How to Install Garry's Mod Addons (Workshop Collections)

The cleanest way to run addons on a Garry's Mod server is through a Steam Workshop Collection. Instead of managing dozens of individual addons, you bundle them into one collection, point your server at it, and let clients download everything automatically when they connect. Here's how to set it up from start to finish.

Step 1: Create a Workshop Collection

First, build your addon list as a collection on the Steam Workshop. On the Garry's Mod Workshop, choose to create a new collection, give it a name, and add every addon and gamemode you want your server to run. This includes your gamemode content, admin tools, and any props, models, or scripts your server needs.

Once the collection is created, note its collection ID — the long number at the end of the collection's URL. That single ID is all your server needs to reference the entire list. When you want to add or remove addons later, you just edit the collection; you don't have to touch the server config again.

Step 2: Point the Server at the Collection

Garry's Mod servers load a Workshop collection using the host_workshop_collection command, set to your collection's ID. This typically goes in your server's startup configuration (for example, in server.cfg or as a launch parameter, depending on your setup):

host_workshop_collection 123456789

When the server starts, it reads the collection and prepares that content for delivery to clients. Because everything is tied to the collection ID, updating your addon lineup is as easy as editing the collection in Steam — no config changes required.

Step 3: Set Up a GSLT

To host a public GMod server that properly serves Workshop content, you need a Game Server Login Token (GSLT). This is a free token you generate from Steam's Game Server Account Management page, tied to the Garry's Mod app. You then provide the token to your server via the +sv_setsteamaccount launch parameter.

The GSLT authenticates your server with Steam, which is required for reliable Workshop downloads and for your server to appear correctly in the browser. Treat your GSLT like a password — keep it private, and generate a separate one for each server you run.

Step 4: Clients Auto-Download on Join

With the collection set and the GSLT in place, the player experience is seamless. When someone connects, Garry's Mod automatically downloads the collection's content so they see the same addons, props, and models as everyone else. Players don't need to manually subscribe to anything — joining triggers the download.

One tip for large collections: because players download all that content on first join, keep your collection lean and well-organized. Bloated collections with gigabytes of unused content lead to long join times and players bouncing before they ever spawn in. Include only what your server actually uses.

Step 5: Some Addons Still Need Server-Side Files

A Workshop collection handles content delivery, but a few things — like certain gamemodes or server-side-only addons — may also need to be installed directly in the server's addons folder or set as the active gamemode in your config. Check each addon's instructions: content-heavy addons (models, maps, props) are perfect for the collection, while some logic-heavy gamemodes want a proper server-side install too.

Troubleshooting

If clients aren't downloading content, verify your host_workshop_collection ID is correct, confirm your GSLT is valid and applied, and make sure the collection is set to public visibility. If a specific addon isn't working, check that it's actually in the collection and compatible with the current GMod version.

The Easy Way with Nxeon

Generating tokens, editing configs, and managing collection IDs is straightforward but easy to trip over. Nxeon's Garry's Mod server hosting includes a one-click Mods manager that links your Workshop Collection, handles the host_workshop_collection setting and GSLT for you, and ensures clients auto-download cleanly on join. Create your collection, paste the ID, and your server is ready — no command-line wrangling required. Get your DarkRP, TTT, or sandbox server live in minutes.