This guide covers running a Garry's Mod server on 8Bit Hosting. It covers first connection, configuration, addons, admin, performance, backups and security. Everything is done from the 8Bit Hosting panel.
1. Get your server online
Start the server from the panel and wait for Running. Open console (~) and run connect yourip:port. Your IP and port (27015) are shown at the top of the server page.
2. Essential configuration
Open garrysmod/cfg/server.cfg in the File Manager. The settings you'll touch most are hostname, sv_password, gamemode, default map. Edit, save, then Restart to apply. Always take a backup before large changes.
3. Adding addons
Use a Workshop collection (host_workshop_collection) or upload to garrysmod/addons. Stop the server, add your files via the File Manager or SFTP, then start up and watch the Console for load messages. Keep everything matched to your server version, mismatches are the #1 cause of join failures.
4. Players & admins
Install ULX + ULib, then add yourself as superadmin. Only hand admin to people you trust, and use strong passwords for admin features.
5. Performance & optimisation
Trim heavy addons, lower prop limits, and add RAM/CPU. Watch the CPU/RAM graphs on your server page, if you're regularly near 100%, the simplest fix is moving up a plan. Schedule a daily restart to keep memory clean.
6. Backups & updates
Your important data lives in your addons, saves and server.cfg. Use Premium Backups (off-site encrypted backups) before any big change. To update: Updates via Steam on restart; keep Workshop content current.
7. Security & privacy
Set sv_password in server.cfg. Combine a password/whitelist with a short admin list and regular backups for a safe, stable server.
8. Troubleshooting checklist
- Missing textures, everyone must sub to the collection.
- Workshop won't download, check collection ID + API key.
- Can't connect, confirm the gamemode is installed.
Need a hand?
Open a support ticket with the error from your Console and our team will help you get sorted.
8Bit Hosting