Garry's Mod
Garry's Mod

General Props

Props are the fundamental building blocks in Garry's Mod. Understand how to utilize default props and.

General Props

Props are the building blocks of any Garry's Mod creation. These are the various objects, furniture, and environmental assets that populate the game world, allowing players to build, create, and interact. From simple cubes and spheres to complex machinery and character models, props are essential for bringing your sandbox visions to life.

Garry's Mod provides a vast library of default props, primarily sourced from Valve's Source Engine games like Half-Life 2 and Counter-Strike: Source. These can be accessed through the 'Props' tab in the spawn menu, categorized for ease of use. Beyond the defaults, the Steam Workshop offers an almost limitless supply of custom props, ranging from everyday objects to fantastical items.

Types of Props:

  • Physics Props: These props are governed by the game's physics engine. They can be picked up, thrown, stacked, and manipulated, making them ideal for building, puzzles, and dynamic scenes. Most default props fall into this category.
  • Static Props: These props are fixed in place and do not react to physics. They are often used for environmental details, such as background scenery or decorative elements that shouldn't be moved.
  • Animated Props: Some props have built-in animations, such as spinning fans or opening doors. These add a dynamic element to your creations.
  • Interactive Props: Certain props are desed to be interacted with, like buttons, levers, or vending machines, often requiring Wiremod or specific gamemode scripting to function.

Using Props Effectively:

  1. Spawn Menu: Access props through the 'Props' tab in the spawn menu.
  2. Manipulation: Use the Physgun (Gravity Gun) to pick up, move, and rotate physics props. The Tool Gun can be used to weld props together, create constraints, and change their properties.
  3. Building: Combine multiple props to construct anything from simple structures to complex vehicles and contraptions.
  4. Detailing: Use props to add detail and realism to your maps or builds, creating immersive environments.
  5. Customization: Utilize the Material Tool to change the textures and colors of props, further personalizing your creations.

The Steam Workshop is an invaluable resource for expanding your prop collection. You can find everything from detailed architectural elements and vehicles to character models and specialized tools. For example, the Classic LEGO Games Model Pack offers a nostalgic collection of LEGO-themed props.

When working with a large number of physics props, be mindful of server performance. Too many active physics objects can lead to lag. Consider using static props for non-essential elements or freezing physics props when they are in their final position.