Guide GGU SourceMod Plugin Installation Guide

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GGU SourceMod Plugin 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 detailed instructions for installing, configuring, and managing SourceMod plugins on your Source engine game servers. Proper plugin management ensures server stability, enhanced gameplay features, and improved administrative control while maintaining compliance with GGU hosting policies.

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

Prerequisites and Requirements
- SourceMod and Metamod:Source properly installed and functional
- SFTP or FTP access to server files
- Server restart or plugin reload capabilities
- Administrative access to SourceMod commands
- Understanding of basic file directory structure

Understanding Plugin Types and Sources
Plugin File Types:
- .smx files: Compiled SourceMod plugins (ready to use)
- .sp files: Source code files (require compilation)
- .inc files: Include files for plugin development

Trusted Plugin Sources:
- AlliedModders Forums (forums.alliedmods.net)
- Official SourceMod Plugin Repository
- GitHub repositories from verified developers
- GGU approved plugin collections

Step 1: Plugin Research and Selection
Before Installation:
- Verify plugin compatibility with your game and SourceMod version
- Read plugin documentation and requirements thoroughly
- Check user reviews and reported issues
- Ensure the plugin doesn't conflict with existing plugins

Download Plugin Files:
- Download from trusted sources only
- Extract archive files to a temporary folder
- Identify all included files (.smx, .cfg, .txt, data files)
- Note any special installation instructions

Step 2: Basic Plugin Installation
Upload Plugin Files:
- Connect to your server via SFTP
- Navigate to your game directory
- Upload .smx files to: /addons/sourcemod/plugins/
- Upload .cfg files to: /cfg/sourcemod/
- Upload data files to: /addons/sourcemod/data/

Common Directory Structure:
/addons/sourcemod/plugins/ - Main plugin files (.smx)
/addons/sourcemod/translations/ - Language files (.txt)
/addons/sourcemod/data/ - Plugin databases and data
/addons/sourcemod/configs/ - Plugin configuration files
/cfg/sourcemod/ - Server configuration files (.cfg)

Step 3: Plugin Configuration
Configuration Files:
- Locate plugin .cfg files in /cfg/sourcemod/
- Edit configuration values as needed
- Common settings include: enable/disable features, set permissions, adjust timers
- Save all configuration changes

Database Setup (if required):
- Some plugins require database connections
- Edit /addons/sourcemod/configs/databases.cfg
- Add database connection details as specified in plugin documentation
- Test database connectivity before proceeding

Step 4: Loading and Testing Plugins
Load Plugin Methods:
Method 1 - Server Restart (Recommended):
- Restart your game server completely
- Plugins will load automatically on startup

Method 2 - Hot Loading:
- Use console command: sm plugins load pluginname
- Only works if plugin supports hot loading
- May not initialize all features properly

Verify Installation:
- Type "sm plugins list" in server console
- Check that your plugin appears in the list
- Test plugin commands and features
- Monitor server console for error messages

Advanced Plugin Management
Plugin Dependencies:
- Some plugins require other plugins to function
- Install all dependencies before the main plugin
- Check plugin documentation for dependency lists

Plugin Compilation (Advanced):
- Place .sp files in /addons/sourcemod/scripting/
- Compile using: ./spcomp pluginname.sp (Drag and drop .sp file onto spcomp)
- Move resulting .smx file to plugins folder

Troubleshooting Common Issues
Plugin Won't Load:
- Check SourceMod version compatibility
- Verify all required files are uploaded
- Review error logs in /addons/sourcemod/logs/
- Ensure plugin file permissions are correct

Server Performance Issues:
- Disable plugins one by one to identify problematic ones
- Monitor server CPU and memory usage
- Check for plugin conflicts or infinite loops
- Remove resource-intensive plugins if necessary

Plugin Commands Not Working:
- Verify admin permissions and flags
- Check plugin configuration files
- Ensure plugin is loaded and running
- Review plugin documentation for correct usage

Security and Safety Guidelines
- Only install plugins from trusted and verified sources
- Always create server backups before installing new plugins
- Test plugins on a development server before production deployment
- Golden Gamers United (GGU) configuration files may not be modified or removed unless given explicit permission from the GGU Leadership Team (Manager+)
- Regularly update plugins to their latest versions
- Monitor server logs for any suspicious plugin activity

Plugin Maintenance and Updates
Regular Maintenance:
- Check for plugin updates monthly
- Review plugin performance and usage statistics
- Remove unused or outdated plugins
- Clean up old configuration files and databases

Update Process:
- Backup existing plugin files and configurations
- Download updated plugin versions
- Replace old .smx files with new versions
- Update configuration files if needed
- Restart server to load updated plugins

Useful Plugin Management Commands
Basic Commands:
- sm plugins list (List all loaded plugins)
- sm plugins load <filename> (Load specific plugin)
- sm plugins unload <filename> (Unload specific plugin)
- sm plugins reload <filename> (Reload specific plugin)

Information Commands:
- sm plugins info <filename> (Show plugin information)
- sm version (Display SourceMod version)
- sm config (Reload SourceMod configuration)
- sm_rcon sm plugins refresh (Refresh plugin list)

Reporting and Compliance
- Report any plugin-related server issues to the GGU Leadership Team immediately (If a part of the GGU Leadership or Development teams)
- Include error logs and plugin information when seeking technical support
- Document any server crashes or performance degradation after plugin installation
- Golden Gamers United (GGU) reserves the right to monitor and audit server plugins to ensure compliance with hosting policies and server stability requirements

Conclusion
By following this comprehensive plugin installation guide and adhering to GGU's server management policies, administrators can safely enhance their game servers with powerful SourceMod plugins. Proper plugin management ensures optimal server performance, enhanced player experience, and compliance with the security standards that Golden Gamers United (GGU) is committed to maintaining across all hosted servers.