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Sandbox / Building Guide

Garry's Mod

Detailed connection, admin, file, settings, mods, backup, wipe, and troubleshooting notes for Garry's Mod dedicated servers.

Connect & First Checks

Before editing files

  • Open console and run connect IP:PORT, or use Favorites/legacy browser.
  • FastDL/Workshop collections affect how quickly players download content.
  • Gamemode and map must exist on the server.

Files & Folders

Stop server before edits

garrysmod/cfg/server.cfgHostname, passwords, RCON, sv_downloadurl, workshop settings, general cvars.
garrysmod/addonsAddon folders and legacy addons.
garrysmod/luaLua files, autorun scripts, gamemode code.
garrysmod/dataPersistent addon data.
garrysmod/mapsCustom BSP maps if not Workshop-only.

Common Settings

High-use values

hostnameServer browser name.
sv_passwordPrivate server password.
rcon_passwordRemote console password. Keep secret.
sv_downloadurlFastDL URL if used.
host_workshop_collectionWorkshop collection ID for content downloads.
gamemode / mapUsually set in startup command line.

Admin Setup

Staff access

  • Install ULX/ULib or your preferred admin system.
  • Add superadmins through the admin system console/file process.
  • Keep rcon_password private and rotate if shared.

Mods & Plugins

Install carefully

  • Workshop collection is the cleanest way to distribute content.
  • Server-side addons go in addons; clients may still need content.
  • After addon issues, check console for Lua errors and missing dependencies.

Backups, Wipes, Rollbacks

Protect player data

  • Back up cfg, addons, lua, data, and custom gamemode folders.
  • Before changing gamemodes, back up data because addons store state there.

Troubleshooting

Common tickets

Missing textures/errorsPlayers missing mounted games or Workshop content/FastDL not configured.
Lua errorsAddon conflict or outdated addon. Disable newest addon first.
RCON compromisedChange rcon_password immediately.
Gamemode not loadingStartup gamemode name wrong or files missing.