Welcome, Dev! If you’re interested in playing Garry’s Mod with your friends or hosting your own server, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about hosting a server in Garry’s Mod, including the different server types, the tools you’ll need, and how to set up your own server.
Server Types
There are two main types of servers you can host in Garry’s Mod: dedicated servers and listen servers. Dedicated servers are standalone servers that run on a separate machine, while listen servers are hosted on the same machine as the game client. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each:
Dedicated Servers
Dedicated servers are ideal for large groups of players or for players who want to run custom game modes or mods. Here are some of the benefits of hosting a dedicated server:
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
Allows for more players |
Requires a separate machine to host |
Can run custom game modes and mods |
Can be more difficult to set up |
Gives you more control over server settings |
Requires more technical knowledge to manage |
If you’re interested in hosting a dedicated server, read on to learn more about the tools you’ll need and how to set up your server.
Listen Servers
Listen servers are more appropriate for smaller groups of players or for players who want an easier setup process. Here are some of the benefits of hosting a listen server:
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
Easier to set up and manage |
Can only support a limited number of players |
No need for a separate machine |
May experience lag or performance issues on the game client |
Can be hosted directly from the game client |
Cannot run custom game modes or mods |
If you’re interested in hosting a listen server, skip ahead to the section on setting up your server.
Tools You’ll Need
In order to host a server in Garry’s Mod, you’ll need a few things:
- A copy of Garry’s Mod
- A computer with adequate processing power and RAM
- A stable internet connection
- The appropriate server software
The first three requirements are fairly self-explanatory, so let’s focus on the server software. Here are the two main server software options for Garry’s Mod:
HLDSUpdateTool
The HLDSUpdateTool is a command-line tool that allows you to download and update game server files. It’s not specific to Garry’s Mod, but it can be used to set up a Garry’s Mod server. Here’s how to use it:
- Download the HLDSUpdateTool from the official website.
- Extract the files to a folder on your computer.
- Open a command prompt window and navigate to the folder where you extracted the files.
- Enter the following command: hldsupdatetool -command update -game garrysmod -dir C:\gmodserver
- Wait for the files to download and install.
- Once the installation is complete, navigate to the C:\gmodserver\orangebox\garrysmod folder.
- Open the srcds.exe file to start your server.
SteamCMD
SteamCMD is another command-line tool that allows you to download and update game server files. It’s specifically designed for Steam games, including Garry’s Mod. Here’s how to use it:
- Download SteamCMD from the official website.
- Extract the files to a folder on your computer.
- Open a command prompt window and navigate to the folder where you extracted the files.
- Enter the following command: steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir C:\gmodserver +app_update 4020 validate +quit
- Wait for the files to download and install.
- Once the installation is complete, navigate to the C:\gmodserver\orangebox\garrysmod folder.
- Open the srcds.exe file to start your server.
Both HLDSUpdateTool and SteamCMD have their own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that works best for you. Once you’ve downloaded and installed the server software, it’s time to set up your server.
Setting Up Your Server
Setting up your server will vary depending on whether you’re hosting a dedicated server or a listen server. Here’s a general overview of the process for both:
Dedicated Server Setup
- Launch the server software and wait for it to start up.
- Open the configuration file (usually located in the C:\gmodserver\orangebox\garrysmod\cfg folder) in a text editor.
- Customize your server settings, including game mode, player count, and server name.
- Save the configuration file and start up your server again.
- Once your server is up and running, you can connect to it using the in-game console or through the Steam server browser.
Listen Server Setup
- Launch Garry’s Mod and select “Start New Game” from the main menu.
- Customize your server settings, including game mode, player count, and map.
- Invite your friends to join your game through Steam or by sharing your IP address.
Keep in mind that listen servers can be less stable than dedicated servers, so you may experience lag or other issues depending on your internet connection and computer specs.
FAQ
Q: How many players can I have on my server?
A: The number of players you can have on your server varies depending on the server type and your computer specs. Dedicated servers can typically handle more players than listen servers, but it also depends on the game mode and map you’re running.
Q: Can I run custom game modes or mods on my server?
A: Yes, but only if you’re hosting a dedicated server. Listen servers cannot run custom game modes or mods.
Q: How do I install custom game modes or mods on my server?
A: The process for installing custom game modes or mods will vary depending on the specific mod you want to use. In general, though, you’ll need to download the mod files and copy them into the appropriate folder in your Garry’s Mod server installation. Check the mod’s documentation or forum thread for specific instructions.
Q: How do I manage my server settings?
A: Server settings can be managed through the configuration file. This file can usually be found in the C:\gmodserver\orangebox\garrysmod\cfg folder. Open the file in a text editor and customize the settings as needed.
Q: Can I run a Garry’s Mod server on a Linux machine?
A: Yes, but the process for setting up and managing the server will be different than on a Windows machine. Check the official Garry’s Mod wiki for more information on running a Linux server.
Q: Can I run a Garry’s Mod server on a virtual machine?
A: Yes, but keep in mind that virtual machines may not have adequate processing power or RAM to handle a large number of players. You may also experience lag or other issues depending on the virtual machine’s internet connection and overall performance.
Conclusion
Host a server is the best way to enjoy Garry’s mod with family and friends. You can easily set up a server on your own machine, or go all out and host a dedicated server for custom game modes and mods. Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the different server types available, the tools you’ll need, and how to set up your own server in Garry’s Mod. Happy gaming!