Creating a Virtual Item Shop on a Garry's Mod Server

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to create a virtual item shop where players can spend their virtual currency to purchase in-game items. We'll set up a Lua script that lists available items, handles transactions by deducting the appropriate amount of virtual currency, and simulates giving the item to the player—all managed via the VolticHost Game Panel. 🚀

📌 Prerequisites

• A Garry's Mod server purchased at VolticHost.com

• Access to the VolticHost Game Panel

• A previously implemented virtual currency system (refer to the "Implementing a Virtual Currency System" tutorial)

• Basic knowledge of Lua scripting and server file management

• A list of virtual items with their prices

1️⃣ First Step - Creating the Virtual Item Shop Script

1. Log in to VolticHost Game Panel.

2. Navigate to the File Manager from the main dashboard.

3. Go to the /garrysmod/lua/autorun/server/ directory.

4. Create a new file named shop_system.lua.

5. Open shop_system.lua for editing and paste the following code snippet:

   if SERVER then
       -- Define available shop items
       local shopItems = {
           ["health_pack"] = {price = 50, itemName = "Health Pack"},
           ["ammo_box"] = {price = 75, itemName = "Ammo Box"}
       }
       
       -- Command for players to purchase an item
       concommand.Add("buy_item", function(ply, cmd, args)
           local itemKey = args[1]
           if not itemKey or not shopItems[itemKey] then
               ply:ChatPrint("Invalid item. Usage: buy_item <item_key>")
               return
           end
           
           local price = shopItems[itemKey].price
           local steamID = ply:SteamID()
           -- Assume playerCurrency table is available from the virtual currency system
           if playerCurrency[steamID] and playerCurrency[steamID] >= price then
               playerCurrency[steamID] = playerCurrency[steamID] - price
               ply:ChatPrint("You purchased a " .. shopItems[itemKey].itemName .. " for $" .. price)
               -- Insert code here to give the item to the player
           else
               ply:ChatPrint("Insufficient funds!")
           end
       end)
   end
   

6. Save the file after editing.

7. Restart your server from the VolticHost Game Panel to load the new shop script.

✅ Virtual item shop script created and loaded successfully!

2️⃣ Next Step - Testing and Enhancing the Shop

1. Join your server and open the in-game console.

2. Test the shop by entering a command such as:

   buy_item health_pack
   

3. Check that the script correctly deducts the virtual currency and displays a confirmation message.

4. If needed, edit shop_system.lua to add more items or adjust pricing.

5. Restart your server after making any changes to test the updated shop.

✅ Virtual item shop tested and enhanced successfully!

🎉 Conclusion

You have now successfully created a virtual item shop on your Garry's Mod server using the VolticHost Game Panel! Players can now spend their virtual currency to purchase items, making in-game transactions more engaging. 🚀

For more assistance, contact VolticHost Support.