How to Change the PvP Setting on Your Garry's Mod Server

By default, players on a Garry's Mod server can damage each other. Whether you want to keep that enabled or turn it off depends entirely on what kind of server you are running. A sandbox server for friends might work better without friendly fire, while a PvP-focused gamemode will need it on. Either way, you can control this directly from the RiverHosting panel without editing any configuration files manually.

Before you start

• Make sure you have an active Garry's Mod server on your RiverHosting panel.
• You will need to restart your server after making changes for them to take effect.
• The steps below use the Server Config page and the Console, both of which are available on every Garry's Mod server in the panel.

1. How to change the PvP setting using the Server Config page

The quickest way to adjust PvP on your Garry's Mod server is through the built-in Server Config page in the RiverHosting panel. This lets you change common server settings without touching any files directly.

1. Log in to the RiverHosting panel.
2. Click on your Garry's Mod server from the server list.
3. In the left-hand menu, click Server Config.
4. Look for the PvP or friendly fire setting. This is usually presented as a toggle or a dropdown.
5. Set it to your preferred value. Enable it to allow player damage, or disable it to prevent players from hurting each other.
6. Click Save to apply your changes.
7. Restart your server so the new setting takes effect.

2. How to change PvP using the in-panel Console

If you want to change the PvP setting while the server is already running, you can also use the Console to send a command directly to the server. This is useful if you want to make a quick temporary change without a full restart.

1. From your server page, click Console in the left-hand menu.
2. In the command input at the bottom of the console, type one of the following commands:

• To enable PvP (players can damage each other): mp_friendlyfire 1
• To disable PvP (players cannot damage each other): mp_friendlyfire 0

3. Press Enter to send the command.
4. The change will take effect immediately without needing a restart.

Troubleshooting

• The setting does not seem to apply after saving. Make sure you clicked Save before restarting. If you only typed the command in Console, also set the value in Server Config to make it permanent.
• Players can still damage each other after disabling PvP. Some Garry's Mod gamemodes override the friendly fire setting with their own damage rules. If this happens, the gamemode itself controls PvP and may need its own configuration. Check the gamemode's documentation for details.
• The Server Config page does not show a PvP option. Try using the Console method instead, which works regardless of what options are displayed in Server Config.
• Changes reset after a restart. If the value keeps resetting, check whether your gamemode or any active addon is overriding it on startup. You may also want to verify the setting is saved in Server Config rather than only set via Console.

Need help?

If you are not sure which setting to use, or if something is not working as expected, the RiverHosting support team is happy to help.