⚠️ Garry's Mod Mod Troubleshooting
⚠️ Troubleshooting
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.
Low FPS on big maps
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.
🖥️ Windows-Specific Issues
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.