Garry’s Mod: How to Install and Play GMod

As of 2025, Garry’s Mod—or GMod—remains one of the most popular sandbox games on PC. Thanks to its creative freedom and wide range of available game modes, it allows each player to tailor their experience however they like. To get started, simply go through the Steam platform. Once you've created a Steam account, purchase Garry’s Mod (around €9.99) from the store, then download and install it from your library. The process is automatic and requires no complex steps.

To avoid common visual glitches, it’s highly recommended to also install Counter-Strike: Source. This game provides many textures and models used in Garry’s Mod, especially in popular modes like Murder or Trouble in Terrorist Town. After installation, just launch Garry’s Mod through Steam. During the first launch, a few updates may be installed. It's a good idea to configure your graphics and audio settings early on, based on your system's performance.

The game offers numerous multiplayer modes accessible from the main menu. By clicking “Multiplayer,” you can search for servers by name or mode type (Murder, TTT, Sandbox, etc.). When you join a server, Garry’s Mod automatically downloads all necessary content, so you don’t need to install anything manually. The Sandbox mode also allows solo play—perfect for testing out creations or building freely.

Mods, known as "addons," are at the heart of the GMod experience. To install them, just head to the Steam Workshop, subscribe to the ones you're interested in, and relaunch the game if needed. They’ll be loaded automatically on startup. If you want to play with friends, you can create your own server, either by renting one from a host or launching it directly from your PC. In that case, you’ll need to manually configure the modes, maps, and addons.

Finally, for the best experience, always keep your game and addons up to date, explore active community spaces, and remember to regularly back up your solo projects.