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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteThere is no evidence-backed universal winner for Garry’s Mod hosting in 2026. The right choice depends on where your players live, how many will connect, how heavily you use Workshop addons or custom gamemodes, and whether you want a managed control panel or a VPS you administer yourself. Host Havoc, Hexane Networks, GPORTAL and HostGMod cover different combinations of those needs, but the available information is provider-reported rather than an independent performance test.
What to choose first
Start with the player group, not the advertised slot maximum. A server in a region close to most players usually gives a better baseline experience than a cheaper plan on another continent. Then check whether the host supports the exact administration tasks your community will perform: Workshop collection syncing, custom gamemode files, FastDL or another download method, console access, SFTP or FTP, databases, scheduled jobs, backups and restores.
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The providers reviewed here use different commercial models. Some sell a fixed number of game slots, while another presents VPS-style allocations of RAM and virtual CPUs. Their prices, currencies, locations and billing terms are therefore not directly interchangeable. The feature descriptions and prices below were displayed on provider pages on 13 October 2026; verify the selected region, term, add-ons and checkout total before paying.
Shortlist by use case
| Choose this type when… | Most relevant option in the reviewed set | Why it may fit |
|---|---|---|
| You want a broad choice of regions and a managed panel | Host Havoc | Its GMod page lists locations in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, one-click addon, gamemode and module installers, a web console, file tools, Workshop installation, MySQL, DDoS mitigation, off-site backups and restores. |
| You want low-cost slot packages with file and download tools | Hexane Networks | Its page lists packages from 8 to 128 slots, London and Virginia examples, Workshop sync, FastDL, SFTP, panel controls, scheduling, sub-user permissions, DDoS protection and daily off-site backups. |
| You prefer a conventional slot rental and Central Europe is suitable | GPORTAL | The displayed offers include 10 and 40 slots in Central Europe, NVMe storage, 24/7 ticket support, DDoS protection and game switching. |
| You want to manage a VPS-style resource allocation | HostGMod | Its three listed tiers allocate 1, 2 or 4 GB of RAM with one or two virtual CPUs, with US locations in Los Angeles and Chicago and EU locations in London and Amsterdam. |
This is a fit guide, not a tested ranking. No controlled latency, load, uptime or support-response comparison was published for these services, and no hands-on test was performed.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Provider details and displayed pricing
Host Havoc
The GMod page displayed a starting price of $10 per month, with the billing term and add-ons affecting the final amount. The initial selector showed 20 slots. Listed locations span North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, which can be useful for communities spread across several regions. Host Havoc describes one-click installers for addons, gamemodes and modules, an integrated Workshop installer, MySQL, FTP or file-manager access, a web console, DDoS mitigation, off-site backups and data restores.
Those are the provider’s advertised capabilities, not independently verified results. Before ordering, confirm that the exact region you need is available for the slot count selected, whether MySQL is included in the chosen plan, how long backups are retained, and whether restoring a backup is self-service or requires support.
Hexane Networks
Hexane’s displayed monthly packages ranged from 8 slots at £2.49 to 128 slots at £29.99. Examples shown were 16 slots for £4.49, 32 slots for £7.49 and 64 slots for £14.99. The configurator can change the total according to billing term, region, storage and optional upgrades. London and Virginia were the listed location examples.
The feature list includes Workshop synchronisation, FastDL, SFTP, DDoS protection, panel controls, a scheduler, sub-user permissions and daily off-site backups. The page states that cancellation is available at any time and that new orders have a 72-hour money-back guarantee. Treat both the guarantee and cancellation wording as current-checkout terms: read the applicable conditions, eligibility requirements and renewal behavior before placing an order.
GPORTAL
The page displayed a 10-slot, 30-day Central Europe offer at €13.70; a 10-slot, 90-day offer at €36.99; and a 40-slot, 30-day offer at €31.95. It also listed NVMe hardware, 24/7 ticket support, DDoS protection and game switching.
These offers cannot be compared simply with monthly prices in pounds or dollars. The 90-day listing is a prepaid term, currencies differ, and the location shown is Central Europe. Check whether another region is available for your account, whether taxes are added, and what happens at renewal.
HostGMod
HostGMod presents VPS-style tiers rather than a simple slot table:
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Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Displayed tier | RAM | Virtual CPU | Displayed price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 1 GB | 1 vCPU | $10 per month |
| Tier 2 | 2 GB | 2 vCPU | $20 per month |
| Tier 3 | 4 GB | 2 vCPU | $40 per month |
The listed locations are Los Angeles, Chicago, London and Amsterdam. HostGMod states that it provides DDoS protection and 99% uptime. That uptime figure is a provider statement, not an independently measured service-level result. A VPS model may give you more control over files and processes, but it also puts more responsibility on you for updates, firewall rules, startup parameters, monitoring and recovery.
How much capacity does a GMod server need?
There is no reliable universal player-to-RAM formula. Garry’s Mod server usage changes with the gamemode, Lua code, map, physics activity, entity count, Workshop addons, scripted weapons, bots, tick-rate expectations and the number of players performing complex actions at the same time. A quiet sandbox server and a heavily scripted DarkRP server can behave very differently with the same player count.
Use slots as a community limit
Slots are the maximum simultaneous connections the service will accept. Set the limit from your expected peak, not your total member count. Leave headroom for staff, events and short-lived spikes. A 32-slot plan does not guarantee that every addon combination will run comfortably at 32 players; it only defines the connection ceiling.
Use RAM and CPU as workload resources
RAM must hold the server process, loaded Lua code, map data and active entities. CPU capacity affects simulation and script execution, especially on busy role-play or combat servers. Storage speed helps with map and addon loading, but fast storage does not compensate for insufficient CPU or memory. The provider pages do not establish a minimum RAM value for a particular player count, so treat any fixed rule of thumb as a starting estimate rather than a guarantee.
Plan an observation period
- Begin with the smallest plan that exceeds your planned peak slots and supports your required features.
- Install the real Workshop collection and gamemode before inviting the full community.
- Watch memory, CPU, tick behavior, console errors and map-change times during a realistic busy session.
- Increase resources or reduce addon load if the server becomes unstable; do not assume adding slots alone will solve script or map problems.
Region selection and latency
Choose the data-center region nearest to the largest concentration of players. If players are split between continents, select a practical midpoint only when the host’s network path and available regions make that compromise worthwhile. Ask the host which city will actually serve the plan; a country label can cover several data centers with different routes.
- Host Havoc lists North American, European and Asia-Pacific locations.
- Hexane lists London and Virginia examples.
- GPORTAL’s displayed examples are in Central Europe.
- HostGMod lists Los Angeles, Chicago, London and Amsterdam.
Coverage is not uniform, and a location shown on a product page may not be available for every plan. Confirm it in the order flow, then test from representative player networks before advertising a permanent community address.
Workshop addons, gamemodes and downloads
Workshop collections
Workshop-heavy communities should verify both collection support and the way updates are applied. Facepunch’s dedicated-server documentation uses the +host_workshop_collection startup parameter to load a collection. A provider panel may offer a field or installer that writes this parameter for you, but the implementation, update timing and error reporting can differ.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Ask these questions before committing:
- Can the panel set or edit startup parameters?
- Does a collection sync automatically after an item changes?
- Can you see failed downloads and missing dependencies in the console?
- Can you pin a known-good addon version or roll back a change?
DarkRP, TTT and custom Lua
DarkRP, Trouble in Terrorist Town and other gamemodes generally require more than selecting a name in a menu. You may need to upload Lua files, configuration files, maps, materials, sounds and server-side dependencies. Confirm that the host permits custom gamemode files and gives you the file and console access needed to diagnose errors.
FastDL and client downloads
FastDL can reduce the burden of distributing non-Workshop assets. Hexane specifically lists FastDL; the other provider descriptions summarized here do not establish the same feature. If your server uses custom maps or large sound and material packs, ask how files are hosted, whether bandwidth limits apply and how cache invalidation works after an update.
Managed hosting versus a VPS
| Factor | Managed game-server rental | VPS-style hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Initial setup | Usually panel-driven with game-specific fields and installers. | You configure the operating system, SteamCMD, startup scripts and security. |
| File and console work | Often exposed through a web panel, FTP or SFTP, depending on the provider. | Typically full administrative access, but you are responsible for permissions and service processes. |
| Updates | The host may provide scheduled or one-click game updates. | You schedule and verify updates yourself. |
| Backups | Some plans advertise off-site or daily backups and restore tools. | You must confirm whether backups are included or build your own system. |
| Flexibility | Constrained by the panel and game template, but quicker for standard servers. | More control over multiple services, scripts and monitoring. |
| Operational skill | Lower requirement for routine administration. | Higher requirement for Linux, networking, security and incident recovery. |
Managed hosting is usually easier when your priority is getting a DarkRP or TTT community online quickly. A VPS can make sense when you need operating-system-level control, custom automation or several services on one machine and can maintain them safely.
Installing a dedicated server with SteamCMD
Facepunch’s Garry’s Mod Wiki documents SteamCMD installation and identifies app ID 4020 for the dedicated server. The page also covers a GSLT, server location, Workshop collections, gamemode and map configuration, and Linux installation. Its update label is “A Long Time Ago,” and macOS dedicated servers are no longer shipped, so check the live documentation for version-sensitive details.
- Install SteamCMD on the supported operating system and create a directory dedicated to the server files.
- Run SteamCMD, log in anonymously where permitted, select the installation directory and use
app_update 4020 validateto download or update the Garry’s Mod dedicated server. - Create the server’s configuration and startup script. Set the network port, hostname, server password if needed, gamemode and starting map.
- Register and configure a Game Server Login Token (GSLT) as required by the current Facepunch documentation. Keep the token private and replace it if compromised.
- Point the startup command at the Workshop collection with
+host_workshop_collectionwhen your addon set is collection-based. - Start with a known map and gamemode, then read the console for missing files, Lua errors, authentication problems and Workshop download failures.
- Open only the required firewall and router ports, test a local connection, and then test from an external network before publishing the address.
On a managed host, the panel may expose these values as fields rather than requiring a shell script. Ask support where the equivalent settings are stored so you can reproduce the configuration after a migration.
Administration features that matter after launch
File and console access
SFTP or FTP access lets you upload gamemode files, configurations and custom assets. A web console helps you restart, change maps and inspect errors without an SSH session. Confirm whether access is included, which users can receive it, and whether sub-user permissions can separate owners, developers and moderators.
Databases
Many persistent gamemodes need MySQL or another database. Host Havoc lists included MySQL; the other descriptions here do not establish equivalent inclusion. Confirm database limits, credentials, remote-access rules, automated backups and whether a database restore is covered by the advertised backup system.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Schedulers and automation
A scheduler can restart the server during a quiet period, run update jobs or execute maintenance tasks. Hexane lists a scheduler. Ask whether scheduled restarts preserve player data, whether failed jobs alert anyone, and whether a Workshop update can be staged before production.
Backups and restores
“Backups included” is incomplete without retention and restore details. Find out what is backed up, how often, where it is stored, how many versions are retained, and whether you can restore individual files or only the entire server. Keep an independent copy of irreplaceable configuration and database data.
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Security, support and billing checks
- DDoS protection: All four provider descriptions mention protection in some form, but no independent capacity or mitigation test is provided. Ask what traffic is covered and how an attack is communicated.
- Support channel: GPORTAL lists 24/7 ticket support. For every host, check response targets, escalation paths and whether technical support covers custom Lua problems.
- Uptime language: HostGMod displays a 99% uptime figure. Treat it as a provider statement unless a contract defines measurement, exclusions and remedies.
- Billing term: Hexane’s configurator can vary by term; GPORTAL displays both 30-day and 90-day offers; Host Havoc’s displayed starting price depends on term and add-ons. Compare the renewal amount, not only the first displayed figure.
- Cancellation and refunds: Hexane states cancellation at any time and a 72-hour money-back guarantee for new orders. Read the current conditions and verify how cancellations affect prepaid periods.
Common failure modes and fixes
Players disconnect while joining
Check that the server is listening on the advertised port, the firewall allows it, and the hostname resolves to the current address. Review the console for Workshop or map downloads that stall before authentication completes.
Missing textures, sounds or maps
Confirm that every required asset is either in the Workshop collection or available through the configured download method. Check case-sensitive paths on Linux and verify that FastDL content is reachable without authentication.
Lua errors after an addon update
Record the first error rather than only the final crash message. Disable the recently changed addon, restart, and re-enable items one at a time. Use a backup or known-good collection version when the provider supports rollback.
Server feels slow at a modest slot count
Inspect CPU and memory during the problem, then profile the gamemode and addons. Entity-heavy maps, runaway timers and inefficient hooks can consume resources independently of the slot setting. Upgrading hardware may help, but it will not correct a broken script.
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Ask what the backup actually contains. A server-file snapshot may omit an external database, Workshop metadata or a separate FastDL directory. Test restoration on a temporary instance before relying on it for an emergency.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rules for running a community server
Facepunch’s Community Server and Hosting Guidelines, last updated 15 July 2025, state: “Yes – you are free to run private, unofficial or community servers for our Games.” The permission is subject to the guidelines and applicable law. Servers must be labeled fairly and must not be presented as official.
The policy gives monetization examples such as fees or subscriptions, donations, cosmetic items or enhancements, server currency, advertisements, sponsorships and product placements. Operators must not bypass ownership checks or provide Facepunch downloadable content to players who have not purchased it. Review the live policy before launching a paid feature because policy wording can change.
A buying checklist
- List the countries or cities where most players connect and select only regions that the checkout confirms for your chosen plan.
- Estimate peak simultaneous players, then add headroom for events instead of buying solely for your average.
- Document every required addon, map, gamemode, database and download path.
- Confirm Workshop collection handling, startup-parameter access, SFTP or FTP, console access and custom Lua support.
- Read backup scope, retention, restore procedure and database coverage.
- Compare billing term, renewal price, taxes, cancellation and refund conditions in the final order screen.
- Ask support how to migrate files and databases if you leave, and whether you can download your backups.
- Run a private load test with the real collection before opening public registration.
Verdict
Choose Host Havoc when regional breadth and a managed feature set are more important than finding the lowest displayed slot price. Choose Hexane when its London or Virginia locations fit your players and you value Workshop sync, FastDL, SFTP, scheduling and daily off-site backups at slot-based prices. Choose GPORTAL when a Central Europe slot rental, NVMe storage and ticket support match your community and billing preference. Choose HostGMod when you specifically want VPS-style RAM and CPU allocations and are prepared to handle more system administration.
The Tool Desk
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I host a Garry’s Mod server on macOS?
Facepunch’s dedicated-server documentation states that macOS dedicated servers are no longer shipped. Use a supported Linux or Windows environment, or rent a provider-managed instance.
Do I need a GSLT for a community server?
Facepunch’s setup documentation includes configuring a Game Server Login Token. Follow the current official instructions and keep the token private.
Can I move my server between hosts later?
Usually you need the server files, configuration, Workshop collection identifier, custom assets and any external database. Confirm that the original host allows downloads of all required data and test the restored copy before changing DNS or advertising a new address.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesAre provider uptime and DDoS claims independently verified here?
No. The reviewed figures and protection descriptions are provider statements; no controlled uptime, attack-mitigation or comparative performance test was available.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
