BetterBuild is a lightweight sandbox build mode system for Garry’s Mod.
It allows players to toggle a dedicated Build Mode, preventing damage, handling PvP cooldowns, restricting noclip, and clearly showing who is currently building — while remaining multiplayer-safe and compatible with servers where clients may not have the addon installed.
- Toggleable build mode via chat commands or console
- Prevents player damage while in build mode
- Prevents prop-kill and vehicle damage from builders
- Optional PvP detection with cooldown
- Optional noclip restriction outside build mode
- Billboard text above players in build mode
- Server-wide announcements when players enter or leave build mode
- Customizable message colors and text
- CPPI-compatible prop ownership detection
- Safe fallbacks for clients without the addon installed
!build— Toggle build mode!pvp— Leave or toggle build mode
build_mode— Toggle build mode
Players cannot enter build mode while in combat if PvP detection is enabled.
| ConVar | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
betterbuild_text |
Text displayed above players in build mode | "Building" |
betterbuild_font |
Font used for the billboard text | "DermaDefault" |
betterbuild_textcolor |
RGB color of the build text | "255, 165, 0" |
betterbuild_pvpWarningMessage |
Message shown when entering build during combat | "You can't join build mode while in combat!" |
| ConVar | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
betterbuild_enterBuildCommand |
Chat command to toggle build mode | !build |
betterbuild_enterLeaveCommand |
Alternate chat command | !pvp |
betterbuild_chatCooldown |
Cooldown between chat command uses (seconds) | 5 |
betterbuild_detectPVP |
Enable PvP detection | true |
betterbuild_pvpCooldown |
PvP cooldown duration (seconds) | 60 |
betterbuild_allowNoclipOutsideBuildMode |
Allow noclip outside build mode | false |
| ConVar | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
betterbuild_announceEnteringBuildMode |
Announce entering build mode | true |
betterbuild_announceEnterMessage |
Enter message text | {addonprefix} {player} has entered build mode! |
betterbuild_announceEnterMessageColor |
RGB color of enter message | 255 255 255 |
betterbuild_announceExitingBuildMode |
Announce leaving build mode | true |
betterbuild_announceExitMessage |
Exit message text | {addonprefix} {player} has left build mode! |
betterbuild_announceExitMessageColor |
RGB color of exit message | 255 255 255 |
Supported placeholders:
{player}— Player name{addonprefix}— Optional addon prefix
- Compatible with CPPI-based prop protection
- Graceful fallback if no prop protection is installed
- Clients without the addon will not error or crash
- Safe for multiplayer environments
- Subscribe on the Steam Workshop or
- Clone/download this repository into: garrysmod/addons/betterbuild
- Restart the server
Found a bug or want to suggest an improvement?
Please open an issue and include:
- What happened
- Steps to reproduce
- Any console errors or warnings
GitHub repository:
https://github.com/n1lordduck/BetterBuild
Pull requests are welcome.
MIT License