Garry's Mod Server Configuration Guide
Master the essential configuration files and startup parameters for your Garry's Mod server.
Startup Parameters
These are the command-line arguments used when starting your server:
-game garrysmod # Required: Game to run
-console # Required: Show console output
+maxplayers 32 # Maximum player slots
+map gm_flatgrass # Default map
-port 27015 # Server port (UDP)
-hostname "My GMod Server" # Server name
-sv_password "" # Server password (empty = public)
-steamport 27006 # Steam authentication port
-tickrate 66 # Server tick rate (33/66/100)
Server Configuration File
Create garrysmod/cfg/server.cfg for persistent server settings:
// Server Information
hostname "My GMod Server"
sv_password ""
// Server Settings
sv_cheats 0
sv_lan 0
sv_region 255
sv_contact "admin@example.com"
sv_website "https://example.com"
// Network Settings
sv_maxrate 0
sv_minrate 20000
sv_maxupdaterate 66
sv_minupdaterate 20
sv_maxcmdrate 66
// Download Settings
sv_allowdownload 1
sv_allowupload 1
net_maxfilesize 64
// Logging
sv_logbans 1
sv_logecho 1
sv_logfile 1
sv_log_onefile 0
// RCON (Remote Console)
rcon_password "StrongPassword"
sv_rcon_banpenalty 60
sv_rcon_maxfailures 10
sv_rcon_minfailures 5
sv_rcon_minfailuretime 30
// Voice Chat
sv_voiceenable 1
sv_alltalk 0
// Physics Settings
sv_gravity 600
sv_airaccelerate 10
sv_friction 4
sv_stopspeed 100
// Game Mode Settings
mp_falldamage 1
mp_flashlight 1
mp_footsteps 1
// Banning System
exec banned_user.cfg
exec banned_ip.cfg
writeip
writeid
Important Configuration Notes
Tick Rate
Higher tick rates provide smoother gameplay but use more CPU:
- 33: Default, good for casual servers
- 66: Standard for competitive play
- 100: High performance, requires more resources
Server Passwords
Use STRONG passwords for RCON access. Never share RCON credentials publicly.
Map Cycle
Create garrysmod/cfg/mapcycle.txt to define map rotation:
gm_construct
gm_flatgrass
gm_freespace_09
rp_downtown_v2
ph_office
ttt_minecraft_b5
Mounting Other Games
To mount content from other Source games, create garrysmod/cfg/mount.cfg:
"mountcfg"
{
"cstrike" "1" // Counter-Strike: Source
"tf" "1" // Team Fortress 2
"hl2" "1" // Half-Life 2
"ep2" "1" // Episode Two
"episodic" "1" // Episode One
}
Note: Mounted games must be installed on the server. Players don't need to own the games to use mounted content.