Creating a Foundry server: the 2 methods that work

You've just laid down your first conveyors in Foundry, and the urge to share the factory with friends kicks in fast. This voxel mining game in FPS view takes on a whole new dimension with several players: everyone digs a vein, automates a line, and the base grows on its own. For that, you need a server. Two routes are open to you, and they don't call for the same time or the same skills.

Route A: building the dedicated server by hand

Grabbing the binaries via SteamCMD

Foundry ships an official dedicated server distributed through SteamCMD. You drop SteamCMD into a clean folder, run it once so it self-updates, connect anonymously, then pull the server application with app_update followed by its App ID. The files land wherever you pointed them.

First launch and config generation

The very first run of the executable creates the DedicatedServerConfig.json file. That's your dashboard: world name, password, slots. Every field is broken down in our dedicated server configuration guide.

The networking wall

That leaves the step that stumps most beginners: opening the UDP port on your router (NAT forwarding) and sharing your public IP. Between a dynamic IP, the Windows firewall and some ISPs' CGNAT, this is often where the co-op evening falls apart.

What self-hosting really costs you

• A PC that has to stay on around the clock for the game to survive.
• A machine that shares its power: the factory simulation stutters when you're playing on it at the same time.
• Zero Anti-DDoS and a personal IP exposed to anyone.
• Backups, patches, security: it all rests on your shoulders.

Route B: handing it to a host

A host clears away all the plumbing: no SteamCMD, no port to force open, no IP to publish. With Fly-Serv, setup is instant: you pick a plan, the Foundry server spins up in seconds with an address ready to share, and FlyPanel handles startup, config and files in a click. Take a look at Fly-Serv Foundry hosting from 3,99 €/month, on Ryzen 9 7950X3D with Anti-DDoS included.

A weekend test with friends? The home server does the job. A factory that has to run every day? A host saves you hours, and often money.

So which one should you pick?

If you're starting out or aiming for a stable co-op base, the fastest option is still to deploy your Foundry server with Fly-Serv. Before you decide, a look at the real prices is a must: read how much a Foundry server truly costs.