Gamer Hosting: Useful Software KiwamiServer Setup Guide for [Garry's Mod (various FPS modes)] Gamers
Game Server Requirements
Establishing a robust server for Garry's Mod, particularly when focusing on various First-Person Shooter (FPS) modes, necessitates a careful consideration of underlying hardware and network infrastructure. The demands placed upon a server are directly proportional to the number of concurrent players, the complexity of the game modes, and the quantity of installed addons and modifications (The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Computer Science and Technology). Unlike simpler game servers, Garry's Mod, built on the Source engine, can be resource-intensive, especially when handling physics simulations, numerous entities, and high-tickrate gameplay common in FPS scenarios.
At the core, the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is paramount. A high clock speed per core is generally more beneficial than a large number of cores for Source engine games, as the engine often struggles to fully utilize many threads for a single game instance (Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach). For a small to medium-sized server (10-20 players), a CPU with a base clock speed of at least 3.0 GHz per core is recommended, such as an Intel Xeon E3 series or a modern AMD Ryzen equivalent. For larger servers (20+ players) or those running particularly demanding FPS modes with extensive scripting and entity counts, a CPU with even higher single-core performance, perhaps exceeding 3.5 GHz, becomes crucial to prevent server-side lag and maintain a smooth tickrate (High Performance Computing for Dummies). The tickrate, which dictates how many times per second the server updates the game state, is a critical factor in FPS responsiveness. A higher tickrate (e.g., 66 or 100) demands more CPU cycles.
Random Access Memory (RAM) is another vital component. While the base Garry's Mod server might consume a relatively modest amount of RAM, the addition of numerous addons, maps, and player data can quickly escalate memory usage (Operating Systems: Internals and Design Principles). For a basic server with a few common FPS addons, 4 GB of RAM is a bare minimum. However, to ensure stability and accommodate growth, 8 GB is a more prudent starting point. Servers hosting a large number of players, complex game modes like DarkRP with extensive custom content, or those utilizing memory-intensive anti-cheat solutions, may require 16 GB or even 32 GB of RAM to prevent swapping to disk, which severely degrades performance (Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach). It is important to note that the operating system itself will also consume a portion of the available RAM.
Storage, while not as critical for raw performance as CPU or RAM, plays a significant role in server startup times and the loading of maps and addons. A Solid State Drive (SSD) is highly recommended over a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD) (Data Storage: Fundamentals, Technologies, and Applications). The faster read/write speeds of an SSD drastically reduce the time it takes for the server to boot, load maps, and access frequently used files, leading to a more responsive experience for both administrators and players. For a typical Garry's Mod server, a 120 GB SSD is usually sufficient for the operating system and game files, though a larger drive may be necessary if hosting many custom maps or extensive addon collections.
Network connectivity is arguably as important as the server's internal hardware, especially for an online multiplayer game. A stable, high-bandwidth internet connection with low latency is indispensable (Computer Networks). For a Garry's Mod FPS server, an upload speed of at least 100 Mbps is advisable, with 200 Mbps or higher being ideal for larger player counts and high-tickrate configurations. Download speed is less critical for the server itself but still important for initial game file downloads and updates. Crucially, the server's connection should have low ping to the majority of its intended player base. High latency, often measured in milliseconds (ms), directly translates to a less responsive and enjoyable FPS experience for players, regardless of how powerful the server hardware is (The Internet Encyclopedia). A dedicated IP address is also beneficial for easier direct connection and domain name mapping.
Finally, the operating system (OS) choice impacts resource utilization and management. Linux distributions, particularly Ubuntu Server or Debian, are often preferred for game servers due to their lightweight nature, stability, and lower resource overhead compared to Windows Server (Linux System Programming: Talking Directly to the Kernel and C Library). While Windows Server can host Garry's Mod, it typically consumes more RAM and CPU cycles for its own processes, potentially leaving fewer resources for the game server itself. Regardless of the OS, regular updates and security patches are essential for server stability and protection against vulnerabilities.
In summary, a well-provisioned Garry's Mod FPS server requires a balance of high single-core CPU performance, ample RAM, fast SSD storage, and a robust, low-latency network connection. The specific requirements scale with player count and content complexity, making careful planning essential for a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.
Beginner's Guide
Setting up your first Garry's Mod server for FPS modes can seem daunting, but by following a structured approach, you can have your server online and ready for action. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, from initial setup to basic configuration, ensuring a solid foundation for your gaming community.
The very first step involves choosing your server environment. You have two primary options: hosting on your personal computer or renting a dedicated server or Virtual Private Server (VPS) from a hosting provider (Cloud Computing for Dummies). While hosting on your own machine might seem convenient, it often comes with limitations such as your home internet's upload speed, power consumption, and the need to keep your computer running constantly. For a reliable and performant FPS server, especially one intended for public access, a rented server is almost always the superior choice.
Once you've secured your server environment (whether it's your own machine or a rented one), the next step is to install SteamCMD. SteamCMD is a command-line version of the Steam client that allows you to download and update dedicated server files for various games, including Garry's Mod, without needing the full Steam client. For Linux, you'll typically install it via your distribution's package manager (e.g., sudo apt-get install steamcmd on Ubuntu). For Windows, you'll download the executable directly from the Valve website.
After installing SteamCMD, you'll use it to download the Garry's Mod dedicated server files. Navigate to your SteamCMD directory in the command line and execute the following commands:
login anonymous (or login
force_install_dir /path/to/your/gmodserver (replace /path/to/your/gmodserver with your desired installation directory, e.g., C:\gmodserver on Windows or /home/gmodserver on Linux).
app_update 4020 validate (4020 is the App ID for Garry's Mod Dedicated Server).
quit
This process will download all necessary server files into your specified directory. It might take some time depending on your internet speed.
With the server files downloaded, the next crucial step is basic configuration. Navigate to your server directory and locate the garrysmod/cfg folder. Inside, you'll find server.cfg. If it doesn't exist, you can create it. This file is where you'll define your server's core settings. Essential commands to include are:
hostname "My Awesome GMod FPS Server": Sets the name that appears in the server browser.
sv_maxplayers 24: Sets the maximum number of players. Adjust this based on your server's resources and desired player count.
rcon_password "your_rcon_password": Sets the RCON (Remote Console) password, allowing remote administration. Choose a strong, unique password.
sv_password "": Sets a password for the server. Leave it empty for a public server.
sv_gamemode "sandbox": While you're focusing on FPS modes, "sandbox" is the default. You'll change this later when you install specific FPS gamemodes.
sv_region 3: Sets the server region (e.g., 3 for US East, 0 for Europe). This helps players find your server.
log on: Enables server logging, useful for troubleshooting.
For FPS modes, you might also want to consider sv_tickrate. While the default is often 66, some competitive FPS modes prefer 100. Be aware that a higher tickrate demands more CPU resources. You can add sv_tickrate 100 to your server.cfg.
To launch your server, you'll use a startup script. For Windows, create a .bat file (e.g., start_server.bat) in your server's root directory with the following content: srcds.exe -console -game garrysmod +map gm_construct +maxplayers 24 For Linux, create a .sh file (e.g., start_server.sh) with: ./srcds_run -console -game garrysmod +map gm_construct +maxplayers 24 Make sure to make the .sh file executable (chmod +x start_server.sh). The +map gm_construct command tells the server to load gm_construct as the initial map. You can change this to any map you prefer.
After launching, your server should appear in the Garry's Mod server browser. You can also connect directly using the connect
The next crucial step for FPS modes is installing specific gamemodes and addons. Most Garry's Mod addons are distributed via the Steam Workshop. To integrate Workshop content, you'll need a Steam Web API Key. Obtain one from the Steam developer site. Then, in your garrysmod/cfg/autoexec.cfg (or server.cfg), add: host_workshop_collection
Finally, consider basic security. Keep your RCON password secure. Do not share your server's root access credentials. Implement basic firewall rules to only allow necessary ports (27015 UDP/TCP for game traffic, 27005 UDP for client queries, 27020 UDP for SourceTV if used) (Network Security Essentials: Applications and Standards). Regularly update your server files using SteamCMD (app_update 4020 validate) to ensure you have the latest patches and bug fixes.
This beginner's guide provides the foundational steps to get your Garry's Mod FPS server up and running. As you become more familiar, you can explore advanced configurations, anti-cheat measures, and custom scripting to tailor your server to your exact vision.
Hosting Service Comparison and Recommendations
Selecting the right hosting service for your Garry's Mod FPS server is a pivotal decision that directly impacts performance, reliability, and the overall player experience (Cloud Computing: Concepts, Technology & Architecture). The market offers a diverse range of providers, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. This comparison aims to provide an unbiased overview, focusing on factors critical for a high-performance FPS gaming environment.
Hosting providers generally fall into a few categories: shared game hosting, Virtual Private Servers (VPS), and dedicated servers.
Shared Game Hosting:
Description: This is often the most affordable option. You rent a slot on a server that hosts multiple game instances for different customers. The provider manages the hardware and operating system.
Pros: Ease of use, low cost, typically comes with a web-based control panel (e.g., TCAdmin, Pterodactyl) for easy management of game files, addons, and server settings. Support is usually geared towards game-specific issues.
Cons: Resource contention is a significant risk. Since you share CPU, RAM, and network bandwidth with other users, performance can suffer during peak times, leading to lag and instability, which is detrimental for FPS modes (Computer Networks: A Systems Approach). Limited customization options and often restricted access to the underlying OS.
Recommendation for GMod FPS: Generally not recommended for serious Garry's Mod FPS servers, especially those aiming for high player counts or competitive play. The unpredictable performance can lead to a frustrating experience. It might be acceptable for very small, casual servers with minimal addons.
Virtual Private Servers (VPS):
Description: A VPS provides you with a virtualized slice of a physical server, offering dedicated resources (CPU cores, RAM, storage) that are not shared with other users on the same physical machine. You typically get root access to the operating system.
Pros: Better performance and stability than shared hosting due to dedicated resources. Full root access allows for extensive customization, including installing any OS (Linux is often preferred for game servers), custom software, and advanced firewall rules. More cost-effective than a dedicated server.
Cons: Requires more technical expertise to set up and manage the operating system and game server software. Support is usually limited to the VPS infrastructure, not the game server itself.
Recommendation for GMod FPS: Highly recommended for most Garry's Mod FPS servers. A well-provisioned VPS offers an excellent balance of performance, control, and cost. Look for providers offering high single-core CPU performance, ample RAM (8GB+), and SSD storage. Providers like DigitalOcean, Linode, Vultr, and OVHcloud are popular choices, offering various configurations and global data centers (Cloud Computing for Dummies). When comparing, pay close attention to CPU clock speeds and network latency to your target player base.
Dedicated Servers:
Description: You rent an entire physical server, giving you exclusive access to all its hardware resources. This is the pinnacle of server hosting in terms of performance and control.
Pros: Maximum performance, stability, and customization. No resource contention whatsoever. Ideal for very large communities, high-tickrate competitive play, or hosting multiple game servers simultaneously.
Cons: Most expensive option. Requires the highest level of technical expertise for setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting of both hardware and software.
Recommendation for GMod FPS: Recommended for large, established communities or professional esports organizations. If you anticipate consistently high player counts (50+) or require absolute peak performance for competitive FPS modes, a dedicated server is the ultimate choice. Providers like OVHcloud, Hetzner, and various local data centers offer dedicated server solutions (Data Center Handbook).
Key Factors for Comparison (Regardless of Type):
CPU Performance: For Garry's Mod, prioritize high single-core clock speed over core count. Look for modern Intel Xeon E3/E5 series or AMD Ryzen CPUs with speeds of 3.0 GHz or higher (Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach).
RAM: Aim for at least 8GB, with 16GB or more being ideal for larger servers or those with many addons.
Storage: SSD is non-negotiable for fast loading times and overall responsiveness. NVMe SSDs offer even better performance.
Network Connectivity: Look for providers with high-bandwidth uplinks (1 Gbps or 10 Gbps) and, crucially, low latency to your target player base. Check their data center locations and perform ping tests if possible.
Location: Choose a data center geographically close to the majority of your intended players to minimize ping.
Support: Evaluate the quality and responsiveness of customer support. For VPS/dedicated servers, understand that support is usually infrastructure-level, not game-specific.
Pricing Structure: Compare monthly costs, setup fees, and any hidden charges. Be wary of providers offering extremely low prices, as they might compromise on hardware quality or network bandwidth.
Scalability: Consider if the provider offers easy upgrade paths for CPU, RAM, or storage as your server grows.
Specific Recommendations (General Guidance):
For budget-conscious beginners (small, casual server): A well-regarded shared game host specializing in GMod might suffice, but be aware of potential performance limitations. Research reviews specifically for their GMod performance.
For most serious GMod FPS servers (medium to large): A VPS from a reputable provider like DigitalOcean, Linode, Vultr, or OVHcloud is the sweet spot. Configure it with at least 2-4 CPU cores (focus on clock speed), 8-16GB RAM, and a fast SSD.
For very large communities or competitive play: A dedicated server from OVHcloud or Hetzner will provide the necessary power and control.
Always read recent reviews and, if possible, test the network latency to a provider's data center before committing. The goal is to find a host that provides consistent, low-latency performance to ensure an optimal Garry's Mod FPS experience for your players.
Troubleshooting
Even with the most meticulous setup, server issues are an inevitable part of managing a Garry's Mod FPS server. Effective troubleshooting requires a systematic approach, starting with identifying the symptoms and then narrowing down the potential causes. This section outlines common problems and their solutions, focusing on issues prevalent in FPS server environments.
1. Server Not Starting or Crashing on Startup:
Symptoms: Server executable (srcds.exe or srcds_run) fails to launch, closes immediately, or logs show critical errors during initialization.
Possible Causes & Solutions:
Missing Files: Ensure all Garry's Mod dedicated server files were downloaded correctly via SteamCMD. Run app_update 4020 validate again to verify file integrity (SteamCMD Documentation).
Incorrect Startup Parameters: Double-check your startup script (.bat or .sh) for typos in commands like -game, +map, or +maxplayers.
Port Conflicts: Another application might be using the default server port (27015 UDP/TCP). Check for conflicts using netstat -ano on Windows or lsof -i :27015 on Linux. If a conflict exists, change your server's port using +hostport
Corrupted Configuration: A malformed server.cfg or autoexec.cfg can cause issues. Temporarily rename or remove these files to see if the server starts with default settings.
Outdated OS Libraries (Linux): Ensure your Linux distribution has the necessary 32-bit libraries installed, as the Source engine is a 32-bit application. For Ubuntu/Debian, sudo apt-get install lib32gcc1 is often required (Linux System Programming: Talking Directly to the Kernel and C Library).
Insufficient Resources: While less common for startup, if the server is severely resource-starved (e.g., almost no RAM available), it might fail to initialize.
2. High Latency (Lag) for Players:
Symptoms: Players report high ping, rubberbanding, delayed hit registration, or general unresponsiveness.
Possible Causes & Solutions:
Network Congestion (Server Side):
Shared Hosting: If on shared hosting, this is a common issue due to other users consuming bandwidth. Consider upgrading to a VPS or dedicated server (Computer Networks: A Top-Down Approach).
Server's Uplink Saturation: Your server's internet connection might be saturated. Check network usage statistics provided by your host.
DDoS Attack: A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack can flood your server's network. Most reputable hosts offer some level of DDoS protection.
Server CPU Overload:
Too Many Players: Reduce sv_maxplayers in server.cfg.
Demanding Addons/Gamemodes: Identify and remove or optimize resource-intensive addons. Use tools like perfmon (Windows) or top/htop (Linux) to monitor CPU usage (Operating Systems: Internals and Design Principles).
High Tickrate: While desirable for FPS, sv_tickrate 100 demands significantly more CPU than 66. If your CPU struggles, reduce it.
Physics Objects/Entities: Too many active physics objects or complex entities can strain the CPU.
Geographic Distance: Players far from the server's data center will naturally experience higher ping. There's no server-side fix for this, but choosing a central data center helps.
Client-Side Issues: Remind players to check their own internet connection, router, and client-side settings.
3. Server Freezing or Crashing During Gameplay:
Symptoms: Server becomes unresponsive, players disconnect, or the server process terminates unexpectedly.
Possible Causes & Solutions:
Memory Leaks: Poorly coded addons or gamemodes can have memory leaks, gradually consuming all available RAM until the server crashes. Monitor RAM usage over time. If it steadily increases without dropping, a leak is likely. Disable addons one by one to identify the culprit.
Addon Conflicts: Two or more addons might be incompatible, leading to crashes. Review recent addon installations.
Corrupted Maps: A corrupted map file can cause crashes when loaded. Try changing maps.
Engine Bugs: Less common, but sometimes specific engine interactions or exploits can cause crashes. Keep your server updated.
Hardware Failure (Dedicated Servers): For dedicated servers, a failing RAM stick or CPU can cause instability. Check hardware diagnostics if available.
4. Addons Not Working or Loading Correctly:
Symptoms: Addons don't appear, functions are broken, or errors appear in the console.
Possible Causes & Solutions:
Incorrect Installation Path: Ensure addons are placed in the correct directories (e.g., garrysmod/addons for most, garrysmod/gamemodes for gamemodes).
Steam Workshop Collection Issues:
API Key: Verify your workshop_apikey is correct and valid in autoexec.cfg.
Collection ID: Double-check the host_workshop_collection ID.
Subscription: Ensure the server has successfully subscribed to all items in the collection. Check server logs for Workshop download errors.
Dependencies: Some addons require other addons to function. Ensure all dependencies are installed.
Lua Errors: Check the server console for Lua errors. These often point directly to the problematic addon and line of code (Programming in Lua).
Outdated Addons: An addon might be incompatible with the current version of Garry's Mod. Check the addon's Workshop page for updates or known issues.
5. Players Cannot Connect:
Symptoms: Players receive "Server not responding," "Connection failed," or "Invalid password" errors.
Possible Causes & Solutions:
Firewall: The most common cause. Ensure your server's firewall (OS firewall, network firewall, or host's firewall) allows incoming connections on port 27015 UDP/TCP (and 27005 UDP for client queries).
Incorrect IP Address/Port: Players might be trying to connect to the wrong IP or port. Verify the correct connection details.
Server Password: If sv_password is set, ensure players have the correct password.
Server Not Running: Verify the server process is actually active.
Router Port Forwarding (Home Hosting): If hosting from home, ensure port forwarding is correctly configured on your router to direct traffic to your server's internal IP address.
General Troubleshooting Tips:
Check Server Logs: The server console and log files (garrysmod/logs) are your best friends. They often contain error messages that pinpoint the problem.
Restart the Server: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.
Isolate the Problem: If you've recently made changes (added addons, changed config), revert them one by one to see if the issue disappears.
Monitor Resources: Regularly check CPU, RAM, and network usage. Tools like htop (Linux) or Task Manager/Resource Monitor (Windows) are invaluable.
Consult Community Resources: The Garry's Mod Wiki, Facepunch forums, and specific addon documentation are excellent sources of information and solutions to common problems.
By systematically approaching troubleshooting with these methods, you can efficiently diagnose and resolve most issues encountered on your Garry's Mod FPS server, ensuring a smoother experience for your players.
Performance Optimization Tips
Achieving optimal performance for a Garry's Mod FPS server is a continuous process that goes beyond simply having powerful hardware. It involves meticulous configuration, careful addon selection, and ongoing monitoring to ensure a smooth, lag-free experience, which is paramount for competitive or fast-paced FPS gameplay.
1. Hardware and OS Configuration:
Prioritize CPU Single-Core Performance: As previously discussed, the Source engine benefits immensely from high clock speeds per core. If you have control over your server hardware (dedicated server) or VPS configuration, choose CPUs with strong single-thread ratings.
Utilize SSD/NVMe Storage: Ensure your server files are on an SSD, preferably NVMe, to drastically reduce map load times and improve overall file access speed.
Ample RAM: While 8GB is a good starting point, consider 16GB or more for larger servers or those with many addons to prevent memory swapping, which is a major performance killer.
Linux OS: If possible, use a lightweight Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu Server, Debian) over Windows Server. Linux generally has lower resource overhead, leaving more CPU and RAM for the game server itself (Linux System Programming: Talking Directly to the Kernel and C Library).
Network Optimization: Ensure your server has a dedicated, high-bandwidth uplink (1 Gbps or more) and is located in a data center with low latency to your target player base.
2. Server Configuration (server.cfg and Startup Parameters):
Tickrate (sv_tickrate): For FPS modes, a higher tickrate (e.g., 66 or 100) provides a more responsive and accurate gameplay experience. However, it significantly increases CPU demand. Only set sv_tickrate 100 if your server's CPU can consistently handle it without dropping frames (server-side lag). Monitor net_graph 1 in-game as a client or use stats in the server console to check server FPS. If server FPS drops below the tickrate, reduce the tickrate.
Max Players (sv_maxplayers): Be realistic about your server's capacity. Overloading the server with too many players for its hardware will inevitably lead to lag. Start with a conservative number and gradually increase it while monitoring performance.
Rate Limits (sv_minrate, sv_maxrate, sv_minupdaterate, sv_maxupdaterate): These commands control the network bandwidth and update frequency between the server and clients. For FPS, higher values are generally better, but they consume more bandwidth.
sv_minrate 30000
sv_maxrate 100000 (or higher, up to 0 for unlimited, but be cautious)
sv_minupdaterate 30
sv_maxupdaterate 66 (or 100 if sv_tickrate is 100) These values should be balanced with your server's uplink capacity and players' internet connections.
Logging (log on, sv_log_onefile 0): While useful for troubleshooting, excessive logging can have a minor performance impact. Ensure log on is used, but consider sv_log_onefile 0 to separate logs, making them easier to manage.
SourceTV (tv_enable 0): If you're not using SourceTV, disable it to save resources.
Physics (sv_turbophysics 1): This command can sometimes improve physics performance, but its effectiveness can vary. Test it to see if it benefits your specific server setup.
3. Addon and Gamemode Management:
Minimize Addon Count: Every addon consumes resources (CPU, RAM, network bandwidth). Only install essential addons. Regularly review and remove unused or redundant ones.
Quality Over Quantity: Prioritize well-coded, optimized addons from reputable developers. Poorly written addons, especially those with inefficient Lua scripts or memory leaks, can cripple server performance (Programming in Lua).
Identify Resource Hogs: Use server-side performance monitoring tools (if available from your host or via custom scripts) to identify addons that consume excessive CPU or RAM. Some community-made tools exist for GMod to help profile addon performance.
Optimize Gamemodes: If you're using custom FPS gamemodes, ensure they are optimized. Complex entity systems, frequent database calls, or unoptimized loops in Lua can cause significant lag.
Content Streaming: For large custom maps or extensive content, consider using FastDL (Fast Download) servers. This offloads content delivery from your game server to a dedicated web server, reducing your game server's bandwidth usage and improving client download speeds.
4. Map Optimization:
Choose Optimized Maps: Some maps are simply better optimized than others. Avoid maps with excessive detail, complex physics objects, or large numbers of entities that aren't essential for gameplay.
Reduce Dynamic Lights/Shadows: Maps with many dynamic lights and shadows can be very demanding on the server's CPU.
Pre-cache Resources: Ensure maps are properly compiled to pre-cache necessary resources, reducing load on the server during gameplay.
5. Regular Maintenance:
Keep Server Updated: Regularly update your Garry's Mod dedicated server files via SteamCMD (app_update 4020 validate). Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes.
Restart Server Periodically: A daily or bi-daily restart can help clear memory leaks and refresh server processes, maintaining optimal performance.
Monitor Server Health: Continuously monitor CPU usage, RAM usage, and network traffic. Set up alerts if resources exceed certain thresholds. This proactive approach allows you to address issues before they impact players.
Database Optimization (if applicable): If your gamemode uses a database (e.g., MySQL for DarkRP), ensure it's properly indexed and maintained to prevent slow queries from impacting server performance.
By implementing these performance optimization tips, you can significantly enhance the stability, responsiveness, and overall quality of your Garry's Mod FPS server, providing a superior gaming experience for your community.
Technical Q&A
This section addresses common technical questions related to Garry's Mod FPS server setup and management, drawing upon established principles of server administration, networking, and game engine mechanics.
Q1: What is the significance of sv_tickrate for FPS modes, and what value should I use?
A1: sv_tickrate determines how many times per second the server updates the game state and sends information to clients. For FPS modes, a higher tickrate means more frequent updates, leading to more precise hit registration, smoother player movement, and reduced perceived latency. This is crucial for competitive or fast-paced gameplay where split-second reactions matter.
The default sv_tickrate for Garry's Mod is often 66. For serious FPS servers, a tickrate of 100 is generally preferred. However, increasing the tickrate directly increases the CPU load on the server. If your server's CPU cannot consistently maintain the desired tickrate, it will "choke," leading to server-side lag that manifests as rubberbanding and inconsistent gameplay, even if players have low ping.
To determine the optimal value, start with 66. Monitor your server's CPU usage and server FPS (visible via stats in the server console or net_graph 1 as a client). If the server FPS consistently stays at or above 66, you can try increasing to 100. If server FPS drops below 100, you should revert to 66 or even lower if performance is still poor. The goal is to have a stable server FPS that matches or exceeds your sv_tickrate.
Q2: How do I manage addons and gamemodes effectively to prevent server lag and crashes?
A2: Effective addon and gamemode management is critical for server stability and performance.
Curate Your Collection: Only install addons that are absolutely necessary for your server's concept. Every addon, even seemingly small ones, consumes resources.
Use Steam Workshop Collections: For ease of management and automatic client downloads, create a Steam Workshop collection for all your server's addons. Ensure your workshop_apikey and host_workshop_collection are correctly configured in your autoexec.cfg or server.cfg.
Vet Addons: Before installing, research addons. Look for recent updates, positive reviews, and comments about performance issues or conflicts. Avoid outdated or poorly maintained addons.
Test in Isolation: When adding new addons, introduce them one at a time in a controlled environment (e.g., a test server) to identify any conflicts or performance regressions before deploying to your live server.
Monitor for Lua Errors: Regularly check your server console and log files for Lua errors. These often indicate problems with specific addons.