Guide GGU Metamod and SourceMod Installation Guide

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GGU Metamod and SourceMod Installation Guide
This guide is continuously being updated as information changes, this can happen without warning. Last update 9/22/25.

Introduction
This guide provides comprehensive instructions for installing Metamod:Source and SourceMod on your Source engine game servers. These powerful tools allow server administrators to install plugins, modify gameplay mechanics, and enhance server management capabilities.

Who can install Metamod and SourceMod?
- GGU Leadership Team (Staff, Manager, Senior Manager, Community Leader)
- GGU Development Team
- Server owners and administrators with proper file access (Outside of GGU)
- Internal/External partners with authorized server management permissions

Supported Game Engines and Prerequisites
Compatible Games:
- Counter-Strike: Source, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
- Team Fortress 2, Left 4 Dead 2
- Garry's Mod, Half-Life 2: Deathmatch
- Day of Defeat: Source, and other Source engine games

Requirements:
- Active Source engine game server
- SFTP or FTP access to server files
- Server restart capabilities
- Basic knowledge of file directory structure

Step 1: Download Required Files
Download Metamod:Source:
- Visit: https://www.sourcemm.net/downloads.php
- Select your operating system (Linux or Windows)
- Download the latest stable release
- Extract the archive to a temporary folder

Download SourceMod:
- Visit: https://www.sourcemod.net/downloads.php
- Select your operating system (Linux or Windows)
- Download the latest stable release
- Extract the archive to a temporary folder

Step 2: Install Metamod:Source
Connect to Your Server:
- Use SFTP to connect to your game server
- Navigate to your game server's root directory
- Locate the game folder (e.g., csgo, tf, left4dead2)

Upload Metamod Files:
- From your extracted Metamod archive, upload the entire "addons" folder
- Merge it with any existing "addons" folder in your game directory
- The structure should look like: /game/addons/metamod/
 

Step 3: Install SourceMod
Upload SourceMod Files:
- From your extracted SourceMod archive, upload the "addons" and "cfg" folders
- Merge with existing folders in your game directory
- The structure should include: /game/addons/sourcemod/

Verify Installation Structure:
Your game directory should now contain:
- /addons/metamod/
- /addons/sourcemod/
- /cfg/sourcemod/

Step 4: Configure Admin Access
Edit admins_simple.ini:
- Navigate to /addons/sourcemod/configs/
- Open admins_simple.ini
- Add your Steam ID and permissions:
   "STEAM_1:0:12345678" "99:z"
- Save the file

Alternative: Use admins.cfg:
- For more advanced admin configuration
- Edit /addons/sourcemod/configs/admins.cfg
- Follow the detailed examples in the file

Step 5: Restart and Test
Restart Your Server:
- Stop your game server completely
- Wait 10-15 seconds
- Start your server again
- Monitor the server console for any error messages

Test Installation:
- Connect to your server
- Type "sm version" in console (as admin)
- Type "meta version" in console (as admin)
- You should see version information for both tools

Common Installation Issues
Server Won't Start:
- Check that you downloaded the correct OS version (Linux/Windows)
- Verify gameinfo.txt syntax is correct
- Ensure file permissions are set properly (755 for directories, 644 for files)

Commands Not Working:
- Verify your Steam ID is correctly added to admins_simple.ini
- Check that SourceMod loaded successfully in server console
- Ensure you have the proper admin flags assigned

Plugin Errors:
- Check /addons/sourcemod/logs/ for error details
- Verify plugin compatibility with your game and SourceMod version
- Remove problematic plugins temporarily to isolate issues

Security and Configuration Guidelines
- Always download Metamod and SourceMod from official sources only
- Regularly update both tools to the latest stable versions
- Use strong admin passwords and limit admin access appropriately
- Golden Gamers United (GGU) configuration files may not be modified or removed unless given explicit permission from the GGU Leadership Team (Manager+)
- Create backups of your server files before installation
- Monitor server logs regularly for any suspicious activity

Plugin Management Best Practices
Installing Plugins:
- Place .smx files in /addons/sourcemod/plugins/
- Place configuration files in /cfg/sourcemod/
- Place data files in /addons/sourcemod/data/
- Always read plugin documentation before installation

Plugin Safety:
- Only install plugins from trusted sources
- Test plugins on a development server first
- Keep plugin databases and configurations backed up
- Remove unused plugins to improve performance

Useful Commands for Server Management
Basic Commands:
- sm plugins list (List all loaded plugins)
- sm plugins load <plugin> (Load a specific plugin)
- sm plugins unload <plugin> (Unload a specific plugin)
- sm config (Reload SourceMod configuration)

Admin Commands:
- sm_admin (Open admin menu)
- sm_kick <player> (Kick a player)
- sm_ban <player> <time> (Ban a player)
- sm_map <mapname> (Change map)

Reporting and Support
- Report installation issues to the GGU Leadership Team immediately (If a part of the GGU Leadership or Development teams)
- Include error logs and server console output when seeking help
- Document any server crashes or performance issues after installation
- Golden Gamers United (GGU) reserves the right to monitor and audit server modifications to ensure compliance with hosting policies

Conclusion
By following this installation guide and adhering to GGU's server management policies, administrators can successfully deploy Metamod:Source and SourceMod to enhance their game servers. These tools provide powerful server management capabilities while maintaining the security and stability that Golden Gamers United (GGU) is committed to providing for all hosted servers.