Garry's Mod: Can't connect to server — every fix
Fix a Garry's Mod connection in the right order. Match the branch, wait for the Workshop collection to mount, paste connect host:port in the developer console, open UDP 27015, then install missing content.
If Garry's Mod cannot connect, work through these checks in
order. Do not delete garrysmod/ first. The usual failures are a
branch mismatch and a Workshop map the client has not
downloaded.
Stop as soon as one fix works. If you are helping somebody else, test with one player before asking the whole group to retry.
1. Match the branch and version
The client and dedicated server must run the same Garry's Mod build and the same Steam branch (including the x86-64 beta if you opted in).
Update the player's game
Close Garry's Mod, let Steam finish the update, and match the server's beta opt-in.
Update the dedicated server
Stop the server. On berrybyte, Auto Update pulls the current dedicated build on the next start. Restart once after the patch is live.
Compare versions
The version in the main menu must match the version in the server log.
If you do not want to babysit updates, rent a Garry's Mod server that updates on start.
2. Wait for Workshop to mount
The dedicated server downloads its collection before the map is joinable.
Read Console
Wait until Workshop finishes and the map loads. A large collection can take several minutes on first boot.
Fix a missing collection ID
If Console repeats a Workshop error, the collection ID in the launch command is wrong. Correct it and restart.
3. Join with connect in the console
The browser is optional. The reliable test is the developer console.
Enable the console
Turn on Developer Console in Keyboard settings if you have not already.
Run connect host:port
On berrybyte, copy Server address from Overview.
Press ~, type connect host:port, and press Enter.
Enter the password if prompted
A wrong password looks like a refused connection.
4. Check UDP 27015
Garry's Mod needs its Steam game / query port reachable. The documented default is 27015.
Use the port the server bound
On berrybyte, Overview is the source of truth. Do not assume 27015.
Forward that port (self-host)
Every firewall and router between the machine and the internet must allow the bound port.
berrybyte opens the allocated port for you. Self-hosters who are fighting NAT can rent a Garry's Mod server that already has it reachable.
5. Share or clear the password
sv_password rejects a blank or mistyped string.
Read the configured password
On berrybyte, open Settings → Game Settings.
Send the exact string, or clear it
Check capitalisation and characters that chat apps rewrite. Clear it for a public test, then restart.
6. Install missing maps and addons
A missing map or missing content dialog is a Workshop or FastDL problem, not a dead server.
Accept the download prompt
Retry the join after Steam finishes the Workshop items.
Subscribe to the server's collection
If the prompt never appears, open the collection the server uses and subscribe, then retry.
Check FastDL if downloads stall
A broken FastDL URL fails the handshake after the connect starts. Fix the URL or disable FastDL for a test.
If none of the six fixes worked
Confirm Console finished mounting Workshop. Then check the leftover causes:
- A full player cap.
sv_lan 1accidentally left on.- Check steamstat.us.
- Check berrybytestatus.com.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I connect to a Garry's Mod server?
Match the game branch first. Then wait until the dedicated server has mounted its Workshop collection. Join with connect host:port in the developer console, open UDP 27015, and install any missing maps or addons the server requires.
How do I join a Garry's Mod server by IP?
Enable the developer console, press ~, and run connect host:port using the address from Overview. The in-game browser is optional and can lag behind a fresh start.
What port does a Garry's Mod dedicated server use?
UDP 27015 is the default game / query port. berrybyte allocates that port and opens it. Forward the port in the launch command if you changed it.
Why does Garry's Mod say missing map or content?
The dedicated server is running a Workshop map or addon the client has not downloaded. Join again after the download prompt, or subscribe to the collection the server uses. A missing FastDL path also fails the handshake.
Why is my Garry's Mod server missing from the browser?
New servers can take several minutes to list. connect in the console does not need the browser. A passworded or unlisted server may never appear in casual searches.