How to Host a Private GMOD Server

Hello Dev, if you are interested in creating your own private GMOD server, you have come to the right place! Setting up a server can be a daunting task, but we have broken it down into 20 easy-to-follow steps. So, let’s get started!

Step 1: Choosing Your GMOD Server

The first step in hosting a private GMOD server is to choose the type of server you want to use. There are two main options – a dedicated server or a virtual private server (VPS). A dedicated server is a physical server that you rent from a hosting provider while a VPS is a virtual server that is created within a larger physical server.

Both options have their pros and cons, so it’s important to decide which one will work best for you based on your needs and budget. If you don’t want to spend too much money and don’t require a large number of resources, then a VPS is a good option. However, if you have a bigger budget and need more resources, then a dedicated server would be the better choice.

Pros and Cons of Dedicated Servers

Dedicated servers are perfect for those who require a lot of resources, control, and flexibility. Here are some pros and cons of using one:

Pros	Cons
Complete control over the server	Expensive
Flexibility to upgrade and customize the server	Requires technical knowledge for setup and maintenance
High performance and reliability	May have longer setup time

Pros and Cons of VPS Servers

VPS servers are more affordable than dedicated servers and offer greater flexibility than shared hosting. Here are some pros and cons of using one:

Pros	Cons
Cost-effective	May not have as many resources as a dedicated server
More flexible and scalable	Less control over the server compared to a dedicated server
Easy to set up and maintain	May not have the same level of performance as a dedicated server

Once you have chosen the type of server you want to use, it’s time to select a provider. Do some research and compare different providers based on pricing, performance, and support.

Step 2: Installing GMOD on Your Server

Once you have your server set up, the next step is to install GMOD on it. This process may vary slightly depending on the type of server you are using, but here are the general steps:

1. Log in to your server with the credentials provided by your hosting provider.
2. Open the command prompt or terminal on your server.
3. Install steamcmd by entering the command: sudo apt-get install steamcmd
4. Next, create a new folder where GMOD will be installed. Enter the command: mkdir gmodserver
5. Change to the new directory with: cd gmodserver
6. Download the GMOD files using steamcmd: steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./gmod +app_update 4020 validate +quit
7. Wait for the download and installation to complete.

Now that GMOD is installed on your server, it’s time to configure it.

Step 3: Configuring GMOD

GMOD has dozens of settings that can be customized to your liking. Here are some basic settings that you should definitely configure:

Server Name and Description

You can choose a name for your server and add a description that will appear in the server browser:

1. Open the server.cfg file in the GMOD installation folder.
2. Find the line that says hostname "GMOD Server" and change “GMOD Server” to your desired server name.
3. Underneath the hostname line, add a line that says sv_fuckedbyvolvo "1". This will prevent your server from appearing as “Fucked by Volvo” in the server browser.
4. Save the file.

Password Protection

If you want to restrict access to your server, you can set a password:

1. Open the server.cfg file if it isn’t already open.
2. Add a line that says rcon_password "mypassword", replacing “mypassword” with your desired password. This will enable password protection.
3. Save the file.

Gameplay Settings

GMOD offers many gameplay settings that can be customized, such as player health, weapon availability, and more. You can customize these settings by editing the server.cfg file. Here are some examples of settings you can change:

1. mp_falldamage "0" – This setting disables fall damage.
2. ttt_traitor_pct "33" – This sets the percentage of players who will be assigned the traitor role in the Trouble in Terrorist Town game mode.
3. sv_gravity "600" – This sets the gravity level in the game.

Once you have finished configuring GMOD, save the server.cfg file and restart your server.

Step 4: Setting Up Port Forwarding

Port forwarding is necessary to allow players to connect to your server from outside your network. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Log in to your router. This can usually be done by entering your router’s IP address in your web browser.
2. Find the port forwarding settings. This may vary by router, but it is usually found under “Advanced Settings” or a similar menu.
3. Create a new port forwarding rule. Set the protocol to “UDP” and the port to “27015”. Set the internal IP address to the IP address of your server.
4. Save the settings.

Now your server is ready to accept incoming connections from players outside your network.

Step 5: Testing Your Server

Before you invite your friends to play on your server, it’s a good idea to test it to make sure everything is working properly. Here’s how to test your server:

1. Open GMOD on your computer and click “Find Multiplayer Game”.
2. Select “Add a Server”.
3. Enter your server’s IP address and port number (e.g. 192.168.1.100:27015).
4. Click “Refresh” and your server should appear in the list.
5. Connect to the server and make sure everything is working as expected.

If your server is working properly, congratulations! You’re ready to invite your friends to join.

Step 6: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I run a GMOD server on my personal computer?

Yes, you can run a GMOD server on your personal computer, but it’s not recommended. Hosting a server on a personal computer can cause performance issues and may not be secure. It’s better to use a dedicated server or VPS instead.

2. How many players can join my GMOD server?

The number of players that can join your server depends on the resources available and your server’s settings. However, most servers can handle 16-32 players without any issues.

3. How do I make my server appear in the server browser?

Make sure that your server’s port is open and that you have properly set up port forwarding. Also, make sure that the sv_region setting in your server.cfg file is set to the appropriate region for your location. Finally, make sure that your server’s name and description are descriptive and appealing to potential players.

4. Can I use mods on my GMOD server?

Yes, you can use mods on your GMOD server. Many mods are available on the Steam Workshop, and you can also install them manually by placing them in the addons folder in your GMOD installation directory.

5. How do I update my GMOD server?

To update your GMOD server, simply run the steamcmd command and update the server using the app_update 4020 command. Then, restart your server for the changes to take effect.

Conclusion

Hosting a private GMOD server can be a rewarding experience that allows you to play with your friends in a fun and customizable environment. By following these steps and configuring your server, you can have your very own server up and running in no time. Good luck and have fun!