Purple/black checkerboard textures

You are missing the content the addon relies on. Most addons need Counter-Strike: Source content — own CS:S or subscribe to a CSS content pack, and mount the game in the bottom-right controller menu.

Lua errors spamming the console

A broken or conflicting addon. Disable recently-added addons one by one — the Lua error usually names the addon and file, so remove that one.

"You are missing maps" on join

The server runs a map you have not downloaded. Subscribe to it on the Workshop, or let the server download it if it supports Workshop downloads.

Crash on joining a server

Too many addons loaded, or one bad addon. Disable addons you don't need, verify game files, and unsubscribe from recently-added broken addons.

Stuck on "Loading" forever

Too many addons or a corrupted addon. Unsubscribe from large or unused addons, clear the Steam download cache, and verify game files.

Addon not showing up in-game

It didn't download or is disabled. Check Steam downloads, restart GMod, and enable it in the Addons menu.

ERROR model / missing models

The addon references models from content you don't own (usually CS:S). Mount CS:S content or install the required game.

GMod is single-threaded and CPU-bound. Lower prop count, disable shadows, avoid prop-heavy maps, and close background apps.

Server lags with many props

Too many spawned props or ragdolls. Clean up (hold Q → Cleanup / press Z), or limit prop spawning.

Toolgun or weapon not working

A conflicting addon overrides it, or it is disabled. Disable conflicting addons and re-enable the tool.

GMod won't launch after subscribing

A corrupted addon. Add -no_addons to launch options to rule it out, unsubscribe from the bad addon, then re-enable the rest.

Textures broke after an update

A GMod update reset content mounting. Re-mount CS:S / Half-Life content in the controller menu.

GMod installed in Program Files

Steam installs to Program Files by default — addons still work, but manual file edits need admin. Move the Steam library to a non-protected folder if you edit files often.

Addons not downloading

Clear the Steam download cache (Steam → Settings → Downloads → Clear Download Cache), then restart Steam.

Lua errors after a Windows update

A Windows update can break old addons. Update the addon, or unsubscribe from the broken one.

Game crashes on launch

Launch with -no_addons to rule out addons, verify game files, or update graphics drivers.

🔀 Garry's Mod Mod Compatibility

A complete Garry's Mod modding guide.

GMod addons have no strict load order like Skyrim — addons load alphabetically, and conflicts resolve by which file overwrites which. Two addons replacing the same weapon or model will fight; the last-loaded one wins. Conflicts usually surface as Lua errors or missing/black textures. Fix by disabling one of the conflicting addons.

📋 Browse Garry's Mod Mods 🔧 Install Guide