How to Make a Public Garry's Mod Server with SteamCMD and a GSLT

Install and test the server

1. Install SteamCMD and download GMod's dedicated server app 4020 using anonymous login. Facepunch's instructions cover Windows and Linux.
2. Create a Game Server Login Token using an eligible Steam account. Keep it private: exposing the token compromises the server's identity.
3. Start srcds.exe on Windows or srcds_run on Linux with a map, game mode, player limit and +sv_setsteamaccount YOUR_TOKEN. Facepunch uses gm_construct and sandbox for a first test.
4. Read the startup console and test a connection from another network. If direct connection works but discovery does not, check the GSLT and listing settings first.

Firewall rules depend on your setup; inspect the ports your process actually uses before opening them. A host may install the server for you, but check how its panel stores the GSLT.

Add Workshop content after the basic server works

Get the basic server online before loading many addons. For content distributed to players, follow the GMod Workshop collection guide. A player who connects but sees missing textures has a client content distribution problem; that does not by itself identify a GSLT problem.

Before renting, compare storage for addons, file access, backups and token handling. The GMod hosting comparison lists available offers.