> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Fix Garry's Mod Server Lag

> Fix Garry's Mod server lag: check CPU on Statistics, use the Tight limits preset, stop prop spam with FPP, trim addons and keep Lua auto-refresh off.

To fix Garry's Mod server lag, first check CPU and memory on **Statistics** while the lag happens. Most GMod lag comes from too many props and physics, prop spam or heavy addons. Apply the **Tight limits** preset on **Game settings**, turn on anti-spam in Falco's Prop Protection, remove addons you don't use and keep **Lua auto-refresh** off. Change one thing at a time and test.

## Quick checks

| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
| - | - | - |
| Lag gets worse as people build | Too many props or physics objects | Lower **Limits per player**; use **Tight limits** |
| Sudden lag spikes | Prop spam or a big contraption | Falco's Prop Protection anti-spam; freeze or remove props |
| Lag after adding an addon | A heavy or broken addon | Remove it and compare; read the console for Lua errors |
| Long joins | Many downloads | Fewer addons; don't mark Lua-only addons |
| Lag with lots of Wiremod builds | Many wired parts or E2 chips | Lower `sbox_maxwire_` limits |
| Only one player lags | Their connection or PC | Ask them to test another server |

## How to fix GMod server lag

**1. Measure first**

Open [Statistics](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-view-server-statistics.md) while the server lags. Note CPU and memory use. Check the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) for repeating Lua errors.

**2. Lower spawn limits**

On **Game settings**, click **Presets** > **Tight limits** ("Low spawn limits to keep a busy server fast"), review and save. Or lower single fields under **Limits per player**, such as **Props**. See [Game settings explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/garrys-mod-game-settings-explained.md).

**3. Stop prop spam**

Install [Falco's Prop Protection](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/setting-up-falcos-prop-protection.md) (DarkRP includes it) and turn on **Antispam options** such as "Big prop spam protection".

**4. Reduce physics work**

Consider adding `sv_turbophysics 1` to `server.cfg` so players don't push props by walking into them. See [physics and server.cfg](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/optimizing-servercfg-for-high-player-counts.md).

**5. Trim addons**

Remove addons you don't use from your Workshop collection or `/garrysmod/addons`. Test after each removal to find a heavy one.

**6. Check start-up settings**

Keep **Lua auto-refresh** off on a live server. A higher **Tick rate** is smoother but uses more CPU; lower it if CPU is maxed out.

Restart the server after each change on **Game settings**.

## Frequently asked questions

### What uses the most CPU on a GMod server?

Usually physics: many props, ragdolls, vehicles and contraptions touching each other. Spawn limits and prop protection keep it under control.

### Does a higher tick rate cause lag?

It uses more CPU. If **Statistics** shows CPU at its limit, a lower **Tick rate** can help. Our default is 22.

### Can I clean up props without restarting?

With an admin mod or FPP's cleanup options. FPP can also clean up a player's props when they disconnect.

### When should I contact support?

If CPU stays high with few players and no addons, [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) with the time it happened and what you tested.

## Related guides

> [card] [Garry's Mod server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/garrys-mod-server-hosting-guide.md)
>
> Every Garry's Mod page in one place.

> [card] [Physics and server.cfg](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/optimizing-servercfg-for-high-player-counts.md)
>
> gmod\_physiterations and sv\_turbophysics.

> [card] [Falco's Prop Protection](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/setting-up-falcos-prop-protection.md)
>
> Anti-spam settings.

> [card] [Wiremod](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/installing-and-restricting-wiremod.md)
>
> Wiremod limits.

> [card] [Server statistics](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-view-server-statistics.md)
>
> CPU and memory use.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 31 October 2026 (Garry's Mod dedicated server, Sandbox). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** October 2026


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.