Overview
Foundry VTT requires a valid license key to initialize core game management services. A single license grants permission to host one dedicated server instance at a time with unlimited concurrent players. License activation requires outbound HTTPS access from the server container to foundryvtt.com during the initial validation check.
Locating Your License Key
- Log in to your account at foundryvtt.com.
- Go to your user profile and select Purchased Licenses.
- Copy the software license key associated with your purchase.
Method 1: Browser-Based Activation
When your server boots for the first time without a licensed configuration:
- Open your server address in a web browser (
http://<SERVER_IP>:30000or your HTTPS domain). - On the Setup welcome screen, paste your license key into the activation prompt.
- Review and accept the Foundry Virtual Tabletop End User License Agreement.
- Click Submit. Foundry VTT initiates an outbound request to
foundryvtt.com:443to authenticate your license. - Upon successful validation, Foundry loads the administrative Setup dashboard, prompting you to set an Administrator Access Key.
Method 2: Automated Timed URL Activation in DustBowl Warden
In DustBowl Warden, you can provision or reinstall a fresh Foundry VTT instance without entering the license key in the web interface by using a temporary Timed URL.
- Log in at foundryvtt.com and navigate to Purchased Licenses.
- Locate the Node.js release section for your desired target version.
- Click Generate Timed URL. This creates an authenticated, time-limited direct download URL valid for approximately 60 minutes.
- Copy the generated URL string.
- In the DustBowl Warden dashboard, navigate to Startup Parameters.
- Paste the URL into the
FOUNDRY_TIMED_URLvariable. - Start or reinstall the server. DustBowl Warden automatically pulls the official application package, validates the license entitlement, and prepares the installation.
Important
Because Timed URLs expire within one hour, generate the link immediately before triggering installation in DustBowl Warden.
Migrating a License to a New Host
To transfer your Foundry VTT license to a new server:
- On your current server, access the administrative Setup screen.
- Click the gear icon in the top navigation bar.
- Select Deactivate License and confirm the prompt.
- On your new DustBowl Warden server, proceed with standard license activation.
If your previous server suffered catastrophic hardware failure or is inaccessible, contact Foundry support to release the entitlement lock.
Troubleshooting Activation Errors
- License Key Not Found: Ensure you are copying the key from Purchased Licenses rather than an order receipt or Discord role token. License keys are case-sensitive.
- Unable to Contact Authentication Server: Verify the server container has outbound internet connectivity over port 443. In the Warden terminal, test connectivity:
curl -I https://foundryvtt.com - Port 30000 Inaccessible: If the setup page fails to load in your browser, verify port allocations under the Network tab in DustBowl Warden.