Foundry VTT Hosting Comparison: The Forge vs Molten vs Self-Hosting
Picking where to host your Foundry VTT world shapes how you install modules, how reliable your sessions feel, and how much you pay each month. Here's how the three main options stack up — and how each handles modules from the FoundryMods directory.
Quick comparison
| Provider | Pricing | Module install | Setup effort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Forge | Free → ~$4+/mo | Bazaar one-click + manifest URL | Lowest | New GMs, large groups |
| Molten Hosting | From ~$4/mo | Manifest URL or ZIP upload | Low | Budget-conscious GMs |
| Self-Hosting | Free–$5+/mo VPS | Anything — full filesystem | High | Technical GMs, power users |
The most popular managed Foundry VTT host
Pros
- Bazaar with thousands of pre-indexed modules — one-click install
- Built-in asset library and CDN — fast loading worldwide
- Automatic backups and Foundry version upgrades
- Free tier good enough for testing and small games
Cons
- Premium / Patreon-gated modules need extra setup or higher tiers
- Less filesystem control than self-hosting
- Storage caps on paid tiers — large asset packs can hit limits
Best for: GMs who want zero setup and access to the largest module Bazaar.
Affordable Foundry-focused VPS hosting
Pros
- Cheap entry tier with no artificial player caps
- Direct filesystem access — drop in any module ZIP
- Multi-world support on most plans
- Foundry-specialised support staff
Cons
- No equivalent of the Bazaar — install modules manually via manifest URL or ZIP
- Smaller integrated asset library than The Forge
- Less hand-holding for first-time GMs
Best for: Cost-conscious GMs who want more control without managing a full Linux box.
Run Foundry on your own hardware or VPS
Pros
- Unlimited storage and full filesystem control
- No third-party in the loop — your data stays yours
- Easy to back up, snapshot, and migrate between machines
- Works great with Docker images for reproducible setups
Cons
- You manage updates, backups, port forwarding, and SSL
- Home internet uptime / NAT can be tricky without a VPS
- No built-in CDN — large maps can be slow for remote players
Best for: Technical GMs who want full control, no storage caps, and no recurring host fees.
Which should you pick?
If you're new to Foundry VTT or run games with players scattered across continents, start with The Forge. The Bazaar makes module discovery painless and you'll never touch a config file.
If you want more for your money and don't mind pasting a manifest URL once in a while, Molten Hosting is the sweet spot — VPS-style control with Foundry-aware support.
If you already run a homelab or VPS, self-hosting is hard to beat. You get unlimited storage, zero recurring host fees, and the most flexibility for authenticated FoundryMods installs.
Installing FoundryMods modules anywhere
Every module listed on FoundryMods works on all three hosting options. Free modules install with a public manifest URL pasted into Foundry's standard "Install Module" dialog. Premium / Patreon-gated modules use authenticated manifest URLs that you generate from the module's page on FoundryMods once you've connected your Patreon account.
FAQ
What is the best Foundry VTT hosting provider?
It depends on your priorities. The Forge wins on convenience and module discovery, Molten wins on price-to-control ratio, and self-hosting wins on flexibility and long-term cost.
Can I install FoundryMods modules on The Forge?
Yes. Public modules install via the standard manifest URL flow. Tier-gated modules use an authenticated install link you generate from the module's page on FoundryMods.
Do I need a hosting provider to use Foundry VTT?
No — Foundry runs locally on any machine. Hosting providers exist so your world stays online 24/7 without your PC needing to be on.