> ## 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 Install a Gamemode on a Garry's Mod Server > How to install a gamemode on a Garry's Mod server: add it via Workshop collection or the gamemodes folder, then set Gamemode to its folder name and restart. To install a gamemode on a FREAKHOSTING Garry's Mod server, first add its files: put it in your Workshop collection or upload its folder to `/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. | Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page | | - | - | - | - | | Intermediate | 10 to 15 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Garry's Mod server | **Game settings**, **Startup**, **Files** | ## Which gamemodes are already installed? | In the Gamemode list | Installed on a new server? | | - | - | | Sandbox | Yes (`sandbox`) | | Trouble in Terrorist Town | Yes (`terrortown`) | | DarkRP | No, install it first | | Prop Hunt | No, install it first | | Murder | No, install it first | | Cinema | No, install it first | | Stop it Slender | No, install it first | 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/setting-up-darkrp-gamemode.md). **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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/how-to-install-addons-on-your-garrys-mod-server.md). **Upload:** stop the server and upload the gamemode folder to `/garrysmod/gamemodes` with the [File Manager](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md) or [SFTP](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-connect-via-sftp.md). **3. Check the folder name** A gamemode lives in `/garrysmod/gamemodes//` and contains a `.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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-configure-startup-variables.md). **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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md) 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//.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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/how-to-force-server-clients-to-download-content.md). ### Can I switch gamemodes without losing files? Yes. Changing **Gamemode** doesn't delete anything. Make a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md) 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 > [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] [Set up DarkRP](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/setting-up-darkrp-gamemode.md) > > Install DarkRP and DarkRPMod. > [card] [Set up a TTT server](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/setting-up-a-ttt-server.md) > > Trouble in Terrorist Town. > [card] [Install addons](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/how-to-install-addons-on-your-garrys-mod-server.md) > > Workshop collections. *** > [!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.