diff --git a/.drone.yml b/.drone.yml
index f94f381..f1f778a 100644
--- a/.drone.yml
+++ b/.drone.yml
@@ -17,9 +17,10 @@ steps:
       - mkdir -p bootstrap/cache
       # Set proper permissions for Laravel
       - chmod -R 775 storage bootstrap/cache
-      - php artisan key:generate
-      # Now run composer install with existing storage
+      # Now run composer install (vendor/ needed for artisan)
       - composer install --prefer-dist --no-progress --no-interaction
+      # Generate app key after composer install
+      - php artisan key:generate
       - composer validate --strict
       - echo "✓ Composer validation passed"
       # Uncomment when tests are ready: