A purple-and-black checkerboard means a texture is missing; a large red ERROR sign means a model is missing. Either can come from a damaged or incomplete download, an addon, or content required by a particular map or server. Crashes have different causes, so start by identifying when and where the problem occurs, then test reversible fixes before removing files or changing several settings at once.
Identify what is failing and when
First note the visible symptom and its scope. Does Garry’s Mod crash before reaching the menu, while loading or playing, or only after joining a particular map or server? Do missing assets appear everywhere or only in one place? Does the issue happen in single-player as well as multiplayer, and did it begin after installing an addon or updating the game?
These distinctions help separate a game-wide problem from a map, server, or addon dependency. Facepunch’s crash-reporting guidance also asks players to describe what they were doing and whether a crash occurs across maps or play modes.
Fix purple-and-black textures or red ERROR models
Know what each sign means
The Garry’s Mod Wiki FAQ explains: “If you’re seeing black and purple, you are missing the texture for a certain object or part of the map.” A red ERROR sign has a different meaning: “The big red error signs are the Source Engine’s way of telling you that you are missing a game model.” Both indicate missing assets, but not necessarily the same cause.
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Verify Garry’s Mod files in Steam
Use Steam’s verification tool as a first-line check for missing or damaged game files. In Steam, open Library, right-click Garry’s Mod, choose Properties, select Installed Files, then click Verify integrity of game files. Steam may redownload files it finds missing or damaged. Steam notes that some local configuration files may normally fail verification; that message alone is not a reason to repeat the check or assume the installation is broken.
Check whether the map or server needs mounted content
Some maps and servers rely on assets from another mountable game. If the problem is limited to one map or server, check its stated content requirements and whether the relevant game is installed and mounted. The Facepunch guide to mounting content explains how mounting works and notes that missing or incorrect mount configuration can also lead addons to report absent content. Do not install or buy unrelated content: only consider a dependency identified for the map or server you are trying to use.
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An addon may also supply or alter models, textures, and other game content. If the checkerboards or ERROR signs began after adding one, test that addon before changing unrelated settings.
Test whether an addon is causing errors or crashes
Disable the newest addon first
If the trouble began after an addon was installed or updated, disable that addon and repeat the action that triggered the problem. Facepunch documents enabling, disabling, and uninstalling addons through the in-game Addons menu in its addon usage guide. If disabling it fixes the issue, report the error to the addon’s author with the console message and steps that reproduce it.
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Run a temporary clean test
If you cannot identify the addon, use Garry’s Mod’s Steam launch options for a clean test:
- Open Steam Library, right-click Garry’s Mod, and choose Properties.
- In the General tab, find Launch Options.
- Enter
-noworkshop -noaddons, close Properties, and launch the game. - Repeat the same map, server, or action that previously caused the problem.
- Remove the launch options afterward. If the problem disappeared, re-enable addons in small groups or individually until it returns.
Facepunch’s command-line parameter reference says -noworkshop disables Workshop addons and -noaddons disables folder and legacy addons. These are diagnostic options, not a permanent fix. If the issue persists with both options, addons are less likely to be the cause.
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Troubleshoot crashes by where they happen
Crash before the game opens
A silent startup crash can be driver-related, but that is only one possible cause. Facepunch’s startup troubleshooting guide and Steam’s general game-launch guidance support a measured sequence of checks:
- Restart the computer and try launching again.
- Install available operating-system updates.
- Check for graphics-driver updates from the official manufacturer of your graphics hardware.
- Verify Garry’s Mod files in Steam.
- Temporarily close nonessential background software that might conflict with the game.
- Compare your computer with Steam’s listed system requirements.
Make one change at a time and test again. That makes it easier to identify which change helped, and avoids introducing several new variables.
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Crash while loading or playing
If a crash occurs while loading a map or playing, first check whether it happens on one map or server, or across several. Facepunch suggests lowering Texture Detail in Advanced Video Options for some crashes involving mods or servers that use substantial video memory. Treat this as a test: change the setting, repeat the same scenario, and restore it if it makes no difference.
Steam’s Garry’s Mod requirements listing gives a baseline for comparison, not a diagnosis or guarantee that a system will avoid crashes. Its listed requirements include:
| Steam listing | RAM | Dedicated VRAM | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 4 GB | 1 GB | 10 GB |
| Recommended | 8 GB | 4 GB | 25 GB |
These figures are Steam’s published Garry’s Mod requirements, accessed in 2026. Meeting them does not establish the cause of a particular crash.
Prepare a useful crash report
If the checks do not resolve a reproducible crash, collect details before asking for help. Include:
- What you were doing immediately before the crash and the steps that reproduce it.
- The map or server, and whether the problem occurs on other maps.
- Whether it happens in single-player, multiplayer, or both.
- Whether it still happens with addons disabled using the clean-test options.
- The relevant console error and platform-appropriate crash dump or log.
Facepunch’s crash-reporting page describes dump files and platform-specific directions: Windows reports may use .mdmp files, while the x86-64 branch may produce .dmp files. Linux and macOS have different reporting instructions, so follow the directions for your platform. Submit the information through the official support or bug-reporting channel appropriate to the problem.
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