Garry’s Mod is a game built on endless creativity, and if you’re just stepping into the chaos or even if you’ve been around for a while, mods are where the magic really starts. Whether you’re looking to deepen your NPC experience, get serious about weapon systems, or just want your UI to feel sleek and modern, this guide walks you through five absolutely essential categories of mods that every player should have in their GMod library. These are not just some random picks—these are the building blocks that define your experience in the sandbox.
1. NPC Bases – The Backbone of Your Sandbox Battles
When it comes to populating your world with interactive characters, NPC bases form the core infrastructure. These bases are like frameworks upon which other modders build entire characters, behaviors, and interactions. Without them, many of the most advanced and beloved NPC packs simply won’t work.
Let’s start with the Captain Base. Though currently undergoing a remake, it’s still notable for the iconic characters that used it—SCP NPCs, Thanos, Iron Man, and even a shield-bashing Captain America. This base offers some epic character mods that bring superhero flair into your game, and once the remake is complete, expect it to be even better.
Then we have the legendary VJ Base (aka Dr. Vrej Base), one of the most widely adopted and versatile NPC systems in GMod. It introduces possession mechanics, relationship adjusters, custom HUDs, and it neatly categorizes all VJ-based NPCs into an intuitive layout. It’s also known for its compatibility with massive packs like Vindictus NPCs and the chaotic Painkillers pack. If you’re the kind of player who likes massive, customizable battles, VJ Base is where your journey begins.
But now, there’s a new player in town: DRGBase. This one shifts gears with its focus on NextBots—a different kind of NPC that uses navigation meshes instead of node graphs. That means they move smarter, react better, and often feel more lifelike. Notable examples include the Trolls pack and the jaw-dropping Hydra, complete with dynamic color shifts and powerful attacks. If you’re into creatures like Godzilla or MechaGodzilla, you’ll likely find them DRG-powered. DRGBase is quickly becoming a new standard.
Each of these NPC bases serves a different purpose, but if you want a fully dynamic NPC ecosystem, you need them all. They’re foundational.
2. Weapon Bases – Customize Your Arsenal
Once you’ve set up your NPCs, you’re going to need a way to take them down—and that means weapons. Weapon bases are more than just guns; they define how weapons behave, how they’re modified, and how immersive the shooting experience becomes.
First up is Customizable Weaponry 2.0, a long-time favorite that lets you personalize just about every part of your firearm. Want to change barrels, stocks, or magazines? You can. Even tiny cosmetic changes like Bokeh filters or blurred scopes are options. Pressing the ‘C’ key opens a rich customization menu with enough detail to keep you tweaking for hours. It’s especially great if you’re looking for a tactical, realistic loadout system.
Next is TFA Base, which supports a ton of high-quality weapons including fan-favorite Call of Duty Wonder Weapons. It’s detailed, robust, and brings serious punch. You can view weapon stats, customize options, and dive into a growing collection of high-quality content. Like Customizable Weaponry, pressing ‘C’ gives you quick access to all the juicy mechanics under the hood.
Finally, there’s ArcCW (Arctic Weapons). This is the go-to weapon system if you’re after a professional, minimal UI with Call of Duty-style perks and detailed attachment information. ArcCW strikes a balance between realism and flexibility, and the drop-down menu system it uses is intuitive. In fact, it’s so well-designed that it’s the primary choice for many creators. If you’re building a modern combat sandbox, this is your starting point.
3. Wiremod – Build Anything
Wiremod isn’t just a mod—it’s a whole programming platform inside Garry’s Mod. It’s the toolset behind the crazy contraptions you’ve probably encountered on RP servers—remote-controlled doors, advanced security systems, even functioning computers.
It’s not easy at first. The learning curve is real. But once you understand how to hook buttons, timers, and logic gates together, Wiremod opens up entirely new possibilities for automation and design. You can toggle lights, create traps, launchers, and complex mechanisms all with in-game logic. Whether you’re crafting a security system or just trying to make a lightbulb turn on with a button (we’ve all been there), Wiremod is essential.
4. Heads-Up Displays (HUDs) – A New Look for GMod
If you’re still using the default Half-Life 2 HUD, you’re seriously missing out. Modern HUDs in GMod bring clarity, style, and functionality. And there’s no reason to settle when the community has created some exceptional options.
Start with Synthetic HUD, a simple, clean display that sits at the bottom of your screen. It dynamically adapts to the weapon you’re holding and features a stylish ammo meter that encourages immersion. It’s minimal, sleek, and effective.
Next, Fallout HUD brings the iconic layout of the post-apocalyptic RPG into GMod. Health and AP bars sit in the corners, giving it an authentic feel. The VATS system may be gone now, but the aesthetics are still very much alive. If you’re a Fallout fan, this one’s a no-brainer.
But the king of modern GMod HUDs is HoloHUD. It’s clean, responsive, and it disappears when you’re not using it—perfect for cinematic or immersive play. Featuring a compass, a refined weapon wheel, and subtle health/ammo indicators, HoloHUD manages to stay out of your way while still providing all the feedback you need. It’s so smooth you might forget it’s even there.
5. Vehicles – Don’t Just Walk, Ride in Style
Vehicles are criminally underrated in GMod. They’re not just props—they’re fully functioning, often highly customizable systems that can really elevate your sandbox world.
S-Cars (also called Scars) is a classic car pack with basic customization and great control feel. While the visuals may feel a bit dated, the driving mechanics are rock solid and surprisingly satisfying.
For a visual upgrade, there’s the work of the Danish Master, particularly the Lamborghini packs. These models are meticulously crafted, inside and out. Interiors resemble something out of Forza, complete with animated steering wheels and rich textures. You can even swap between matte, gloss, and carbon finishes using simple texture swaps.
But don’t stop at the ground level. WAC Aircraft opens up the skies with intuitive helicopter and aircraft controls. It’s shockingly easy to learn—you can take off and fly in minutes. The aircraft support passengers, combat, and tons of expansion packs. Whether you’re reenacting a dogfight or just soaring above the city, WAC Aircraft delivers a next-level experience.
Final Thoughts
These five categories—NPC bases, weapon bases, Wiremod, HUDs, and vehicles—are the pillars of a great Garry’s Mod experience. Each one opens up a new layer of creativity, interaction, and immersion. Whether you’re building elaborate machines, diving into intense NPC battles, or customizing your perfect weapon, these mods are essential tools for making GMod your own. Download them, experiment with them, and find your style.
And if you’ve got any must-have picks or recommendations, drop them in the comments—there’s always something new to discover in the world of Garry’s Mod.
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