Getting started with Garry's Mod

This guide helps you set up your Garry's Mod server on ServerPrism, covering everything from ordering your server to configuring it and inviting players.

Ordering on ServerPrism

1. Select a plan: For Garry's Mod, a 2 GB RAM plan is a good starting point for a small server. For larger servers with many addons or players, consider 4-8 GB RAM. You can upgrade your plan anytime from your ServerPrism dashboard.
2. Choose a region: Select the region closest to you and your intended players for the best performance.
3. Deploy: Once you confirm your order, your server will begin deploying automatically.

First boot

After deployment, your Garry's Mod server will start automatically. The first boot involves downloading game files, which can take a few minutes. You can monitor the progress via the Console tab in your ServerPrism panel. Your server is ready when you see output indicating the server has started and is listening for connections, often ending with lines like VAC secure mode is activated. or Log file 'logs/console.log' closed.

Connecting / inviting players

Players can connect to your Garry's Mod server using its IP address and port.

1. Find your server IP and port: This information is displayed on the Console tab of your ServerPrism panel, typically in the format IP:PORT (e.g., 192.0.2.1:27015). The default Garry's Mod port is 27015.
2. In-game server browser: Players can open Garry's Mod, go to Find Games, and then select the Legacy Browser tab. Click Add a Server and enter your server's IP and port.
3. Direct connect: Players can open the developer console (usually by pressing ~) and type connect YOUR_SERVER_IP:YOUR_SERVER_PORT (e.g., connect 192.0.2.1:27015).
4. ServerPrism Subdomain: You can set up a free subdomain for your server (e.g., mygmodserver.serverprism.com) from your ServerPrism dashboard, making it easier for players to remember.

Configuration basics

Key server settings are typically managed in cfg files or through startup variables in your ServerPrism panel.

1. Accessing configuration files: Use the File Manager tab in your ServerPrism panel to navigate to your server's garrysmod/cfg/ directory. The primary configuration file is server.cfg.

2. Editing server.cfg: You can edit server.cfg directly through the file manager. Common settings to change include:

   • hostname "My Awesome GMod Server" – Sets the server name that appears in the server browser.
   • sv_password "yourpassword" – Sets a password for your server. Remove this line or leave the quotes empty for a public server.
   • sv_maxplayers 16 – Sets the maximum number of players allowed on your server.
   • rcon_password "yourrconpassword" – Sets the RCON password for remote administration. Change this to a strong, unique password.

3. Startup variables: Some settings can be controlled via the Startup tab in your ServerPrism panel. These override values in server.cfg or set specific launch options. Common variables include SRCDS_MAP (to set the initial map) and SRCDS_GAMEMODE (to set the default gamemode).

   • Changing the map: Set the SRCDS_MAP variable to a valid map name (e.g., gm_construct, rp_downtown_v2).
   • Changing the gamemode: Set the SRCDS_GAMEMODE variable to the folder name of your desired gamemode (e.g., sandbox, darkrp).

   After changing startup variables, restart your server for the changes to take effect.

Common issues

• Server not appearing in browser: Ensure your hostname is set in server.cfg and your server is not password-protected if you want it public. Check the console for any errors during startup. If you're using a specific gamemode, ensure it's correctly set via SRCDS_GAMEMODE and is installed.
• Players can't connect: Double-check that players are using the correct IP and port. Verify your server is running and not crashing by checking the console. Firewall issues are handled by ServerPrism, so focus on in-game settings.
• Addons not loading: Ensure your addons are correctly placed in the garrysmod/addons/ directory. Many addons require a server restart to load properly. Check the console for errors related to specific addons.
• Low performance/lag: If your server experiences lag with many players or addons, consider upgrading your ServerPrism plan to increase available RAM and CPU resources. You can do this from your ServerPrism dashboard.

Next steps

• Installing addons: Garry's Mod thrives on community content. You can manually install addons by uploading them via SFTP or the File Manager to your garrysmod/addons/ directory. Many popular addons are available on the Steam Workshop. You will need a Steam Workshop downloader tool to get the files and then upload them to your server.
• Custom gamemodes: Explore popular gamemodes like DarkRP, TTT (Trouble in Terrorist Town), or Prop Hunt. Each gamemode usually has its own installation instructions and configuration files.
• RCON administration: Use the RCON password set in server.cfg to remotely administer your server via the in-panel web console or an external RCON tool. This allows you to execute commands, kick/ban players, and manage your server without being in-game.
• Support: If you encounter persistent issues, open a support ticket at https://serverprism.com/tickets. Include your server ID and relevant console logs for faster assistance.