Configuring server.cfg

Quick guide for configuring the server.cfg file of a Garry's Mod game server.

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By default, each Garry's Mod server hosted on our hosting comes with this server.cfg:

server.cfg

// Server name in-game
hostname "New Garrys Mod Server / Hosted by senko.digital"
// Server password
sv_password ""
// Loading screen
sv_loadingurl "https://senko.media/digital/gmod/loading.html"
// Server listing display settings
sv_location "de"
sv_region "255"
sv_lan "0"
sv_max_queries_sec_global "30000"
sv_max_queries_window "45"
sv_max_queries_sec "5"
// Server limits
sbox_maxprops "10"
sbox_maxragdolls "0"
sbox_maxnpcs "0"
sbox_maxballoons "0"
sbox_maxeffects "0"
sbox_maxdynamite "0"
sbox_maxlamps "0"
sbox_maxthrusters "0"
sbox_maxwheels "0"
sbox_maxhoverballs "0"
sbox_maxvehicles "0"
sbox_maxbuttons "0"
sbox_maxsents "0"
sbox_maxemitters "0"
sbox_godmode "0"
sbox_noclip "0"
// Network settings - please leave them at default
sv_minrate 120000
sv_maxrate 0
gmod_physiterations 2
net_splitpacket_maxrate 45000
decalfrequency 12
sv_parallel_sendsnapshot 1
sv_parallel_packentities 1
// Player ban command execution - please do not edit these lines
exec banned_ip.cfg
exec banned_user.cfg
// Add all your parameters below this line

It contains quite a large number of parameters, but not many people know what they mean and what they are needed for.

In this article, we will analyze each parameter and explain what changes they make to your server.

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hostname important

Sets the name of your server that will be displayed in the server list.

sv_password note

Sets the password for server access; if the value is empty, the server will be open to everyone.

sv_loadingurl note

Specifies the URL of the loading screen that players see when connecting.

sv_location note

Defines the server's location when searching for it in the server list.

sv_region note

Server region code for the server list (e.g., 255 - any region).

sv_lan caution

Determines whether the server is a LAN (local) or internet server (0 - internet).

It is recommended to leave the default value.

sbox_maxprops note

Sets the maximum number of props that a player can create. Props are objects created using the Spawn Menu.

sbox_maxragdolls note

Determines the maximum number of ragdolls that a player can create. Ragdolls are character or NPC models that behave like physical objects after death.

sbox_maxnpcs note

Sets the maximum number of NPCs (non-player characters) that a player can spawn.

sbox_maxballoons note

Limits the number of balloons that a player can create. Balloons can lift objects into the air.

sbox_maxeffects note

Determines the maximum number of effects that a player can create. Effects are various visual elements such as fire or smoke.

sbox_maxdynamite note

Sets the maximum amount of dynamite that a player can spawn. Dynamite is an explosive that can be activated.

sbox_maxlamps note

Limits the number of lamps that a player can create. Lamps are used to illuminate various areas of the map.

sbox_maxthrusters note

Determines the maximum number of thrusters that a player can spawn. Thrusters attach to objects and provide acceleration.

sbox_maxwheels note

Sets the maximum number of wheels that a player can create. Wheels are used to create vehicles.

sbox_maxhoverballs note

Limits the number of hoverballs that a player can create. Hoverballs allow objects to float in the air.

sbox_maxvehicles note

Determines the maximum number of vehicles that a player can spawn. These can be cars, boats, and other types of transport.

sbox_maxbuttons note

Sets the maximum number of buttons that a player can create. Buttons are used to activate various mechanisms.

sbox_maxsents note

Limits the number of scripted entities that a player can create. Scripted entities are objects with unique logic and behavior created using Lua scripts.

sbox_maxemitters note

Determines the maximum number of emitters that a player can spawn. Emitters create particles such as smoke or fire.

sbox_godmode note

Enables (1) or disables (0) god mode (invulnerability) for players.

sbox_noclip note

Enables (1) or disables (0) the ability to fly and pass through objects.

gmod_physiterations

Determines the number of physical engine iterations per tick.

It is recommended to leave the default value.

decalfrequency

Determines the frequency of decal updates (for example, bullet marks) on the server.

sv_parallel_sendsnapshot and sv_parallel_packentities

Enable parallel processing of snapshots and entities to improve server performance.

It is recommended to leave the default value.

exec banned_ip.cfg and exec banned_user.cfg

Execution of commands to load the list of banned IP addresses and users.