> ## 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 Set Up a Garry's Mod Server (Getting Started)

> How to set up a Garry's Mod server on FREAKHOSTING: choose map and gamemode in Game settings, name it, set a password and token, start it and join by IP.

To set up a Garry's Mod server on FREAKHOSTING, open your server in the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), click **Game settings**, choose a **Start map** and **Gamemode**, set a **Server name** and optional **Server password**, then review, save and start the server. It is ready when the console shows `VAC secure mode is activated.` Players join with your server address, for example `connect 203.0.113.10:27015`.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 5 to 10 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Garry's Mod server | **Game settings** |

## Before you start

* Log in to the [Game Panel](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-login-and-access-the-game-panel.md).
* Own Garry's Mod on Steam.
* Optional: create a Steam game server token (see step 5). It helps your server show in the server list.

## What is installed on a new server?

| Item | What you get |
| - | - |
| Gamemodes | base, sandbox, terrortown (Trouble in Terrorist Town) |
| Start map | `gm_flatgrass` |
| Player slots | 32 |
| Tick rate | 22 |
| Addons | None (`/garrysmod/addons` is empty) |
| Admin mod | None. ULX is not preinstalled |

## How to set up your Garry's Mod server

**1. Open Game settings**

Open your server and click **Game settings** under **GAME SETTINGS**. The **Checks** box at the top lists anything worth fixing, such as a missing Steam game server token.

**2. Choose the map and gamemode**

Under **Start-up**, enter a **Start map** (for example `gm_construct` or `gm_flatgrass`) and pick a **Gamemode**. Sandbox and Trouble in Terrorist Town work straight away. Other gamemodes in the list must be installed first; see [install a gamemode](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/how-to-install-a-custom-gamemode-on-garrys-mod.md).

**3. Set player slots**

Set **Player slots** to how many players can be online at once.

**4. Name your server and set a password**

Under **Server**, enter a **Server name**. This is what players see in the server browser. Enter a **Server password** only if you want a private server; leave it empty for a public one.

**5. Add a Steam game server token**

Create a token at [steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers](https://steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers) with App ID **4000** (Garry's Mod) and paste it into **Steam game server token**. Use one token per server.

**6. Review, save and start**

Save your changes. A review dialog shows each change before anything is written; click **Save changes**. The panel shows a message such as "Saved 2 changes". [Start or restart the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md); **Start-up** settings apply when the server starts.

![Garry's Mod Game settings Start-up section with Start map, Gamemode, Workshop collection, Player slots, Tick rate, Lua auto-refresh and Steam game server token](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/dCZ9JIDc2HjHnuiD/images/games/garrys-mod/gmod-game-settings-startup.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=dCZ9JIDc2HjHnuiD\&q=85\&s=73fc5f875fe72e06e91734ed1573b46a)

The Start-up section of Game settings for Garry's Mod

## How do I know the server has started?

Every start first checks for Garry's Mod updates (`Success! App '4020' already up to date.`), then loads `server.cfg`. Watch the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md). The server is ready when it shows `VAC secure mode is activated.` This usually takes about 30 seconds.

## How to join your Garry's Mod server

| Method | What to do |
| - | - |
| Console | Enable the developer console in Garry's Mod, press the console key and type `connect 203.0.113.10:27015` with your own address and port |
| Server browser | Find your **Server name** in the server list, or add the address to your Steam favourites |

Use the address and port shown for your server in the Game Panel.

## Make your first backup

Once your server is set up, make a [panel backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md). You can also [schedule automatic backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-set-up-automatic-backups.md).

## Frequently asked questions

### What map should I start my GMod server on?

For Sandbox, `gm_flatgrass` and `gm_construct` come with the game. For other maps, add them through a [Workshop collection](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/how-to-install-addons-on-your-garrys-mod-server.md) and enter the map name without `.bsp`.

### How do I make my Garry's Mod server private?

Set a **Server password** on **Game settings** and restart. Players then need the password to join.

### How do I become admin on my GMod server?

No admin mod is preinstalled. Install ULX and ULib, then add yourself with `ulx adduser` from the panel console. See [install ULX](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/configuring-ulx-admin-mod.md).

### Can I change the tick rate?

Yes. **Tick rate** is on **Game settings** under **Start-up**. Our default is 22; higher is smoother and uses more CPU. See [Game settings explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/garrys-mod-game-settings-explained.md).

## 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] [Game settings explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/garrys-mod-game-settings-explained.md)
>
> Every setting and preset.

> [card] [Install addons](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/how-to-install-addons-on-your-garrys-mod-server.md)
>
> Workshop collections and addons.

> [card] [Not showing in the list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/garrys-mod-server-not-showing-in-list.md)
>
> Token, LAN and region.

***

> [!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


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