Introduction to Garry’s Mod Server Configuration

Properly configuring your Garry’s Mod server is essential for creating the best experience for your players. This guide walks you through the various configuration files and options available on the Wasabi Hosting Gamepanel.

Core Configuration Files

Garry’s Mod uses several key configuration files:

File	Location	Purpose
server.cfg	`/garrysmod/cfg/server.cfg`	Main server settings
autoexec.cfg	`/garrysmod/cfg/autoexec.cfg`	Commands executed on server start
mount.cfg	`/garrysmod/cfg/mount.cfg`	Content mounting from other Source games
game.cfg	`/garrysmod/cfg/game.cfg`	Game mode specific settings
workshop.vdf	`/garrysmod/settings/workshop.vdf`	Workshop collection ID

Basic Server.cfg Setup

The server.cfg file is the primary configuration file for your Garry’s Mod server. Here’s a basic template:

// Server Identification
hostname "Your Server Name"
sv_password ""                   // Password to join the server (leave empty for public)
sv_region 0                      // 0=US East, 1=US West, 2=South America, 3=Europe, 4=Asia, 5=Australia, 6=Middle East, 7=Africa
sv_lan 0                         // Set to 1 for LAN servers
rcon_password "YourRconPassword" // Remote console password (CHANGE THIS!)
sv_logfile 1                     // Enable logging
sv_logbans 1                     // Log bans
sv_logecho 1                     // Echo log to console
sv_log_onefile 0                 // Use multiple log files
sv_noclipspeed 5                 // Noclip speed
sv_noclipaccelerate 5            // Noclip acceleration

// Network Settings
sv_minrate 20000                 // Min bandwidth rate
sv_maxrate 100000                // Max bandwidth rate
sv_mincmdrate 33                 // Min cmd rate
sv_maxcmdrate 66                 // Max cmd rate
sv_minupdaterate 33              // Min update rate
sv_maxupdaterate 66              // Max update rate
net_maxfilesize 64               // Max file size for downloads

// Content Settings
sv_allowdownload 1               // Allow clients to download content
sv_allowupload 0                 // Disable uploading (prevents exploits)
sv_downloadurl ""                // FastDL URL (if you have one)

// Gameplay Settings
sbox_noclip 1                    // Allow noclip
sbox_godmode 0                   // Disable godmode
sbox_plpldamage 1                // Allow player vs player damage
sbox_maxprops 200                // Maximum props per player
sbox_maxragdolls 10              // Maximum ragdolls per player
sbox_maxnpcs 10                  // Maximum NPCs per player
sbox_maxballoons 20              // Maximum balloons per player
sbox_maxeffects 20               // Maximum effects per player
sbox_maxdynamite 10              // Maximum dynamite per player
sbox_maxlamps 10                 // Maximum lamps per player
sbox_maxthrusters 20             // Maximum thrusters per player
sbox_maxwheels 20                // Maximum wheels per player
sbox_maxhoverballs 20            // Maximum hoverballs per player
sbox_maxvehicles 6               // Maximum vehicles per player
sbox_maxbuttons 20               // Maximum buttons per player
sbox_maxsents 20                 // Maximum scripted entities per player
sbox_maxemitters 5               // Maximum emitters per player
sbox_maxspawners 3               // Maximum spawners per player
sbox_maxturrets 2                // Maximum turrets per player

// Performance Settings
decalfrequency 60                // Decal refresh rate
sv_friction 8                    // World friction
sv_defaultgravity 600            // World gravity
sv_sticktoground 0               // Stick to ground (physics)
sv_maxvelocity 3500              // Maximum velocity
sv_accelerate 10                 // Accelerate
sv_airaccelerate 10              // Air accelerate

// Admin Settings
sv_alltalk 0                     // 0=Team chat, 1=All chat
mp_friendlyfire 0                // Disable friendly fire

// Execute Additional Config Files
exec banned_user.cfg             // Execute banned users list
exec banned_ip.cfg               // Execute banned IPs list

// Message of the Day (MOTD)
sv_loadingurl "https://yourwebsite.com/motd.html"  // Web-based MOTD

// Add any additional configurations below this line

Always change the default rcon_password! Using a default or easy-to-guess password exposes your server to potential hijacking.

Workshop Configuration

To use Workshop content on your Wasabi Hosting server:

Create a workshop collection on Steam
Add the collection ID to your Gamepanel startup parameters:
```
+host_workshop_collection COLLECTION_ID
```
Additionally, you can create a workshop.vdf file in the /garrysmod/settings/ directory:

"workshopitems"
{
	"123456789"	"1"    // Replace 123456789 with your actual collection ID
}

Wasabi Hosting provides optimized networks for workshop downloads, but FastDL is still recommended for frequently used content.

FastDL Setup

FastDL allows players to download custom content much faster:

Create a web server

Set up a web server with sufficient storage space

Compress content

Use bzip2 to compress resource files:

// Add this to your server startup script
find /path/to/garrysmod/content -type f -name "*.vtf" -o -name "*.vmt" -o -name "*.png" -o -name "*.mdl" -o -name "*.wav" -o -name "*.mp3" | xargs -I{} bzip2 -zk "{}"

Upload compressed files

Upload the compressed files to your web server, maintaining the folder structure

Configure FastDL

Add to your server.cfg:

sv_downloadurl "http://your-fastdl-url.com"
sv_allowdownload 0  // Disable in-game downloads
sv_allowupload 0    // Disable uploads

Gamemode Configuration

Each gamemode has its own configuration files and options:

DarkRP settings are managed in these files:

/garrysmod/addons/darkrpmodification/lua/darkrp_config/settings.lua - General settings
/garrysmod/addons/darkrpmodification/lua/darkrp_config/disabled_defaults.lua - Features to disable
/garrysmod/addons/darkrpmodification/lua/darkrp_customthings/jobs.lua - Custom jobs
/garrysmod/addons/darkrpmodification/lua/darkrp_customthings/shipments.lua - Custom shipments
/garrysmod/addons/darkrpmodification/lua/darkrp_customthings/entities.lua - Custom entities

-- Economy settings
GM.Config.currency = "$"                    -- Currency symbol
GM.Config.lockdowndelay = 120               -- Time in seconds before lockdown ends automatically
GM.Config.maxdoors = 20                     -- Maximum doors a player can own
GM.Config.wallettax = 0                     -- Percentage of money a player loses when they die
GM.Config.startingmoney = 1000              -- Starting money for new players
GM.Config.pricemin = 50                     -- Minimum price for items in F4 menu

-- Arrest and wanted settings
GM.Config.arrestspeed = 120                 -- Walking speed when arrested
GM.Config.arresttime = 120                  -- Time in jail
GM.Config.wantedtime = 120                  -- Time player is wanted for
GM.Config.jailtimer = true                  -- Show jail timer
GM.Config.telefromjail = false              -- Allow teleporting from jail
GM.Config.teletojail = true                 -- Teleport to jail when arrested
GM.Config.needwantedforarrest = true        -- Players need to be wanted to be arrested

-- Job settings
GM.Config.maxcopsalary = 100                -- Maximum salary for police
GM.Config.maxmayorsalary = 150              -- Maximum salary for mayor
GM.Config.maxjailpos = 10                   -- Maximum jail positions
GM.Config.norespawn = true                  -- Don't respawn players who change jobs
GM.Config.respawntime = 1                   -- Minimum time before respawning
GM.Config.changejobtime = 10                -- Time between job changes (in seconds)

-- Gameplay settings
GM.Config.npckillpay = 10                   -- Money reward for killing an NPC
GM.Config.paydelay = 160                    -- Time between salary payments (in seconds)
GM.Config.pocketitems = 10                  -- Maximum items in pocket
GM.Config.strictsuicide = true              -- Prevent /kill command abuse
GM.Config.telefromjail = false              -- Can teleport from jail
GM.Config.enablebuypocket = true            -- Allow buying pocket upgrade
GM.Config.weaponshipment = true             -- Enable weapon shipments
GM.Config.pocket = true                     -- Enable pocket
GM.Config.chatsounds = true                 -- Enable sounds when players chat
GM.Config.deathfee = 30                     -- Money lost on death
GM.Config.allowropseweld = true             -- Allow rope constraint welding

-- Example custom jobs in jobs.lua

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",
})

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,
    category = "Civil Protection",
})

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",
})

-- Example shipments in shipments.lua

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("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",
})

-- Example entities in entities.lua

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

If your server uses a MySQL database for DarkRP data, configure it in /garrysmod/addons/darkrpmodification/lua/darkrp_config/mysql.lua:

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

Never share your MySQL credentials publicly and use a strong password.

-- 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

For large DarkRP servers, consider using a properly configured MySQL database instead of SQLite for better performance with many players.

Admin Mod Configuration

ULX (Ulysses Admin Mod) settings are stored in multiple files:

/garrysmod/data/ulx/config.txt - Main ULX configuration
/garrysmod/data/ulib/groups.txt - User groups and permissions
/garrysmod/addons/ulx/lua/ulx/modules/sh/ - Module configurations

Important files to customize:

groups.txt example:

"STEAM_0:1:12345678"	"superadmin"
"STEAM_0:0:87654321"	"admin"

Creating custom groups:

"Owner"
{
	"allow"
	{
		"ulx ban"
		"ulx kick"
		"ulx slay"
		"ulx teleport"
	}
	"inherit_from"	"superadmin"
}

MySQL Configuration

Many addons (especially DarkRP) support MySQL databases:

Create a MySQL database on your hosting provider
Configure your database details in the appropriate files:

For DarkRP:

-- In garrysmod/addons/darkrpmodification/lua/darkrp_config/mysql.lua
RP.Config.MySQLConfig = {
    EnableMySQL = true,
    Host = "localhost",
    Database = "darkrp",
    Username = "username",
    Password = "password",
    Port = 3306
}

For FAdmin:

-- In garrysmod/lua/fadin/mysqlconfig.lua
FAdmin.MySQLConfig = {
    Enable = true,
    Host = "localhost",
    Username = "username",
    Password = "password",
    Database_name = "fadmin",
    Database_port = 3306,
    Preferred_module = "mysqloo"
}

Store database passwords securely and never share your database credentials with anyone you don’t trust completely.

Content Mounting

To use content from other Source games (CS:S, HL2, etc.), configure the mount.cfg file:

"mountcfg"
{
	"cstrike"	"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Source\cstrike"
	"tf"		"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Team Fortress 2\tf"
}

On a Gamepanel, you’ll need to use the SteamCMD to download this content to your server first.

Startup Parameters

Configure these in the Gamepanel’s Startup tab:

-game garrysmod +sv_lan 0 +map gm_construct -maxplayers 16 +host_workshop_collection 123456789 -authkey YOURAUTHKEY

Parameter	Description
`-game garrysmod`	Specifies the game
`+sv_lan 0`	Sets LAN server
`+map gm_construct`	Sets starting map
`-maxplayers 16`	Sets maximum players
`+host_workshop_collection 123456789`	Sets workshop collection
`-authkey YOURAUTHKEY`	Workshop authentication key

RCON Configuration

Remote Console (RCON) allows you to administer your server remotely:

Set a strong RCON password in server.cfg:
```
rcon_password "YourStrongPasswordHere"
```
Connect to your server’s RCON using:
- An RCON tool like HLSW or SourceAdmin
- The in-game console with rcon_password followed by rcon commands
- Gamepanel’s built-in console

RCON passwords are transmitted in plain text unless you’re using a secure connection. Always use strong, unique passwords.

Map Rotation

Configure map rotation in your server.cfg:

mapcyclefile "mapcycle.txt"
mp_timelimit 60     // Minutes per map

Then create a mapcycle.txt file in the /garrysmod/cfg/ directory:

gm_construct
gm_flatgrass
rp_downtown_v4c
ttt_minecraft_b5

Server Logging

Configure logging to track server activity:

sv_logfile 1                  // Enable logging
sv_logbans 1                  // Log bans
sv_logecho 1                  // Echo log information to console
sv_log_onefile 0              // Don't save all logs to a single file
log on                        // Turn logging on

Logs are stored in /garrysmod/logs/

Optimization Configurations

Use these settings for better server performance:

// Threading optimization
sv_parallel_packentities 1     // Use parallel processing for packing entities
sv_parallel_sendsnapshot 1     // Use parallel processing for snapshots

// Physics optimization
gmod_physiterations 4          // Number of physics iterations
sv_turbophysics 1              // Enable turbo physics

// Entity optimization
sv_timeout 120                 // Connection timeout threshold
sv_maxunlag 1                  // Maximum lag compensation in seconds
net_maxfilesize 64             // Maximum file size for transfers
sv_loadingurl ""               // Loading screen URL

DDoS Protection

Configure basic DDoS protection:

sv_minrate 20000               // Minimum client rate
sv_maxrate 100000              // Maximum client rate
sv_maxupdaterate 66            // Maximum updates per second
sv_maxcmdrate 66               // Maximum commands per second
sv_client_min_interp_ratio -1  // Client interpolation ratio minimum
sv_client_max_interp_ratio 2   // Client interpolation ratio maximum
fps_max 600                    // Maximum server FPS
sv_maxusrcmdprocessticks 24    // Maximum user command process ticks
sv_stats 0                     // Disable server stats

For more comprehensive DDoS protection, consider using our Firewall Manager.

Gamemode-Specific Configuration Examples

// TTT Configuration
// Basic server settings
hostname "My TTT Server"
sv_password ""
rcon_password "MySecureRconPassword"

// Round settings
ttt_minimum_players 2
ttt_preptime_seconds 30
ttt_firstpreptime 60
ttt_roundtime_minutes 10
ttt_posttime_seconds 30

// Role settings
ttt_traitor_pct 0.25
ttt_traitor_max 32
ttt_detective_pct 0.13
ttt_detective_max 32
ttt_detective_min_players 8
ttt_detective_karma_min 600

// Equipment settings
ttt_credits_starting 2
ttt_credits_award_pct 0.35
ttt_credits_award_size 1
ttt_credits_award_repeat 1
ttt_credits_detectivekill 1

// Karma settings
ttt_karma 1
ttt_karma_strict 1
ttt_karma_starting 1000
ttt_karma_max 1000
ttt_karma_ratio 0.001
ttt_karma_kill_penalty 15
ttt_karma_round_increment 5
ttt_karma_clean_bonus 30
ttt_karma_traitordmg_ratio 0.0003
ttt_karma_low_autokick 1
ttt_karma_low_amount 300
ttt_karma_low_ban 0
ttt_karma_low_ban_minutes 60
ttt_karma_persist 1
ttt_karma_clean_half 0.25

// Map settings
ttt_use_weapon_spawn_scripts 1
ttt_spawn_wave_interval 2

// Gameplay settings
ttt_haste 1
ttt_haste_starting_minutes 5
ttt_haste_minutes_per_death 0.5
ttt_postround_dm 1
ttt_no_nade_throw_during_prep 1
ttt_weapon_carrying 1
ttt_weapon_carrying_range 50
ttt_teleport_telefrags 1
ttt_ragdoll_pinning 1
ttt_ragdoll_pinning_innocents 1
ttt_use_ammo_resupply 1
ttt_resupply_delay 20

-- DarkRP Settings

-- Money Settings
GM.Config.currency = "$"
GM.Config.pocket = true
GM.Config.pocketitems = 10
GM.Config.wallettax = 0
GM.Config.wantedsuicide = true
GM.Config.rewardvault = true
GM.Config.enablebuypocket = true
GM.Config.clearbackpackondeath = true
GM.Config.restrictdrop = true
GM.Config.restrictallteams = false

-- Door Settings
GM.Config.doorcost = 30
GM.Config.allowropseweld = true
GM.Config.allowvehicleowning = true
GM.Config.allowvnocollide = true
GM.Config.doorspawnopen = true
GM.Config.babygod = true
GM.Config.chatsounds = true
GM.Config.deathfee = 30
GM.Config.moneyremovedelay = 600
GM.Config.demotetime = 120
GM.Config.maxdoors = 20
GM.Config.nutshelldelay = 60

-- Lockdown Settings
GM.Config.lockdown = true
GM.Config.lockpicktime = 30
GM.Config.maxlockpicktime = 60
GM.Config.arrestspeed = 120
GM.Config.respawntime = 1
GM.Config.changejobtime = 10
GM.Config.maxcopsalary = 100
GM.Config.maxadminsalary = 120
GM.Config.maxmayorsalary = 120

-- Mayor Settings
GM.Config.mayorvotenocost = true
GM.Config.mayorvotedelay = 60*30
GM.Config.shouldResetLaws = true
GM.Config.strictsuicide = true
GM.Config.telefromjail = false
GM.Config.teletojail = true
GM.Config.unlockdoorsonstart = true
GM.Config.voiceradius = true

-- AFK Settings
GM.Config.afkdemotetime = 600
GM.Config.afkdemotedelay = 30

-- HUD Settings
GM.Config.adminicon = "icon16/shield.png"
GM.Config.alltalk = false
GM.Config.customjobs = true
GM.Config.customspawns = true
GM.Config.deathnotice = true
GM.Config.deathblack = true
GM.Config.needwantedforarrest = true
GM.Config.nowep = false
GM.Config.ooc = true
GM.Config.propertytax = true
GM.Config.proppaying = true
GM.Config.propspawning = true
GM.Config.removeclassitems = true
GM.Config.respawninjail = true
GM.Config.restrictallteams = true
GM.Config.searchothers = true

Source Engine Mounting (Optional)

Mount content from other Source games for additional assets:

Ensure the content is installed on your server

On a Gamepanel, you’ll need to use the SteamCMD to download this content to your server first.
Configure mount points in mount.cfg
Add these to your startup parameters

Configure these in the Gamepanel’s Startup tab:

-game garrysmod +sv_lan 0 +map gm_construct -maxplayers 16 +host_workshop_collection 123456789 -authkey YOURAUTHKEY

Server Monitoring

Monitor your server’s health using:

Console log analysis
Third-party monitoring tools
Resource utilization graphs
Gamepanel’s built-in console

By following this configuration guide, you can create a well-optimized and properly configured Garry’s Mod server on Wasabi Hosting. If you need further assistance, contact our support team.

Firewall Dashboard

Minecraft

Garry's Mod

Unturned

Garry's Mod Server Configuration Guide

Introduction to Garry’s Mod Server Configuration

Core Configuration Files

Basic Server.cfg Setup

Workshop Configuration

FastDL Setup

Gamemode Configuration

Admin Mod Configuration

MySQL Configuration

Content Mounting

Startup Parameters

RCON Configuration

Map Rotation

Server Logging

Optimization Configurations

DDoS Protection

Gamemode-Specific Configuration Examples

Source Engine Mounting (Optional)

Server Monitoring

Firewall Dashboard

Minecraft

Garry's Mod

Unturned

​Introduction to Garry’s Mod Server Configuration

​Core Configuration Files

​Basic Server.cfg Setup

​Workshop Configuration

​FastDL Setup

​Gamemode Configuration

​Admin Mod Configuration

​MySQL Configuration

​Content Mounting

​Startup Parameters

​RCON Configuration

​Map Rotation

​Server Logging

​Optimization Configurations

​DDoS Protection

​Gamemode-Specific Configuration Examples

​Source Engine Mounting (Optional)

​Server Monitoring

Introduction to Garry’s Mod Server Configuration

Core Configuration Files

Basic Server.cfg Setup

Workshop Configuration

FastDL Setup

Gamemode Configuration

Admin Mod Configuration

MySQL Configuration

Content Mounting

Startup Parameters

RCON Configuration

Map Rotation

Server Logging

Optimization Configurations

DDoS Protection

Gamemode-Specific Configuration Examples

Source Engine Mounting (Optional)

Server Monitoring