How to Set Up a GMod DarkRP Server
Build your own Garry's Mod DarkRP server — install GMod with SteamCMD, add the DarkRP gamemode, load a Workshop collection, configure jobs and a persistent MySQL economy. Plus the managed route.
DarkRP is the most popular Garry's Mod roleplay gamemode. You install the GMod dedicated server with SteamCMD (app 4020), add DarkRP, then customise jobs, entities and the economy.
A busy DarkRP server needs a strong CPU (GMod is single-thread heavy), a MySQL database for persistence, and Anti-DDoS — RP communities are heavily targeted.
What you'll need
A quick checklist before you begin — have these ready and the rest is easy.
- SteamCMD installed, and the GMod server (app 4020) downloaded.
- The DarkRP gamemode (plus DarkRPModification for safe edits).
- A Steam Workshop collection of your addons and its collection ID.
- A MySQL database (via mysqloo) for a persistent economy.
- A strong single-core CPU (GMod is single-thread heavy).
Set up a Garry's Mod DarkRP server
Install the GMod server (app 4020)
Use SteamCMD to download the Garry's Mod dedicated server.
steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 4020 validate +quit
Install DarkRP
Place the DarkRP gamemode (and DarkRPModification for safe edits) in the gamemodes folder, and set gamemode to darkrp in your server.cfg.
gamemode darkrp hostname "My ESAGAMES DarkRP"
Add a Workshop collection
Create a Steam Workshop collection of your addons and set its ID with +host_workshop_collection so clients auto-download content.
./srcds_run -game garrysmod +gamemode darkrp +map rp_downtown_v4c_v2 +host_workshop_collection YOUR_COLLECTION_ID
Configure jobs & entities
Edit the DarkRPModification files to add custom jobs, shipments, entities and money settings without touching core DarkRP.
Set up a MySQL economy
Connect a MySQL database (via mysqloo) so player money, levels and data persist across restarts.
Launch and connect
Start the server and connect in GMod via the console to your IP and port (27015 by default).
connect your-server-ip:27015
DarkRP best practices
High-clock CPU
GMod is single-thread heavy. Fast CPU keeps a busy DarkRP server smooth.
Use MySQL
A database makes money, levels and data persistent — essential for a serious RP server.
Anti-DDoS
DarkRP communities get attacked constantly. Filtering keeps you online.
Common problems & fixes
Hit a snag? These are the issues people run into most — and how to solve them.
Clients don't download my addons
You haven't set +host_workshop_collection with your collection ID, or the collection/items aren't public.
My job/economy edits get wiped on update
Make changes in DarkRPModification, not core DarkRP, so updates don't overwrite them.
Money/levels reset on restart
Your MySQL connection isn't configured. Set up mysqloo and your database credentials for persistence.
Server lags with many players
GMod is CPU-bound and addon-heavy. Use a fast CPU and trim unnecessary addons.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Skip the setup. Our Garry's Mod hosting handles DarkRP, Workshop and MySQL on high-clock CPUs behind a multi-Tbps Frankfurt network — protected and instant.
Frequently asked questions
How do I set up a DarkRP server?
Install the GMod dedicated server (app 4020) via SteamCMD, add the DarkRP gamemode, set gamemode to darkrp, load a Workshop addon collection, configure jobs and a MySQL economy, then launch.
How do I add addons?
Create a Steam Workshop collection and set its ID with +host_workshop_collection so clients automatically download your content.
Do I need MySQL?
For a persistent economy (money, levels) yes — connect MySQL via mysqloo so data survives restarts.
How do I add custom jobs?
Use DarkRPModification to add jobs, shipments and entities without editing core DarkRP, so updates don't overwrite your changes.
How many slots for DarkRP?
Busy DarkRP communities run 32–64 slots. High counts want a strong CPU.
Is it DDoS protected with you?
On our managed Garry's Mod hosting, yes — filtered through our multi-Tbps Frankfurt network.
Keep reading
Garry's Mod is a trademark of Facepunch Studios; Steam and Source are trademarks of Valve. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by them. The dedicated server is installed via Valve's SteamCMD.
