Garry's Mod Workshop Addons Guide
Complete guide to installing and managing Steam Workshop addons on your Garry's Mod server.
Installing Workshop Addons
Add workshop collections or individual addons using startup parameters:
+host_workshop_collection [collection_id]
+workshop_start_map [workshop_map_id]
Adding Workshop Collections
Add to your startup command:
./srcds_run -game garrysmod +host_workshop_collection 123456789 +map gm_construct
Adding Individual Addons
Create garrysmod/cfg/mounted.txt or use startup args:
+host_workshop_collection [addon_id]
Creating a Workshop Collection
- Go to Steam Workshop > Garry's Mod
- Browse and subscribe to desired addons
- Click "Browse" > "Collections"
- Create new collection
- Add all subscribed addons to the collection
- Copy the Collection ID from the URL
Manual Addon Installation
To install addons manually without Workshop:
- Download addon as .gma file
- Place in
garrysmod/addons/folder - Or extract to
garrysmod/addons/[addon_name]/
Essential Addons
Content Packs
Required for many servers:
- Counter-Strike: Source Content
- Team Fortress 2 Content
- Half-Life 2: Episode 2 Content
Admin & Utility
- ULX: Admin commands and menus
- UTime: Player time tracking
- Pointshop: Custom shop system
- FPP: Falco's Prop Protection
Popular Game Modes
- TTT: Trouble in Terrorist Town
- DarkRP: Roleplay server
- Murder: Mystery game mode
- Prop Hunt: Hide and seek
Addon Management
Resource.AddFile
To force clients to download custom content, create lua/autorun/server/resource.lua:
resource.AddFile("materials/custom_texture.vmt")
resource.AddFile("models/custom_model.mdl")
resource.AddFile("sound/custom_sound.mp3")
Forcing Downloads
In server.cfg:
sv_allowdownload 1
sv_allowupload 1
net_maxfilesize 64
Troubleshooting Addons
Addons Not Loading
- Check server console for errors
- Verify addon IDs are correct
- Ensure Workshop collection is public
- Restart server after adding new addons
Missing Content Errors
Players see "ERROR" models:
- Install required content packs (CS:S, TF2)
- Use Resource.AddFile for custom content
- Check file paths are correct
Download Timeout
Increase download limit in server.cfg:
net_maxfilesize 128
Best Practices
- Test addons on a local server first
- Keep addon collections organized
- Document which addons are installed
- Regularly update addons for bug fixes
- Avoid conflicting addons (e.g., two admin mods)
Note: Too many addons can significantly increase server load and client join times. Balance content with performance.