foundry vtt internet connection closed

3 min read 06-03-2025

Foundry Virtual Tabletop (FoundryVTT) is a powerful tool for running online tabletop role-playing games. However, a sudden "internet connection closed" error can halt your game session. This article will guide you through troubleshooting this frustrating issue, getting you back to your campaign quickly.

Understanding the "Internet Connection Closed" Error

The "internet connection closed" error in FoundryVTT doesn't always mean your internet is down. It often signals a problem with the connection between your computer and the FoundryVTT server, be it your own or a hosted one. This can stem from various sources, including network issues, server problems, or even browser-specific glitches. Let's explore common causes and solutions.

Common Causes and Troubleshooting Steps

1. Network Connectivity Issues

Check your internet connection: The most obvious step! Ensure your internet is working properly. Try accessing other websites or online services.
Router and Modem: Restart your router and modem. This often resolves temporary glitches. Unplug them, wait 30 seconds, plug the modem back in, wait for it to fully initialize, then plug in the router.
Firewall and Antivirus: Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software to see if they're interfering. If this resolves the issue, you'll need to configure exceptions for FoundryVTT in your security settings. Remember to re-enable them afterwards!
Network congestion: High network traffic from other devices can impact FoundryVTT's performance. Close unnecessary programs and applications to free up bandwidth.
DNS issues: Try temporarily switching to a public DNS server like Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). This can sometimes resolve DNS resolution problems.

2. Server-Side Problems (If using a hosted server)

Server Status: Check the status of the server you're using. Many hosted FoundryVTT services provide status pages or announcements.
Contact Support: If the server is down or experiencing issues, contact the hosting provider's support team for assistance.

3. Browser-Related Issues

Browser Extensions: Disable browser extensions temporarily. Some extensions, particularly those related to security or ad-blocking, can interfere with FoundryVTT's connection.
Cache and Cookies: Clear your browser's cache and cookies. Outdated or corrupted data can sometimes cause problems.
Browser Update: Ensure your browser is up-to-date. Outdated browsers might have compatibility issues.
Try a Different Browser: Test FoundryVTT with a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) to rule out browser-specific problems.

4. FoundryVTT Client-Side Issues

Reinstall FoundryVTT: If other troubleshooting steps fail, consider reinstalling FoundryVTT. This can resolve corrupted files or installation errors. Make sure to back up your world data before doing this!
Check for Updates: Ensure you have the latest version of FoundryVTT installed. Updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements.

5. Port Forwarding (For self-hosted servers)

If you're hosting FoundryVTT on your own server, incorrect port forwarding settings can lead to connection problems. Ensure the correct ports are forwarded on your router. The default port for FoundryVTT is 30000, but this can be changed in the server's configuration. Consult your router's documentation for instructions on port forwarding.

Preventing Future Connection Issues

Maintain a stable internet connection: A reliable internet connection is crucial for a smooth FoundryVTT experience.
Regularly update FoundryVTT: Keeping your client up-to-date minimizes the risk of bugs causing connection problems.
Monitor server status (if using a hosted server): Regularly check for any announcements or status updates from your hosting provider.
Back up your game data: Regularly backing up your world data protects you against data loss due to unforeseen issues.

By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the "internet connection closed" error and get back to your FoundryVTT game session. Remember to be patient and persistent! If the problem persists after trying all these steps, consider seeking help from the FoundryVTT community forums – they're a great resource for troubleshooting more complex issues.