Players Cannot Connect Print

If players are unable to join your Garry’s Mod server, time out during connection, or see “Server not responding,” this guide will help you identify and fix the problem through the FinnishHost Game Panel.

Step 1: Confirm Server Is Running

First, verify that your server is online in your Game Panel. If it’s stopped or stuck starting, open the Web Console to check for startup errors before continuing.

Step 2: Check the IP and Port

In your Game Panel, look directly below your server’s IP address — that’s where your SFTP Port and Game Port are displayed. Make sure you and your players are connecting using this format:

ip:port

Example: 123.45.67.89:27015

Step 3: Verify Commandline Parameters

Go to Commandline / Startup Parameters and check that your server is running on a proper port and interface:

-game garrysmod +map gm_construct -port 27015 -ip 0.0.0.0

Using -ip 0.0.0.0 binds the server to all available interfaces, ensuring it’s reachable externally.

Step 4: Check for Password or Whitelist

Open Configuration Files → server.cfg and verify the following:

sv_password ""
sv_lan 0

sv_password should be blank (unless you want a private server). sv_lan must be 0 for public servers. If set to 1, only local users can connect.

Step 5: Check Workshop or Addon Requirements

If the server uses Workshop collections or addons that clients don’t have, they may fail to connect. Make sure all required addons are publicly available or included in your Workshop collection.

Step 6: Verify Firewall and Game Ports

FinnishHost manages all port forwarding automatically. However, if you manually changed your server port, ensure it’s one of the default GMod ranges:

27015 – 27030 (UDP)

Restart the server after changing ports.

Step 7: Test Direct Connection

In Garry’s Mod, open the developer console (~) and enter:

connect 123.45.67.89:27015

If it still fails, recheck that your server is visible in the control panel and has fully completed its startup sequence.

Step 8: Validate Workshop and Map

Invalid or missing Workshop content can stop clients from connecting. Check the Web Console for lines such as:

Missing map maps/gm_construct.bsp, disconnecting.

If seen, reinstall or re-upload the map files to the garrysmod/maps/ directory.

Step 9: Restart and Test

Restart your server once all settings are confirmed. Join using the correct IP and port, and ensure the connection completes normally.

Notes

We provide support for connectivity, hosting, and startup-related issues only. We don’t provide support for client-side mod mismatches or custom Lua scripts preventing connections. Always confirm your Workshop items are public and compatible with your gamemode.