ULX vs SAM: Choosing an Admin Mod for Your GMod Server
Admin mods give trusted players server control without RCON access. ULX and SAM are the two main choices for GMod. Here is what they do, how they differ, and how to get started with each.
What admin mods do
Admin mods give trusted players elevated server control without requiring RCON access or SFTP credentials. They provide a rank system, typically superadmin, admin, and moderator tiers, each with scoped permissions, and store rank data persistently across server restarts.
Common commands include: kick, ban (temporary and permanent), gag (mute in voice), mute (silence in chat), noclip, god mode, teleport, freeze, bring, and more. Both ULX and SAM provide in-game menus so admins can act without typing commands into the console.
ULX overview
ULX is the most widely used admin mod for Garry's Mod, free and open source. It requires two addons: ULib (the shared library) and ULX (the admin layer). Both must be installed. ULX will not function without ULib.
The in-game interface is called XGUI, opened with F2 by default. It provides a full GUI for managing bans, ranks, groups, and active player actions. The large community means extensive tutorials, YouTube guides, and forum threads exist. Many DarkRP addons explicitly list ULX support and ULX integration out of the box.
SAM overview
SAM (Server Administration Manager) is a newer, paid alternative developed by Srlion and sold on GmodStore (currently $10.99, one-time). Unlike ULX, it is self-contained: no separate library addon required. It has a cleaner, more modern UI compared to XGUI and is actively maintained.
The community is smaller than ULX's, but the official documentation is well-maintained. SAM is designed with simplicity in mind: easier initial setup for new server owners who want to get up and running without the two-addon install of ULX.
ULX vs SAM at a glance
| Aspect | ULX | SAM |
|---|---|---|
| Tutorial availability | Extensive, years of community docs, YouTube guides, forum threads | Good official docs, smaller community library |
| UI quality | XGUI: functional, complex, well-understood by veterans | Cleaner, more intuitive for new admins |
| Setup complexity | Two addons required (ULib + ULX) | Self-contained, single addon |
| Third-party addon integration | Broader: most GMod addons list ULX support explicitly | Growing, but fewer integrations |
| Cost | Free | Paid, $10.99 one-time (GmodStore) |
If your server runs popular addons that explicitly support ULX, or if you want the widest tutorial library, ULX is the safer default. If you want a simpler setup and a better-looking UI and don't mind paying for it, SAM is a solid alternative.
Setting up your first superadmin
ULX, in the server console:
ulx adduser "YourSteamName" superadmin
// or by Steam ID:
ulx adduserid STEAM_0:1:XXXXX superadminSAM, in the server console:
sam addadmin <steamid64>After setting yourself as superadmin, use the in-game UI for all subsequent rank assignments. Do not leave the server with no superadmin. Keep a backup account with access.
Common issues
XGUI not showing (ULX)
Confirm both ULib and ULX are installed. A common mistake is installing only ULX without ULib. Restart the server after installing both.
Rank not saving across restarts
Check file write permissions on the server. The addons need to write to garrysmod/data/. On some hosts, data/ may be read-only. Check your hosting panel file permissions.
Admin commands not working
Make sure the player is actually connected to the server when the rank is assigned. Promoting an offline player by name can fail if the name is not exact.
SAM not loading
Check the server console for Lua errors on startup. SAM requires a recent version of Garry's Mod. Very old server binaries may have compatibility issues.
Frequently asked questions
What is ULX for GMod?
ULX is a free, open-source admin mod for Garry's Mod. It provides a rank system, in-game admin menu (XGUI), and commands for moderating players (kick, ban, mute, teleport, etc.) without requiring RCON or direct server access.
What is SAM admin mod?
SAM (Server Administration Manager) is a paid alternative to ULX for GMod servers, developed by Srlion and sold on GmodStore (currently $10.99, one-time). It offers a cleaner UI and simpler setup, and is actively maintained. It is a self-contained addon with no separate library requirement.
Which is better, ULX or SAM?
Both are capable admin mods. ULX has more community tutorials and broader third-party addon support. SAM has a cleaner interface and simpler initial setup. Most established servers use ULX; new servers starting from scratch may find SAM quicker to configure.
How do I make myself superadmin in GMod?
For ULX, type `ulx adduser "YourName" superadmin` in the server console. For SAM, type `sam addadmin <your_steamid64>` in the console. After setting up your initial superadmin, use the in-game menus for further rank assignments.
Why is XGUI not showing in GMod?
The most common cause is that ULib is not installed. ULX requires both ULib and ULX to be present. Confirm both are in your addons folder and the server has been restarted after installation.
Do admin mods require RCON access?
No. Admin mods like ULX and SAM are designed to give trusted players server control without needing RCON. They operate through the game's Lua system and provide in-game commands and menus instead.
Running a GMod server?
Manage files, addons and restarts without SFTP, and set ULX or SAM up from the browser console instead of exposing RCON. Try it free for 24-hour, no credit card required.