Sandbox · Lightweight
Host a Garry's Mod Server
Run a Garry's Mod server with persistent files, Source-query readiness, private RCON Server Actions, and an assigned UDP game port.
Garry's Mod publishes one UDP Source-engine game port. Swarm Hosts stores server files under /serverdata and waits for a Source-query response before marking the Swarm Server ready.
- Server Actions
- Guided settings
- Backups
Validated public launch
Hardware and runtime
What Garry's Mod needs
Catalog minimums are a starting point. World size, player count, content, and game settings can require more resources.
- CPU
- 2+ cores
- Memory
- 2+ GiB
- Player traffic
- UDP
- Persistent backup scope
- 3 catalog-declared paths
- Persistent data: /serverdata
- Network: one assigned UDP game/query port; TCP RCON remains container-local
- First start: installs the dedicated server before readiness can pass
- Server Actions: private, authenticated Source RCON; no public RCON port
- Backups: configuration, generated data, and manually managed addons
Launch workflow
From host to running server
Use Settings → Garry's Mod Settings for managed values after launch. Treat free-form server parameters as advanced input: make one change at a time, keep a backup, and confirm the server still answers a Source query.
- Choose Garry's Mod.
- Review the server parameters for map, player count, and game mode.
- Set CPU and memory limits.
- Set a 16–128 character Server Actions password using letters, numbers, underscores, or hyphens.
- Launch and allow extra time for the first install.
Networking
How players connect
Players can use the Garry's Mod server browser or direct-connect with the published host and assigned port.
Managed shared relay when the game, host, and current relay path support it.
Catalog-backed Server Actions
Tools Swarm Hosts exposes for Garry's Mod
Availability comes from the production catalog and verified game guide. Controls stay typed and bounded to the workflow the game supports.
Server status
Read the current map and player summary.
List players
Refresh the verified connected-player list.
List installed maps
Refresh maps installed in the pinned runtime.
List bans
Refresh identities currently banned by the Source server.
Broadcast message
Send a server-authored chat message.
Change map
Change immediately to a freshly verified installed map.
Kick player
Disconnect a freshly verified connected player.
Ban player
Ban and disconnect a freshly verified connected player, then persist the ban list.
Remove ban
Remove a freshly verified Source identity ban and persist the ban list.
Mods & Content status
Manual Files
The pinned wrapper has no verified Workshop resolver. Back up the server and manage trusted addons under the persisted Garry's Mod tree; recorded identifiers are informational only.
The pinned wrapper has no verified Workshop resolver. Treat Mods & Content as a manual-files workflow: create a backup, then manage trusted addons under the persisted Garry's Mod server tree with Files & Backups. Recorded Workshop identifiers are informational only. Addons can execute server code.
Know before launch
Current boundaries
- Production hosting supports Windows 10/11 or Linux with Docker Desktop in Linux-container mode on Windows, or Docker Engine or rootful Podman on Linux.
- Managed shared relay when the game, host, and current relay path support it.
- Allowed on public launch surfaces after focused Swarm Server validation.
Windows 10/11 + Linux
Ready to host Garry's Mod?
Connect the Windows or Linux computer you already own, then follow the game-specific launch path.