Fix Garry's Mod Addons Not Loading & Missing Textures
failed to load addonLua errormissing textures (purple/black)Garry's Mod addon problems come down to three things: the Workshop collection, content mounting, and addon conflicts. Here's how to fix loading errors, Lua spam and those purple-checkered missing textures.
Make the server load your Workshop collection
A server pushes addons to players via a Workshop collection. Set the collection ID and a Steam Web API key in your launch options:
+host_workshop_collection 1234567890
-authkey YOUR_STEAM_WEB_API_KEYAnd force-download key addons to clients in lua/autorun/server/:
resource.AddWorkshop("1234567890")Purple/black textures = missing CS:S content
Most maps and addons expect Counter-Strike: Source content. The checkerboard textures and "ERROR" models mean it isn't mounted. Mount CS:S on the server (and players need it too) so the textures resolve.
Without FastDL, players download addons at Source's painfully slow default rate. A FastDL (HTTP) host with sv_downloadurl makes joins fast and reliable.
Lua errors on join
A red Lua error in console names the addon and file at fault. Usually it's an outdated addon. Update it, or temporarily remove it to confirm it's the cause.
Addon conflicts
Two addons that edit the same thing can break each other. If something stopped working after you added an addon, remove addons in halves to find the conflict.
Set the Workshop collection + API key, mount CS:S, add FastDL, and read the Lua error for the guilty addon. That's the GMod troubleshooting loop.
Garry's Mod is a trademark of Facepunch Studios, built on Valve's Source engine. Addons are the property of their authors. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Facepunch or Valve.
GMod hosting with FastDL
Our Garry's Mod hosting supports Workshop collections and FastDL out of the box on a protected network.
Frequently asked questions
Why are textures purple and black in Garry's Mod?
Those are missing-texture placeholders. The map or addon needs Counter-Strike: Source content that isn't mounted. Mount CS:S on the server and make sure players own and mount it too.
How do I make my GMod server load Workshop addons?
Set +host_workshop_collection with your collection ID and an -authkey (Steam Web API key) in the launch options, and use resource.AddWorkshop() so clients download the addons on join.
What is FastDL and do I need it?
FastDL is an HTTP server that lets players download your addons quickly instead of at Source's very slow default speed. For any server with custom content, it makes joins much faster and more reliable.
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