Making and hosting of a Gmod game server is not an easy task. And if you are a beginner in the gaming field, then it’s not a recommended thing for experimenting this. Because when you make a server in Gmod and host it, then it affects the performance of not only you but also all the other players who have joined your server. Still, if you want to know how to make a Gmod server and how to host it, then check this step by step guide.
But, first, let’s have a brief info about this gaming server.
What is a Gmod Server?
The Gmod server or Garry’s mod server allows you to host and play the favorite sandbox physics game designed by Garry Newman. Initially, this game was a mode for Half-Life 2 from Valve Corporation, and after a period, it released a standalone version for the Windows Operating Systems in 2006. For the Mac OS X and Linux, the Gmod versions published in 2010 and 2013 respectively.
Though Garry’s Mod is a full game, a player can have manipulation in props like containers, furniture, dumpsters, etc. using the game mode ‘sandbox’ on the server. When you create a Gmod Server or say Garry’s mod server, then you can use the modes like famous DarkRP, Jailbreak, Murder, Trouble in Terrorist Town, etc. on Multiplayer option. You can also preset the Ragdolls while hosting Gmod server before you start the game.
How to Make Gmod Server on Windows?
There are five easy to follow steps for making and hosting a Gmod server on Windows Operating Systems.
Step-1: Download Half-Life Tool
Download the dedicated source update tool of Half-Life and install it on your system. Make sure to change the destination folder to the appropriate location of your drive. Here, save the downloaded file at “C:\srcds.” Then, run the program.
Step-2: Update server files and set the parameters
If you are using Windows 1o Operating System, then follow the process below to update the Gmod server server files:
- Press Windows + S key and type ‘Command Prompt’ or ‘CMD.’
- Right click on the command prompt icon and select ‘Run As Administrator.’
- Click ‘Yes’ when prompted.
- Now, enter the commands below:
cd\srcds
hldsupdatetool
- After successful completion of this command, enter the below code:
- hldsupdatetool –command update –game “garrysmod” –dir C:\srcds.
Wait until the update completes. It can take some time depending on the speed of your network and region where you live.
Now, in your system, go to the folder where you stored all the files of Garry’s mod game (In our case, C:\srcds). Now look for the Gmod server configuration file named as ‘server.cfg’ and open it with notepad. If the destination folder doesn’t have any file like this, then create it in notepad and save it using the exact name mentioned here.
Set the Server Host Name, Rcon Password (to add/ban players), and Server Password (to prevent unauthorized server access).
Step-3: ipconfig and default gateway
Again, open the command prompt editor and type ‘ipconfig.’ Look for your system’s IPv4 address and default gateway which will have values like an IP address. See the picture below:
Note the values of them both. Now, open your web browser and enter the default gateway value in the address bar. A pop-up window will ask for a password for authentication. In most cases, the password is ‘password,’ but in case if it does not work, then you can try resetting your router password.
Step-4: Port forwarding
When you enter in the router manager settings, look for the ‘port forwarding’ or ‘port triggering’ option from the menu. You can also check the ‘advanced settings’ for finding the same. Enter the login credentials again when asked.
- Under the Port forwarding menu, add new service/custom service.
- Then make sure the settings like;
Service Port: 27015
Internal Port: 27015
- Server IP Address: this should be same as your IPv4 address.
- Add another service as:
Service Port: 27016
Internal Port: 27016
- Click on ‘Apply’ and restart your device.
Step-5: Make Start.bat file
Open your browser, go to the srcds website and select the version of your Windows system.
Under a command(s) section, you will find the line of codes like below:
@echo off
cls
echo Protecting srcds from crashes…
echo If you want to close srcds and this script, close the srcds window and type Y depending on your language followed by Enter.
title srcds.com Watchdog
:srcds
echo (%time%) srcds started.
start /wait srcds.exe -console -game garrysmod +map gm_construct +maxplayers 16
echo (%time%) WARNING: srcds closed or crashed, restarting.
goto srcds
Copy this whole section. Now, create a new notepad file and paste these command lines in that. Change the game name and map which you like to play in (Here I have changed the game name as garrysmod and map as gm_construct). Save the file as ‘start.bat’ and close it.
Now, run this start.bat file to start the server.
That’s it. You now know how to host a gmod server on Windows Systems. Share the server hostname and password with your friends and enjoy the game.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this guide on how to host a Gmod server on Windows Operating Systems. Let me know your thoughts on this tutorial in the comment section below. If you know any other quick & reliable method to make Garry’s mod server, then you can share it here.
Enjoy hosting!