how to change character model in gmod

3 min read 24-01-2025

GMod, or Garry's Mod, offers a massive sandbox of possibilities, letting you create and modify almost anything. One of the most common customizations is changing your player model—the character you see and control in the game. This guide will walk you through various methods, from simple selection to more advanced model manipulation. Let's dive into how to change your character model in GMod!

Choosing a Player Model from the Menu

This is the easiest way to change your character.

Step 1: Access the Options Menu

Start by opening the GMod main menu. You can usually do this by pressing the ESC key.

Step 2: Navigate to Playermodel

Look for the "Options" menu. Within that, you'll find a submenu or section related to player models. It might be labeled "Playermodel," "Character Model," or something similar.

Step 3: Select Your New Model

Once you're in the player model section, you'll see a list of available models. Scroll through and choose the one you want to use. GMod comes with a variety of built-in models; however, the selection expands significantly with addons.

Step 4: Save and Apply Changes

After selecting your new model, save your changes. The game should automatically apply the new player model. If not, you may need to restart the game or rejoin the server.

Using Addons for More Character Models

The built-in models in GMod are a good starting point, but the real fun begins when you start using addons. Addons add thousands of new character models, giving you access to characters from games, movies, and more.

Step 1: Subscribe to an Addon

Open the GMod Workshop (accessible through the main menu). Search for "playermodels" or a specific character you're looking for. Subscribe to the addon you want. The game will download the addon automatically.

Step 2: Restart or Rejoin

After subscribing, you might need to restart GMod or rejoin the server to see the new models appear in your playermodel selection menu. They'll be listed alongside the default models.

Advanced Techniques: Using the Console and Scripts

For advanced users, you can directly change your model using the console or even scripts. However, this method requires a basic understanding of GMod's console commands.

Using the Console Command

You can use the model command in the console. Open the console (usually by pressing the ~ key) and type:

modelname "models/player/[modelname].mdl"

Replace [modelname].mdl with the actual file name of the model you wish to use. You will need to know the exact path to the model file. This requires knowing the file structure of your GMod installation and any addons you've installed. Incorrectly entering the path will result in an error.

Creating and Using Scripts

Experienced users can create scripts that change the player model dynamically or based on certain conditions within the game. This approach requires coding skills and a good understanding of GMod's scripting language (Lua). This is a far more advanced topic and beyond the scope of this introductory guide.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Model not appearing: Make sure you've correctly subscribed to and installed any necessary addons. Restarting GMod or rejoining the server often resolves this.
Error messages: Double-check the console for specific error messages. These usually provide clues about what went wrong.
Game crashing: This is usually caused by corrupted models or addons. Try unsubscribing from recently added addons.

Changing your player model is a simple yet impactful way to customize your GMod experience. Whether you choose from the built-in options or explore the vast world of community-created addons, you'll find the perfect character to match your playstyle. Remember to always back up your GMod files before making significant changes.