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How to Set Up a Garry’s Mod TTT Server

By Freedom251 Team · · 11 min read

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To host Trouble in Terrorist Town (TTT) in Garry’s Mod, install the dedicated server with SteamCMD (app ID 4020), launch it with +gamemode terrortown, choose a map and player limit, then add workshop content and a Garry’s Mod Steam Game Server Login Token (GSLT). A listen server is quickest for a private evening; a dedicated server is the maintainable option for a persistent community server.

This guide covers Windows and Linux installation, workshop collections, TTT2 considerations, server identity, networking, Source-content mounts, automatic restarts, and the checks that explain why a server does not appear in the browser.

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Choose between a listen server and a dedicated server

A listen server runs from the Garry’s Mod client. It has the lowest setup effort and is suitable when one person is present for the whole session. The host’s game process, connection, and internet upload determine whether friends can play.

A dedicated server runs separately from a player’s game. It can remain online after the original administrator disconnects, use persistent configuration and permissions, and restart after a reboot. The trade-off is administrative work: SteamCMD, a launch script, firewall rules, workshop management, a GSLT, and process supervision.

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Decision axis Listen/private session Dedicated public server
Setup effort Launch from the game client Install SteamCMD, app 4020, startup script, GSLT, firewall access, and supervision
Availability Depends on the host player staying in game Can run continuously on a server host
Addons Client subscriptions or local configuration Workshop collection and server-side addon management
Administration Mostly limited to the current session Persistent server.cfg, permissions, administration tools, and logs
Best fit Friends testing TTT Community, scheduled, or public play

Prepare the host

Linux prerequisites

  • A supported Linux installation with an account dedicated to the game server.
  • Enough disk space for the base server, downloaded workshop files, maps, logs, and updates.
  • SteamCMD installed and available from the shell.
  • An SSH or local terminal session for installation and administration.
  • Permission to open the configured game port in the operating-system firewall and any hosting-provider firewall.

Do not run the server as root. Create a service user, give it ownership of the server directory, and keep configuration and workshop files within that user’s home or an explicitly managed data directory.

Windows prerequisites

  • A Windows account that can install SteamCMD and create the server directory.
  • Firewall permission for the port you will use.
  • A plan to launch the server after a reboot, such as Task Scheduler or a service wrapper.
  • Disk space for workshop downloads and logs.

Use a fixed directory without unusual permissions, and keep the launch command in a batch file so it can be edited and restarted consistently.

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Install the Garry’s Mod dedicated server

SteamCMD installs the Garry’s Mod Dedicated Server as app ID 4020. The validate argument checks downloaded files and repairs missing or damaged files. Stop the running server before updating; validation can conflict with files that are still open.

Windows installation

  1. Download and extract SteamCMD to a directory you control.
  2. Create the destination directory, for example C:my_garrysmod_server.
  3. Open a Command Prompt in the SteamCMD directory.
  4. Run the documented install command:
steamcmd.exe +login anonymous +force_install_dir c:my_garrysmod_server +app_update 4020 validate +quit

When SteamCMD finishes, the server files are under the destination directory, including srcds.exe and the garrysmod folder.

Linux installation

  1. Install SteamCMD using your distribution’s package method or Valve’s SteamCMD download.
  2. Choose a directory owned by the dedicated service user, such as ~/gmodds.
  3. From the SteamCMD directory, run:
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ../gmodds +app_update 4020 validate +quit

The resulting directory contains srcds_run, the Linux launcher, and the Garry’s Mod files. If SteamCMD reports a failed validation, repeat the command after checking disk space and permissions.

Launch a basic TTT server

The active mode is selected independently of the map and player count. The critical argument is +gamemode terrortown; without it, the server may start in another mode even though Garry’s Mod itself is installed correctly.

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Linux example

~/gmod_ds/srcds_run -game garrysmod +gamemode terrortown +maxplayers 16 +map gm_flatgrass

Replace the path with the directory you installed. +maxplayers 16 sets the slot count for this launch, while +map gm_flatgrass selects the initial map. You can use another installed map name.

Windows example

srcds.exe -game garrysmod +gamemode terrortown +maxplayers 16 +map gm_flatgrass

Run the command from the dedicated-server directory or use full paths in a batch file. Keep the console open during the first launch so errors are visible.

Confirm the first boot

  • The console identifies the Garry’s Mod game and loads the terrortown gamemode.
  • The selected map finishes loading without a missing-map error.
  • The server reaches an idle state and accepts a local connection.
  • No fatal error reports an absent binary, permission problem, or invalid launch argument.

For an initial test, omit workshop content and the GSLT. This separates installation problems from later networking and addon problems. Add those components after the plain TTT launch works.

Distribute maps and addons with a workshop collection

A Steam Workshop collection is the cleanest way to give a dedicated server a deliberate set of maps and addons. Create a collection, add only the content you intend to run, and copy its numeric collection ID into the launch command.

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Create and use a collection

  1. In Steam Workshop, create a collection for this server.
  2. Add the TTT maps, gameplay addons, content packs, and any dependency addons required by those items.
  3. Review every item for current compatibility and remove abandoned or conflicting addons.
  4. Set the collection visibility so the server can download it.
  5. Copy the collection’s numeric ID.
  6. Add +host_workshop_collection followed by that ID to the startup command.
~/gmod_ds/srcds_run -game garrysmod +gamemode terrortown +maxplayers 16 +map gm_flatgrass +host_workshop_collection 2052244154

Keep the collection small and intentional. A large collection increases startup time, download volume, memory use, and the number of possible addon conflicts. Every map in a map rotation must actually be available to the server; subscribing to a map as an administrator does not guarantee that the dedicated server downloaded it.

Alternative workshop ID configuration

Facepunch also documents garrysmod/cfg/srcds_workshop_ids.txt for listing workshop IDs. This is useful when you need a file-based list, but a collection is easier to audit and share. Do not maintain two competing lists unless you have a specific reason; duplicate or stale entries make troubleshooting harder.

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TTT2-specific downloading advice

TTT2 documentation recommends a workshop-downloader addon for its use case instead of relying on the older FastDL approach. Treat that as TTT2-specific operational guidance: verify that the downloader and every addon in your collection support the exact TTT2 version and server environment. Do not assume an addon written for classic TTT will work unchanged in TTT2.

When workshop downloads fail

  • Check that the collection ID is numeric and that the collection is visible to the server.
  • Read the startup console for a failed item ID, timeout, or dependency error.
  • Remove the failing addon temporarily and boot with the remaining collection.
  • Make sure the launch command does not contain -noworkshop; that switch disables Workshop addons.
  • Clear or rename a corrupted workshop download only while the server is stopped, then let it download again.

Create a Garry’s Mod Steam Game Server Login Token

For public servers, create a unique GSLT through Steam’s game-server account management page. Facepunch states that, starting with the May 2020 update, Garry’s Mod servers should have a GSLT. Generate the token with base-game app ID 4000, not the dedicated-server app ID 4020.

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  1. Sign in to the Steam account that will own the server token.
  2. Open Steam’s game-server account management page.
  3. Enter 4000 as the game app ID.
  4. Create one token for this server and record it securely.
  5. Add it to the startup command with +sv_setsteamaccount.
~/gmod_ds/srcds_run -game garrysmod +gamemode terrortown +maxplayers 16 +map gm_flatgrass +host_workshop_collection 2052244154 +sv_setsteamaccount YOUR_GSLT_TOKEN

Use a different token for every server. Reusing one token on multiple servers can cause Steam connection errors. An invalid, revoked, or expired token can prevent proper startup and browser registration. Treat the token like a credential: keep it out of public screenshots, chat, repositories, and shared configuration files.

Configure identity, rules, and administration

Use server.cfg for stable settings

Put persistent server settings in garrysmod/cfg/server.cfg. Typical categories include:

  • Identity: hostname and any password policy for private testing.
  • Administration: RCON and other administrative settings, secured with a strong secret and restricted access.
  • Gameplay: stable ConVars that should apply on every boot.
  • Rotation: map-cycle and next-map behavior appropriate to your installed maps.

Change one setting at a time during troubleshooting and restart or reload exactly as the setting requires. Keep a backup of a known-good configuration before installing a large addon set.

Choose player capacity deliberately

The slot count is a startup choice such as +maxplayers 16. More slots do not automatically make a better TTT server: maps, CPU time, memory, upload capacity, and the number of active addons all affect the practical limit. Start with the capacity you can monitor and increase it only after observing stable rounds and acceptable network performance.

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Display a country or region flag

Use the sv_location ConVar when you want the browser to show a location flag. Facepunch documents ISO alpha-2-style values such as us and gb, plus the special value eu. This changes displayed server location; it does not move the machine or improve latency.

Runtime administration

TTT2 documentation says TTT ConVars can live in configuration files, while ULX is useful when administrators need to reconfigure and save settings while the server is running. Whichever administration system you use, grant permissions narrowly, test changes with a non-owner account, and avoid installing overlapping tools that register the same commands.

Mount external Source-game content

Some maps and addons depend on content from Counter-Strike: Source, Team Fortress 2, or another supported Source game. If the server loads but players see purple-and-black textures, error models, or missing sounds, the cause is often absent mounted content rather than a TTT fault.

  1. Install or locate the required Source game’s content on the host.
  2. Open Garry’s Mod’s garrysmod/cfg/mount.cfg.
  3. Follow the file’s documented format to point the relevant game entry at its content directory.
  4. Use correct path separators and permissions for the operating system.
  5. Restart the dedicated server and test the affected map or addon.

Mount only content you are licensed to use and only from supported games. A map’s workshop description should identify dependencies, but confirm them against the server’s actual console errors.

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Networking, ports, and persistence

Open the actual game port

The commonly documented hosted-game connection port is 27015, but your server may be configured differently. Allow the actual UDP traffic in the operating-system firewall, hosting-provider firewall, and router port-forwarding rule when the server is behind a home connection. Opening a port that differs from the launch or provider configuration will not make the server reachable.

Linux process and reboot strategy

Run srcds_run under the dedicated service user and choose a supervisor, terminal multiplexer, init service, or equivalent process manager. A simple launcher does not, by itself, guarantee recovery after a reboot. Facepunch documents a crontab @reboot approach, but a real supervisor can also restart a crashed process and capture logs.

Whichever method you choose, define the working directory, environment, user, launch arguments, log location, and stop timeout explicitly. Test a controlled reboot before inviting players. Schedule updates only when the server is stopped, then start it and verify the gamemode and workshop downloads.

Windows restart strategy

Use Task Scheduler or a service-based launcher to start the batch file at boot and restart it after maintenance. Configure a graceful stop path so files are not left locked during SteamCMD validation. Test both a normal restart and a full reboot; a task that works only in an interactive desktop session is not a reliable public-server plan.

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Verify the server before inviting players

  1. Start with no workshop collection and no GSLT, then confirm terrortown and the test map load.
  2. Add the collection and confirm that every intended item finishes downloading.
  3. Add the GSLT and watch for successful Steam authentication.
  4. Join from the same machine or local network to confirm gameplay.
  5. Join from an external connection, such as a friend on another network.
  6. Check a map change, a reconnect, and a full process restart.
  7. Review the server browser listing, hostname, player slots, and displayed location.

Keep the startup console visible during this process. It is the fastest way to distinguish a gamemode problem from a workshop, token, map, or firewall problem.

Troubleshoot common failures

The server starts in the wrong mode

Confirm that the launch command contains +gamemode terrortown and that no later argument or startup configuration changes the gamemode. Check the console for the loaded mode name rather than relying on the map or browser listing.

The server is missing from the browser

  • Verify the GSLT was generated for app ID 4000 and is attached with +sv_setsteamaccount.
  • Check that the token is valid, has not been revoked, and is not being used by another server.
  • Confirm the actual configured port is allowed through every firewall and provider panel.
  • Make sure the process is still running after startup and did not exit on an addon or map error.
  • Check whether -noworkshop or another launch flag disabled required content.
  • Look for workshop download failures that prevent the server from completing initialization.

Players receive missing textures, models, or sounds

Identify the map or addon producing the error, then check its dependency list and mount.cfg. Install and mount the required supported Source-game content, restart the server, and test again. If only one addon fails, remove it temporarily to confirm that the base TTT installation is healthy.

A workshop map will not load

Confirm the map is in the collection, its download completed, and the map name in the rotation matches the actual file name. Remove the map from the rotation while testing another known-good map. An unavailable map can make a scheduled change look like a general server failure.

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The server stops after a reboot

Check the service user, working directory, absolute paths, firewall startup order, and scheduled-task or supervisor logs. Start the exact command manually as the service user. If manual startup works but boot startup does not, the launch mechanism is missing an environment variable, permission, or dependency.

Updates produce locked-file or validation errors

Stop the server completely, confirm no srcds process remains, then run the SteamCMD app-update command with validate. Start the server only after SteamCMD exits successfully. Back up server.cfg, map-cycle files, and custom configuration before major maintenance.

A practical operating routine

Before each content change

  • Record the current collection and configuration.
  • Read addon dependencies and compatibility notes.
  • Change one addon or map at a time.
  • Boot privately and test a complete round.

Weekly or scheduled maintenance

  • Stop the server before updating app 4020.
  • Run SteamCMD validation.
  • Review logs for repeated workshop, map, or authentication errors.
  • Remove abandoned or incompatible workshop items.
  • Test restart and reboot recovery.

Before going public

  • Use a unique GSLT and protect it as a credential.
  • Confirm external connectivity on the configured port.
  • Check that the hostname, slots, map rotation, and location display are intentional.
  • Test permissions with ordinary player and moderator accounts.
  • Publish only maps and addons that your server can download and mount reliably.

Final setup checklist

  1. SteamCMD installed and app 4020 validated.
  2. Dedicated service user created on Linux, or an equivalent restricted Windows account.
  3. Launch command includes -game garrysmod, +gamemode terrortown, a map, and a deliberate slot count.
  4. Workshop collection tested and free of unnecessary or incompatible items.
  5. GSLT generated with base-game app ID 4000, unique to this server, and passed with +sv_setsteamaccount.
  6. server.cfg contains stable identity and gameplay settings.
  7. Required Source-game content mounted through mount.cfg.
  8. Actual game port allowed through host, provider, and router firewalls.
  9. Automatic startup, restart, and stopped-server update procedures tested.
  10. Local and external connections verified before public launch.

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