can join a Garry’s Mod server depends on the server specifications and the internet bandwidth. A typical Garry’s Mod server can support up to 32 players.
Q4. Can I add custom maps to my Garry’s Mod server?
A. Yes, you can add custom maps to your Garry’s Mod server by downloading them from the official Steam Workshop or other third-party websites. Simply upload the map files to the ‘maps’ folder in your server directory.
Q5. How can I manage my Garry’s Mod server remotely?
A. You can use a remote desktop software, such as TeamViewer or AnyDesk, to access your Garry’s Mod server from a different location. Alternatively, some hosting providers offer web-based control panels for easier server management.
We hope that this guide provided you with the necessary knowledge and guidance to host your own Garry’s Mod server. If you have any further questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy Gaming!