Garry's Mod Dedicated Server: Admin Commands & server.cfg Guide
Data Verified: May 2026Complete Garry's Mod (GMod) server reference. Configure server.cfg, manage Workshop addon collections, run ULX/ULib admin mods, and size hardware for DarkRP, TTT, and sandbox communities.
Commands & configuration database
| Command | Default Value | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
hostname | Garry's Mod | Public server name shown in the server browser. | |
sv_password | (empty) | Password required to join. Leave empty for public servers. | |
rcon_password | (empty) | Password used to authenticate remote console connections. | |
maxplayers | 16 | Maximum concurrent player slots. Hard cap is 128. | |
sv_lan | 0 | Restricts the server to the local network when set to 1. | |
gamemode | sandbox | Active gamemode (sandbox, darkrp, terrortown, prophunt). | |
map | gm_construct | Starting map loaded on server boot. | |
sv_defaultgamemode | sandbox | Gamemode used when the map changes without an explicit gamemode. | |
sv_allowdownload | 1 | Allows clients to download maps and content from the server. | |
sv_downloadurl | (empty) | FastDL URL used to offload custom content downloads from srcds. | |
sv_kickerrornum | 0 | Kicks clients after this many Lua errors. 0 disables. | |
net_maxfilesize | 64 | Maximum size in MB for files sent to clients (workshop addons bypass this). |
Showing 12 of 12 configuration parameters.
| Command | Default Value | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
status | N/A | Lists all connected players with IDs, ping, and current map. | |
kick <name> | N/A | Kicks the named player from the server. | |
banid <minutes> <userid> | N/A | Bans a player by user ID for the given duration (0 = permanent). | |
addip <minutes> <ip> | N/A | Bans an IP for the given duration. | |
writeip | N/A | Saves the in-memory IP banlist to `banned_ip.cfg`. | |
writeid | N/A | Saves the in-memory SteamID banlist to `banned_user.cfg`. | |
changelevel <map> | N/A | Changes the current map without restarting the server. | |
gamemode <name> | N/A | Switches the active gamemode for the next map load. | |
say <message> | N/A | Broadcasts a global chat message from the console. | |
ulx adduser <name> <group> | N/A | ULX: assigns a player to an admin group (superadmin, admin, operator). | |
ulx slay <player> | N/A | ULX: kills the targeted player. |
Showing 11 of 11 admin console commands.
Recommended hosting providers
Vetted hosts with one-click Garry's Mod installs. Links are affiliate placeholders and marked rel="sponsored".
One-click GMod installs with web-based gamemode switching and FastDL.
Visit Nitrado →High-slot DarkRP/TTT-optimized plans with web-based server.cfg editor.
Visit GTXGaming →DDoS-protected dedicated boxes ideal for large 64+ slot communities running heavy addon packs.
Visit Host Havoc →Hardware specifications
Sizing guidance for self-hosting a Garry's Mod dedicated server.
| Tier | Specification | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| Small (8-16 slots) | 2 GB RAM / 2-core 3.5 GHz+ CPU | Vanilla sandbox with light addon pack. |
| Standard (24-48 slots) | 4 GB RAM / 4-core 4.0 GHz+ CPU / NVMe SSD | Active DarkRP/TTT community with sizable addon collection. |
| Heavy (64-128 slots) | 8 GB RAM / 4-core 4.5 GHz+ Dedicated Node | High-pop servers with hundreds of workshop addons; clock matters most. |
Default file locations
Default installation paths for Garry's Mod dedicated servers installed via SteamCMD.
Windows
C:\srcds\garrysmod\Linux
/home/steam/gmodds/garrysmod/Pro-Tip: Always stop the server completely before editing configuration files, or the server will overwrite your changes upon restart.
Default ports for port forwarding
Open these on your router and firewall before exposing the server to the internet.
| Service | Protocol | Port |
|---|---|---|
| Game Port | UDP | 27015 |
| Query Port | UDP | 27015 |
| RCON / Telnet | TCP | 27015 |
Quick start: launch your Garry's Mod server
Copy-paste these two commands to install and start a Garry's Mod dedicated server. Tested against SteamCMD on a fresh box.
Step 1, Install via SteamCMDSteam App ID 4020
steamcmd +force_install_dir /home/steam/gmodserver +login anonymous +app_update 4020 validate +quitStep 2, Launch the Garry's Mod server
cd /home/steam/gmodserver && ./srcds_run -game garrysmod +map gm_construct +maxplayers 24 +gamemode sandboxStep 1, Install via SteamCMDSteam App ID 4020
steamcmd +force_install_dir "C:\gmodserver" +login anonymous +app_update 4020 validate +quitStep 2, Launch the Garry's Mod server
C:\gmodserver\srcds.exe -console -game garrysmod +map gm_construct +maxplayers 24 +gamemode sandboxFrequently asked questions
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Host your own Garry's Mod server
All hosting guides →Step-by-step install and deploy walkthroughs (panels, ports, RAM sizing). Pair these with the command reference above.