/garrysmod/gamemodes. Then set Gamemode on Game settings (or the Gamemode variable on Startup) to the gamemode’s folder name and restart. Only base, sandbox and terrortown are installed on a new server.
Which gamemodes are already installed?
The Gamemode list on Game settings offers popular gamemodes so you can pick them quickly once they are installed. Choosing one that isn’t installed yet doesn’t add its files, so the server can’t run it. Install the gamemode first, then choose it.
How to install a gamemode
1
Get the gamemode files
Use the gamemode’s Steam Workshop page or its official download (for example GitHub). For DarkRP, follow set up DarkRP.
2
Add it to the server
Workshop: add the gamemode to your Workshop collection and make sure the collection ID is in Workshop collection. See install addons.Upload: stop the server and upload the gamemode folder to
/garrysmod/gamemodes with the File Manager or SFTP.3
Check the folder name
A gamemode lives in
/garrysmod/gamemodes/<name>/ and contains a <name>.txt file with the same name. That name is what the server needs. If you downloaded a ZIP from GitHub, rename the folder (for example DarkRP-master becomes darkrp).4
Choose the gamemode
On Game settings, pick the gamemode from Gamemode if it is listed. If it isn’t, open Startup and type the folder name into the Gamemode variable. See startup variables.
5
Set a matching map and restart
Many gamemodes need their own maps (for example
ttt_ maps for TTT). Set Start map, then restart the server and check the console for errors.Frequently asked questions
Why doesn’t my gamemode load?
The gamemode files are probably missing or the name doesn’t match the folder. Check that/garrysmod/gamemodes/<name>/<name>.txt exists (or the gamemode is in your collection) and that Gamemode uses exactly that name.
Do players have to download the gamemode?
No setup is needed for Lua. If the gamemode comes from your Workshop collection and lists a Workshop ID, the game sends its content to players automatically. For uploaded gamemodes with custom content, see force client downloads.Can I switch gamemodes without losing files?
Yes. Changing Gamemode doesn’t delete anything. Make a backup before large changes anyway.Do sandbox limits apply to other gamemodes?
They apply to Sandbox and gamemodes built on it, such as DarkRP. Other gamemodes may ignore them.Related guides
Garry's Mod server guide
Every Garry’s Mod page in one place.
Set up DarkRP
Install DarkRP and DarkRPMod.
Set up a TTT server
Trouble in Terrorist Town.
Install addons
Workshop collections.
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.
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Last Updated: October 2026