How to Make a Garry's Mod Server
A complete walkthrough for running your own Garry's Mod dedicated server — install it with SteamCMD, claim a free Steam Game Server Login Token, pick a gamemode and map, open the port and add Workshop addons. Plus the one-click hosted route if you'd rather skip the setup.
Garry's Mod runs on Valve's Source engine, so its dedicated server is an SRCDS process — it stays online after you close the game. You can self-host it free on a spare PC, or use a managed host for a 24/7 server with a panel, FastDL and DDoS protection.
This guide covers the self-hosted SteamCMD route step by step, and points out where a host saves you the hassle. Once it's running, see our pick of the best Garry's Mod addons.
What you'll need
A quick checklist before you begin — have these ready and the rest is easy.
- A machine to run the server — a spare PC for testing, or a host for 24/7 uptime.
- SteamCMD, to download the free dedicated server (app 4020).
- A free GSLT token (Steam Game Server Login Token) for a public server.
- Open port: UDP 27015.
- A FastDL host if you run addons, so joins are fast.
Set up a Garry's Mod dedicated server, step by step
Choose self-host or a managed host
The GMod dedicated server is free, but self-hosting needs a PC on 24/7, port-forwarding and a FastDL host for addons. A managed host gives you an always-online server, a panel and FastDL in minutes. Want zero hassle? Pick a host and skip to step 5.
Install SteamCMD and the server
Garry's Mod's dedicated server is Steam app 4020 — a free, anonymous download; you don't need to own the game on the server machine. Install it with SteamCMD.
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./gmodserver +app_update 4020 validate +quit
Get a free GSLT token
A public server needs a Game Server Login Token to list in the browser. Generate one for app ID 4020 at the Steam Game Server Account Management page, then pass it on launch with +sv_setsteamaccount.
# get a token at: https://steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers # then launch with: +sv_setsteamaccount YOUR_GSLT
Launch with a gamemode and map
Start srcds with the gamemode and map you want — sandbox on gm_construct is the classic default. Set a hostname, player count and your GSLT.
./srcds_run -console -game garrysmod +gamemode sandbox +map gm_construct +maxplayers 24 +hostname "My ESAGAMES Server" +sv_setsteamaccount YOUR_GSLT
Open the port
Forward UDP 27015 (game + query) to the server so players can find and join it. On a managed host this is opened for you.
27015/udp game + query (default)
Add addons & FastDL (optional)
Install addons via a Steam Workshop collection (set your collection ID with host_workshop_collection) and serve their files fast with a FastDL host so joining isn't a slow download. See our best GMod addons guide.
Keep your GMod server fast and clean
High CPU clock beats core count
Source's game tick is single-threaded, so GMod cares about GHz per core, not how many cores. A fast CPU keeps a Lua-heavy server smooth.
Set up FastDL
Without FastDL, players download addons over Source's slow default channel and often give up. It's the single biggest thing for join rate.
Install ULX before you open it
A public server needs admin tools. ULX (on ULib) gives you bans, kicks and group permissions — set it up before the first player joins.
Keep the Workshop collection tidy
Every subscribed addon is parsed on join. Trim unused ones so the server loads fast and stays stable.
Common problems & fixes
Hit a snag? These are the issues people run into most — and how to solve them.
The server doesn't appear in the browser
Usually a missing or invalid GSLT, or UDP 27015 isn't open. Generate a valid token for app 4020 and make sure the port is forwarded.
Players time out or take forever to join
No FastDL — they're downloading addons over the slow default channel. Set up a FastDL host.
"Server is enforcing consistency" errors
A file mismatch between server and client addons. Keep your Workshop collection consistent and served via FastDL.
The server lags under a handful of players
Almost always an addon conflict or a slow CPU, not RAM. Trim addons and run on a high-clock CPU.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Want it online 24/7 with Workshop and FastDL ready out of the box? Our Garry's Mod hosting runs high-clock CPUs on NVMe behind a multi-Tbps Frankfurt network — protected and instant.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to own Garry's Mod to host a server?
No. The dedicated server (Steam app 4020) is a free, anonymous download, separate from the game. You only need to own GMod on the machines that play.
Do I need a GSLT for a Garry's Mod server?
For a public server that lists in the browser, yes — generate a free Game Server Login Token for app ID 4020 and pass it with +sv_setsteamaccount. A LAN-only server can run without one.
What port does a Garry's Mod server use?
UDP 27015 by default, for both game traffic and the query that lists it in the browser. Forward it on your router, or let a host handle it.
How much RAM does a GMod server need?
A light sandbox server is happy on 2-4 GB; DarkRP and heavy addon lists want more. CPU clock speed matters more than RAM for smooth ticks.
Why is joining my server so slow?
Almost always missing FastDL — players are pulling every addon over Source's slow default channel. Set up a FastDL host and joins get much faster.
How do I add Workshop addons?
Create a Steam Workshop collection and pass its ID with host_workshop_collection, then serve the files via FastDL. On a managed host this is a panel setting plus a file upload.
Keep reading
Garry's Mod is a trademark of Facepunch Studios, built on Valve's Source engine. ULX and all addon names are the property of their respective authors. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Facepunch or Valve. You must own a legitimate copy of the game to play, and download addons from their official sources.
