The 2nd blog of Garry’s Mod Server Hosting Guide

Zbi’s Mod remains one of the most versatile sandbox games for server hosting in 2025. With the right setup, you can create thriving communities around DarkRP, TTT, Prop Hunt, or custom gamemodes. This comprehensive guide covers everything from hardware specifications to advanced security measures for running a successful GMod server.

Why Host Your Own GMod Server in 2025

Self-hosting provides complete control over your gaming environment. You decide which addons to install, set custom rules, configure performance parameters, and build lasting player communities. Unlike shared hosting, dedicated GMod servers offer consistent performance and the flexibility to experiment with cutting-edge content from the Steam Workshop.

The GMod community has grown substantially, with over 20 million players worldwide and thousands of active servers. Standing out requires understanding both technical optimization and community management principles that have evolved significantly since the game’s early days.

Essential Hardware Requirements

Server performance directly impacts player experience. Modern GMod servers demand more resources than ever due to complex addons, high-resolution textures, and advanced physics calculations.

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Critical Performance Notes:

• GMod heavily relies on single-thread performance - prioritize CPU clock speed over core count
• RAM usage scales exponentially with addon count and concurrent players
• SSD storage is mandatory for acceptable map loading times
• Network stability matters more than raw bandwidth for most servers

Must-Have Server Addons for 2025

The addon ecosystem has matured significantly, with established tools that form the backbone of successful servers.

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Admin Management: ULX/ULib System

ULX remains the gold standard for GMod server administration. The system provides:

• Hierarchical permissions with customizable user groups
• GUI-based management accessible via ulx menu command
• Anti-grief tools including spectate, freeze, and teleport functions
• Voting systems for map changes and player decisions
• Logging capabilities for moderation and troubleshooting

Installation Process:

1. Download ULib and ULX from Steam Workshop (IDs: 557962238 and 557962280)
2. Add to server’s workshop collection or install manually
3. Set yourself as superadmin: ulx adduser [nickname] superadmin
4. Configure permissions via data/ulx/groups.txt

DarkRP Configuration Best Practices

DarkRP servers dominate GMod’s multiplayer landscape. Proper configuration prevents common issues:

Essential DarkRP Settings:

• Starting money: 2000-5000 (balanced economy)
• Salary ranges: 100-500 per job tier
• Maximum concurrent jobs per type
• Custom job creation through DarkRP Modification addon

Performance Optimization:

• Limit prop count per player (150-300 recommended)
• Set reasonable vehicle limits
• Configure automatic cleanup intervals
• Disable unused default jobs via disabled_defaults.lua

Advanced Performance Optimization

Multi-Core Rendering Configuration

Addon Management Strategy

Performance Guidelines:

• Audit addon list monthly - remove unused content
• Use Workshop Collections for easier management
• Monitor server tick rate during peak hours
• Implement staged addon rollouts for major updates

Security Measures and Best Practices

RCON Security

Remote Console access requires robust protection:

• Use complex passwords (minimum 16 characters)
• Change RCON passwords monthly
• Limit RCON access to trusted IP addresses
• Never share RCON credentials via unsecured channels

Addon Security Assessment

High-Risk Indicators:

• Addons requesting extensive file system access
• Scripts with obfuscated code
• Content from unverified developers
• Addons with recent negative reviews citing security issues

Verification Process:

1. Check addon source code when possible
2. Review Steam Workshop comments and ratings
3. Test new addons on development servers first
4. Monitor server logs for suspicious activity

DDoS Protection

Gaming servers face increasing DDoS threats. Implement multiple protection layers:

• CloudFlare or similar DDoS mitigation service
• Hardware firewalls with gaming-optimized rules
• Rate limiting for connection attempts
• Geographic filtering if serving specific regions

Backup and Disaster Recovery

Automated Backup Strategy

Recovery Procedures

1. Immediate Response: Stop server to prevent data corruption
2. Assessment: Identify affected files/databases
3. Restoration: Extract backup to temporary location
4. Verification: Test critical functionality before going live
5. Documentation: Record incident details for future prevention

Community Building Strategies

Player Retention Techniques

Progression Systems:

• Custom ranks with visual indicators
• Achievement systems rewarding regular play
• Exclusive content for veteran players
• Seasonal events and competitions

Communication Channels:

• Dedicated Discord server with game integration
• Regular community feedback sessions
• Transparent moderation policies
• Developer interaction through forums/social media

Monetization Best Practices

Ethical Revenue Models:

• Cosmetic-only donations (avoid pay-to-win)
• VIP perks focused on convenience, not advantages
• Community-driven content creation opportunities
• Merchandise for established communities

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Performance Degradation

Symptoms: Low tickrate, high ping, frequent timeouts Solutions:

1. Check CPU usage during peak hours
2. Review addon performance impact
3. Optimize database queries
4. Consider hardware upgrades

Connection Problems

Symptoms: Players unable to join, frequent disconnections Solutions:

1. Verify port forwarding (27015 UDP/TCP)
2. Test from external network
3. Check firewall configurations
4. Review Steam Workshop synchronization

Addon Conflicts

Symptoms: Lua errors, missing content, server crashes Solutions:

1. Enable developer console for detailed error logs
2. Test addons individually in clean environment
3. Check addon compatibility matrices
4. Contact addon developers for conflict resolution

Staying Current with GMod Evolution

The GMod landscape continues evolving with regular updates, new addons, and changing player preferences. Successful server operators:

• Monitor community trends through GMod forums and Reddit
• Test beta features on development servers
• Engage with addon developers for early access to improvements
• Participate in server operator communities for knowledge sharing

Final Launch Checklist

Before opening your server to the public:

• Verify all ports are properly forwarded
• Test admin commands and permissions
• Confirm backup systems are operational
• Review server rules and enforcement procedures
• Prepare community guidelines and communication channels
• Establish monitoring systems for performance tracking
• Create incident response procedures
• Document server configuration for team members

Building a successful GMod server requires technical expertise, community management skills, and ongoing dedication. Start with a solid foundation, prioritize player experience, and adapt based on community feedback. The investment in proper setup and maintenance pays dividends in player loyalty and community growth.

Remember that server hosting is an iterative process. Continuously monitor performance, gather player feedback, and stay current with GMod’s evolving ecosystem. The most successful servers balance technical excellence with genuine community engagement, creating lasting experiences that keep players returning year after year.