Introduction to DarkRP Configuration

DarkRP is one of the most popular gamemodes for Garry’s Mod, offering a role-playing experience where players can take on various jobs and interact in a simulated economy. This guide walks you through how to properly configure DarkRP on your Wasabi Hosting Garry’s Mod server.

Core Configuration Files

DarkRP uses several configuration files that are all located within the DarkRP modification folder:

DarkRP Configuration File Overview

File	Location	Purpose
settings.lua	`/garrysmod/addons/darkrpmodification/lua/darkrp_config/settings.lua`	General gameplay settings
disabled_defaults.lua	`/garrysmod/addons/darkrpmodification/lua/darkrp_config/disabled_defaults.lua`	Default features to disable
jobs.lua	`/garrysmod/addons/darkrpmodification/lua/darkrp_customthings/jobs.lua`	Custom job definitions
shipments.lua	`/garrysmod/addons/darkrpmodification/lua/darkrp_customthings/shipments.lua`	Custom shipments
entities.lua	`/garrysmod/addons/darkrpmodification/lua/darkrp_customthings/entities.lua`	Custom entities
categories.lua	`/garrysmod/addons/darkrpmodification/lua/darkrp_customthings/categories.lua`	Custom F4 menu categories
ammo.lua	`/garrysmod/addons/darkrpmodification/lua/darkrp_customthings/ammo.lua`	Custom ammunition types
vehicles.lua	`/garrysmod/addons/darkrpmodification/lua/darkrp_customthings/vehicles.lua`	Custom vehicles
mysql.lua	`/garrysmod/addons/darkrpmodification/lua/darkrp_config/mysql.lua`	Database configuration

Essential Settings Configuration

The main settings.lua file controls most aspects of how DarkRP behaves on your server:

Economy Settings

-- Currency and Economy
GM.Config.currency = "$"                     -- Symbol used for money
GM.Config.currencyLeft = true                -- Position of currency symbol (true = left, false = right)
GM.Config.startingmoney = 1000               -- Starting money for new players
GM.Config.salaryInterval = 300               -- Seconds between salary payments
GM.Config.paydelay = 160                     -- Time between salary payments (in seconds)
GM.Config.pricemin = 50                      -- Minimum price for items in F4 menu
GM.Config.pricecap = 500                     -- Maximum price for items not in shipments
GM.Config.microwavefoodcost = 30             -- Cost of using the microwave
GM.Config.mprintamount = 250                 -- Money printed by money printer
GM.Config.normalsalary = 45                  -- Normal salary amount (if no custom set)
GM.Config.maxdoorsperplayer = 20             -- Maximum doors a player can own
GM.Config.propertytax = true                 -- Enable property tax
GM.Config.wallettax = 0                      -- Tax when a player dies (percentage)
GM.Config.wallettaxmax = 0                   -- Maximum amount of tax
GM.Config.droppocketitems = true             -- Whether players drop items from pocket when they die
GM.Config.clearmoneyondeath = true           -- Delete money when a player dies
GM.Config.restrictallteams = false           -- Enable restrictions for all teams
GM.Config.restrictbuypistol = false          -- Restrict pistol purchasing to certain teams
GM.Config.enablebuypocket = true             -- Allow players to upgrade pocket size
GM.Config.deathfee = 30                      -- Money removed when a player dies
GM.Config.moneyRemoveOnDeath = true          -- Remove all money when a player dies

Police and Mayor Settings

-- Police and Law Enforcement
GM.Config.chiefjailpos = true                -- Allow the Chief to set the jail position
GM.Config.requirewarrantforfpproperty = true -- Require a warrant to enter property
GM.Config.policelockdown = true              -- Enable police lockdown
GM.Config.mayor = true                       -- Enable mayor elections
GM.Config.mayorvotedelay = 60*60             -- Time (in seconds) between mayor votes
GM.Config.maxcopsalary = 100                 -- Maximum police salary
GM.Config.maxmayorsalary = 150               -- Maximum mayor salary
GM.Config.maxadminsalary = 120               -- Maximum admin salary
GM.Config.maxjailtime = 120                  -- Maximum jail time in seconds
GM.Config.shouldResetLaws = true             -- Reset laws when mayor changes
GM.Config.cpcanarrestcp = true               -- Can cops arrest other cops
GM.Config.needwantedforarrest = true         -- Need wanted status to arrest
GM.Config.chiefcanpickupplayers = true       -- Can Chief pick up players
GM.Config.chiefjailpos = true                -- Can Chief set the jail position
GM.Config.telejail = true                    -- Teleport to jail when arrested
GM.Config.telefromjail = false               -- Teleport from jail when unarrested
GM.Config.teletojail = true                  -- Teleport to jail position when arrested
GM.Config.citizenarrest = true               -- Allow citizens to arrest
GM.Config.warrantwait = 300                  -- Time to wait before getting a search warrant
GM.Config.lockdowndelay = 120                -- Time in seconds before lockdown auto-ends

Gameplay Settings

-- General Gameplay
GM.Config.removeclassitems = true            -- Remove weapons when changing jobs
GM.Config.respawninjail = true               -- Respawn in jail when killed in jail
GM.Config.simplebuyweapons = true            -- Display weapons when buying
GM.Config.babygod = true                     -- Enable god mode for new spawns
GM.Config.babygodtime = 30                   -- Duration of spawn protection in seconds
GM.Config.canforcedooropen = true            -- Whether players can force open doors
GM.Config.chatsound = true                   -- Play sound when receiving chat messages
GM.Config.copscanunfreeze = true             -- Allow cops to unfreeze
GM.Config.copscanunweld = true               -- Allow cops to unweld doors
GM.Config.cpcanweld = true                   -- Allow CPs to weld doors
GM.Config.customjobs = true                  -- Enable custom jobs
GM.Config.customspawns = true                -- Enable custom spawns
GM.Config.deathblack = true                  -- Show black screen on death
GM.Config.showjob = true                     -- Show job above head
GM.Config.letters = true                     -- Enable letter writing
GM.Config.license = true                     -- Enable licenses for weapons
GM.Config.logging = true                     -- Log certain actions
GM.Config.lottery = true                     -- Enable lottery
GM.Config.showname = true                    -- Show names above head
GM.Config.strictsuicide = true               -- Prevent suicide spam
GM.Config.hotelcost = 25                     -- Cost of hotel room
GM.Config.hoteljailtime = 120                -- Jail time for attempted hotel room theft
GM.Config.allowsprays = true                 -- Allow sprays
GM.Config.allowvehicleowning = true          -- Allow players to own vehicles
GM.Config.allowvnocollide = true             -- Allow vehicle no-collide
GM.Config.realisticfalldamage = true         -- Realistic fall damage
GM.Config.printeroverheat = true             -- Can money printers overheat
GM.Config.weaponshipment = true              -- Allow weapon shipments
GM.Config.shipmentspawntime = 10             -- Shipment spawn time
GM.Config.hideNonBuyable = false             -- Hide non-buyable doors
GM.Config.showvehicles = true                -- Show vehicles in F4 menu
GM.Config.addjailpos = true                  -- Allow adding jailpos
GM.Config.AdminsCopWeapons = true            -- Admins get cop weapons
GM.Config.adminweapons = true                -- Give admins all weapons

Custom Jobs Configuration

The jobs.lua file lets you define custom roles for your server:

-- Example Custom Jobs for Different Playstyles

-- Law Enforcement
TEAM_POLICE = DarkRP.createJob("Police Officer", {
    color = Color(25, 25, 170, 255),
    model = {"models/player/police.mdl", "models/player/police_fem.mdl"},
    description = [[Protect and serve the city. 
Arrest lawbreakers and keep the city safe.]],
    weapons = {"arrest_stick", "unarrest_stick", "weapon_glock2", "stunstick", "door_ram", "weaponchecker"},
    command = "police",
    max = 4,
    salary = 100,
    admin = 0,
    vote = false,
    hasLicense = true,
    category = "Civil Protection",
    PlayerSpawn = function(ply)
        ply:SetArmor(100)
        return
    end
})

TEAM_CHIEF = DarkRP.createJob("Police Chief", {
    color = Color(20, 20, 255, 255),
    model = "models/player/combine_soldier_prisonguard.mdl",
    description = [[The chief of police is the leader of the Civil Protection unit.
Coordinate the police force to enforce law and order in the city.
Hit a player with arrest baton to arrest them.]],
    weapons = {"arrest_stick", "unarrest_stick", "weapon_deagle2", "stunstick", "door_ram", "weaponchecker"},
    command = "chief",
    max = 1,
    salary = 120,
    admin = 0,
    vote = true,
    hasLicense = true,
    chief = true,
    category = "Civil Protection",
    PlayerSpawn = function(ply)
        ply:SetArmor(100)
        return
    end
})

-- Government Officials
TEAM_MAYOR = DarkRP.createJob("Mayor", {
    color = Color(150, 20, 20, 255),
    model = "models/player/breen.mdl",
    description = [[The Mayor of the city.
You make the laws and manage the Police Force.
Type /joblaws to set laws.]],
    weapons = {},
    command = "mayor",
    max = 1,
    salary = 150,
    admin = 0,
    vote = true,
    hasLicense = false,
    mayor = true,
    category = "Civil Protection",
})

-- Criminals
TEAM_GANG = DarkRP.createJob("Gang Member", {
    color = Color(75, 75, 75, 255),
    model = {
        "models/player/group03/male_01.mdl",
        "models/player/group03/male_02.mdl",
        "models/player/group03/male_03.mdl",
        "models/player/group03/male_04.mdl"
    },
    description = [[The lowest person in the criminal ladder.
A gang member having great success may be invited to the mob.]],
    weapons = {},
    command = "gangster",
    max = 3,
    salary = 45,
    admin = 0,
    vote = false,
    hasLicense = false,
    category = "Gangsters",
})

TEAM_MOB = DarkRP.createJob("Mob Boss", {
    color = Color(25, 25, 25, 255),
    model = "models/player/gman_high.mdl",
    description = [[The leader of the criminals in the city.
Run the crime syndicate and organize your gangsters to take control.]],
    weapons = {"lockpick"},
    command = "mobboss",
    max = 1,
    salary = 90,
    admin = 0,
    vote = true,
    hasLicense = false,
    category = "Gangsters",
})

-- Commercial
TEAM_GUN = DarkRP.createJob("Gun Dealer", {
    color = Color(255, 140, 0, 255),
    model = "models/player/monk.mdl",
    description = [[A Gun Dealer is the only person who can sell guns to other people.
Make sure you aren't caught selling illegal firearms to terrorists or cops!]],
    weapons = {},
    command = "gundealer",
    max = 2,
    salary = 85,
    admin = 0,
    vote = false,
    hasLicense = false,
    category = "Citizens",
})

TEAM_MEDIC = DarkRP.createJob("Medic", {
    color = Color(47, 79, 79, 255),
    model = "models/player/kleiner.mdl",
    description = [[With your medical knowledge, you heal players to full health.
You also have the ability to sell medical supplies.]],
    weapons = {"med_kit"},
    command = "medic",
    max = 3,
    salary = 75,
    admin = 0,
    vote = false,
    hasLicense = false,
    medic = true,
    category = "Citizens",
})

TEAM_COOK = DarkRP.createJob("Cook", {
    color = Color(238, 99, 99, 255),
    model = "models/player/mossman.mdl",
    description = [[As a cook, you can use your culinary expertise to create delicious food.
Sell your culinary creations to hungry players in the city.]],
    weapons = {},
    command = "cook",
    max = 2,
    salary = 65,
    admin = 0,
    vote = false,
    hasLicense = false,
    cook = true,
    category = "Citizens",
})

Balance your job distribution! A healthy server typically has about 40% law enforcement/government, 30% civilian jobs, and 30% criminal roles.

Custom Entities Configuration

The entities.lua file allows you to create buyable entities for players:

-- Legal Entities
DarkRP.createEntity("Health Kit", {
    ent = "item_healthkit",
    model = "models/items/healthkit.mdl",
    price = 150,
    max = 5,
    cmd = "buyhealthkit",
    allowed = {TEAM_MEDIC},
    category = "Medical Supplies",
})

DarkRP.createEntity("Armor Kit", {
    ent = "item_battery",
    model = "models/items/battery.mdl",
    price = 200,
    max = 5,
    cmd = "buyarmorkit",
    allowed = {TEAM_MEDIC},
    category = "Medical Supplies",
})

DarkRP.createEntity("Food Stand", {
    ent = "food_stand",
    model = "models/props_c17/furniturefridge001a.mdl",
    price = 300,
    max = 1,
    cmd = "buyfoodstand",
    allowed = {TEAM_COOK},
    category = "Food",
})

-- Illegal Entities
DarkRP.createEntity("Money Printer", {
    ent = "money_printer",
    model = "models/props_c17/consolebox01a.mdl",
    price = 1000,
    max = 2,
    cmd = "buymoneyprinter",
    allowed = {TEAM_GANG, TEAM_MOB},
    category = "Illegal",
})

DarkRP.createEntity("Drug Lab", {
    ent = "drug_lab",
    model = "models/props_lab/crematorcase.mdl",
    price = 400,
    max = 3,
    cmd = "buydruglab",
    allowed = {TEAM_GANG, TEAM_MOB},
    category = "Illegal",
})

DarkRP.createEntity("Lockpick", {
    ent = "lockpick",
    model = "models/weapons/w_crowbar.mdl",
    price = 150,
    max = 2,
    cmd = "buylockpick",
    allowed = {TEAM_GANG, TEAM_MOB},
    category = "Illegal",
})

Be careful about pricing illegal items. If they’re too cheap, your economy will be flooded with money from printers!

Custom Shipments Configuration

Configure weapon shipments in the shipments.lua file:

-- Pistols
DarkRP.createShipment("Desert Eagle", {
    model = "models/weapons/w_pist_deagle.mdl",
    entity = "weapon_deagle2",
    price = 215,
    amount = 10,
    separate = true,
    pricesep = 215,
    noship = false,
    allowed = {TEAM_GUN},
    category = "Pistols",
})

DarkRP.createShipment("Glock", {
    model = "models/weapons/w_pist_glock18.mdl",
    entity = "weapon_glock2",
    price = 165,
    amount = 10,
    separate = true,
    pricesep = 165,
    noship = false,
    allowed = {TEAM_GUN},
    category = "Pistols",
})

-- Rifles
DarkRP.createShipment("AK47", {
    model = "models/weapons/w_rif_ak47.mdl",
    entity = "weapon_ak472",
    price = 2450,
    amount = 10,
    separate = false,
    pricesep = 0,
    noship = false,
    allowed = {TEAM_GUN},
    category = "Rifles",
})

DarkRP.createShipment("M4A1", {
    model = "models/weapons/w_rif_m4a1.mdl",
    entity = "weapon_m42",
    price = 2250,
    amount = 10,
    separate = false,
    pricesep = 0,
    noship = false,
    allowed = {TEAM_GUN},
    category = "Rifles",
})

-- Shotguns
DarkRP.createShipment("Pump Shotgun", {
    model = "models/weapons/w_shot_xm1014.mdl",
    entity = "weapon_pumpshotgun2",
    price = 1750,
    amount = 10,
    separate = false,
    pricesep = 0,
    noship = false,
    allowed = {TEAM_GUN},
    category = "Shotguns",
})

Custom Categories

Organize your F4 menu with custom categories in categories.lua:

-- Job Categories
DarkRP.createCategory{
    name = "Civil Protection",
    categorises = "jobs",
    startExpanded = true,
    color = Color(0, 107, 0, 255),
    canSee = function(ply) return true end,
    sortOrder = 1,
}

DarkRP.createCategory{
    name = "Citizens",
    categorises = "jobs",
    startExpanded = true,
    color = Color(0, 107, 0, 255),
    canSee = function(ply) return true end,
    sortOrder = 2,
}

DarkRP.createCategory{
    name = "Gangsters",
    categorises = "jobs",
    startExpanded = true,
    color = Color(75, 75, 75, 255),
    canSee = function(ply) return true end,
    sortOrder = 3,
}

-- Entity Categories
DarkRP.createCategory{
    name = "Medical Supplies",
    categorises = "entities",
    startExpanded = true,
    color = Color(0, 107, 0, 255),
    canSee = function(ply) return true end,
    sortOrder = 1,
}

DarkRP.createCategory{
    name = "Food",
    categorises = "entities",
    startExpanded = true,
    color = Color(0, 107, 0, 255),
    canSee = function(ply) return true end,
    sortOrder = 2,
}

DarkRP.createCategory{
    name = "Illegal",
    categorises = "entities",
    startExpanded = true,
    color = Color(75, 75, 75, 255),
    canSee = function(ply) return table.HasValue({TEAM_GANG, TEAM_MOB}, ply:Team()) end,
    sortOrder = 3,
}

-- Shipment Categories
DarkRP.createCategory{
    name = "Pistols",
    categorises = "shipments",
    startExpanded = true,
    color = Color(0, 107, 0, 255),
    canSee = function(ply) return true end,
    sortOrder = 1,
}

DarkRP.createCategory{
    name = "Rifles",
    categorises = "shipments",
    startExpanded = true,
    color = Color(0, 107, 0, 255),
    canSee = function(ply) return true end,
    sortOrder = 2,
}

DarkRP.createCategory{
    name = "Shotguns",
    categorises = "shipments",
    startExpanded = true,
    color = Color(0, 107, 0, 255),
    canSee = function(ply) return true end,
    sortOrder = 3,
}

MySQL Database Setup

For large servers, SQLite may not be sufficient. Configure MySQL in mysql.lua:

RP.Config.MySQLConfig = {
    EnableMySQL = true,
    Host = "localhost",
    Database = "darkrp",
    Username = "username",
    Password = "password",
    Port = 3306
}

Always use strong, unique passwords for your database and never share them with anyone!

Performance Optimization

Large DarkRP servers can experience performance issues. Use these settings for better performance:

-- Add these to settings.lua for better performance

-- Reduce entity calculations
GM.Config.npckillpay = 0                    -- Disable NPC kill rewards to reduce calculations
GM.Config.rewardvault = false               -- Disable reward vault to reduce database operations
GM.Config.chatsounds = false                -- Disable chat sounds to reduce network traffic

-- Reduce database operations
GM.Config.logging = false                   -- Disable logging for better performance
GM.Config.backuptime = 600                  -- Increase time between data backups (in seconds)

-- Limit entity spam
GM.Config.pocketitems = 5                   -- Reduce maximum pocket items
GM.Config.maxdoors = 10                     -- Reduce maximum doors per player
GM.Config.maxlawboards = 2                  -- Reduce maximum law boards
GM.Config.maxletters = 10                   -- Reduce maximum letters
GM.Config.maxvehicles = 4                   -- Reduce maximum vehicles

-- Reduce player movement calculations
GM.Config.ironshoot = false                 -- Disable iron sight shooting mechanics
GM.Config.dynamicvoice = false              -- Disable dynamic voice to reduce calculations

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Missing Jobs in F4 Menu

Money Printers Overheating Too Quickly

Adjust these settings in your entities/printing_money/init.lua file:

-- Money printer settings
local PRINTER_HEALTH = 100        -- Default health of printer
local TEMPERATURE_INCREASE = 0.15  -- How quickly temperature increases
local TEMPERATURE_DECREASE = 0.05  -- How quickly it cools down when off
local TEMPERATURE_DAMAGE = 55      -- Temperature at which damage starts
local DAMAGE_AMOUNT = 5            -- Amount of damage when overheating
local MONEY_AMOUNT = 250           -- Money printed per cycle
local PRINT_DELAY = 150            -- Time between printing money (seconds)

Doors Not Working Properly

If doors aren’t working correctly:

Make sure F2 property is enabled
Check that you’ve configured door groups properly

Verify door ownership settings in settings.lua:

GM.Config.doorsowned = true
GM.Config.doorlabel = true
GM.Config.canforcedooropen = true

Delete the darkrp_door database files if needed

Best Practices for Server Owners

Balance your economy - Don’t make money too easy to get
Create job diversity - Have a good mix of legal and illegal jobs
Limit overpowered weapons - Don’t give too many powerful weapons to one team
Consider player count - Adjust max jobs based on your average player count
Use MySQL for large servers - SQLite can cause lag with many players
Regular restarts - Schedule server restarts every 6-12 hours
Backup configurations - Always backup your DarkRP configs before changes
Test before implementing - Test changes on a development server first

The most successful DarkRP servers focus on role-playing and creating interesting scenarios rather than just giving players powerful weapons.

Map Considerations

DarkRP gameplay is heavily influenced by the map you choose:

A classic DarkRP map with good layout:

Well-defined police/mayor areas
Good building distribution
Logical bank location
Clear downtown area

Recommended Settings:

GM.Config.maxdoors = 15
GM.Config.maxlawboards = 3
GM.Config.maxletters = 15

A classic DarkRP map with good layout:

Well-defined police/mayor areas
Good building distribution
Logical bank location
Clear downtown area

Recommended Settings:

GM.Config.maxdoors = 15
GM.Config.maxlawboards = 3
GM.Config.maxletters = 15

A larger city map with lots of buildings:

Many apartment buildings
Large downtown area
Multiple shop locations
Good for higher player counts

Recommended Settings:

GM.Config.maxdoors = 20
GM.Config.maxlawboards = 5
GM.Config.maxletters = 20

A modern city map:

Clean visual style
Well-organized districts
Good performance optimization
Multiple police stations

Recommended Settings:

GM.Config.maxdoors = 18
GM.Config.maxlawboards = 4
GM.Config.maxletters = 18

By following this configuration guide, you’ll be able to create an engaging and well-balanced DarkRP server on Wasabi Hosting. Remember that the key to a successful DarkRP server is ongoing moderation and balance adjustments based on player feedback.

If you need further assistance, contact our support team.

Firewall Dashboard

Minecraft

Garry's Mod

Unturned

Garry's Mod DarkRP Configuration Guide

Introduction to DarkRP Configuration

Core Configuration Files

Essential Settings Configuration

Custom Jobs Configuration

Custom Entities Configuration

Custom Shipments Configuration

Custom Categories

MySQL Database Setup

Performance Optimization

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Best Practices for Server Owners

Map Considerations

Firewall Dashboard

Minecraft

Garry's Mod

Unturned

​Introduction to DarkRP Configuration

​Core Configuration Files

​Essential Settings Configuration

​Custom Jobs Configuration

​Custom Entities Configuration

​Custom Shipments Configuration

​Custom Categories

​MySQL Database Setup

​Performance Optimization

​Common Issues & Troubleshooting

​Best Practices for Server Owners

​Map Considerations

Introduction to DarkRP Configuration

Core Configuration Files

Essential Settings Configuration

Custom Jobs Configuration

Custom Entities Configuration

Custom Shipments Configuration

Custom Categories

MySQL Database Setup

Performance Optimization

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Best Practices for Server Owners

Map Considerations