Source-checked

Confirmed

  • Official 1.0.9 notes made Wide the default for new users and players who fully reset their settings.
  • Official 1.0.11 notes removed Lobby Search Range settings and changed lobbies to fastest-response search.

No guesswork

Not confirmed

  • Fastest-response search does not guarantee an active lobby, a compatible version, or multiplayer support for a specific activity.

Do this first

Fast checklist

  1. 01

    Install Update 1.0.11 or the current later update on every player's device.

  2. 02

    Do not look for Wide; the old Lobby Search Range setting was removed.

  3. 03

    Choose a current multiplayer-supported activity and use its lobby or Quick Entry flow.

  4. 04

    If the game shows a version warning, update the affected player before searching again.

What changed in Update 1.0.11

Update 1.0.11 removed the Lobby Search Range controls. The official notes say lobbies now search by fastest response time, so there is no current Wide or Narrow choice to save.

What older guides got right

Wide was a real setting in the 1.0.9-era flow, and existing players could need to change it manually. That advice is now historical rather than a current troubleshooting step.

What to do when search is still empty

Confirm everyone is on the same current version, follow the activity's live multiplayer flow, and check any version warning before retrying. Search timing and player population still matter even when the game uses fastest-response matching.

Quick answers

FAQ

Can I still choose Wide after Update 1.0.11?

No. Update 1.0.11 removed Lobby Search Range settings; current lobbies use fastest-response search.

Why is the lobby still empty?

Fastest-response search does not create players. Confirm the activity supports multiplayer, resolve any version warning, and retry at another time if no compatible lobby is available.

Proof, not vibes

Sources

LevelLime is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with Hound13 Inc., Valve, or Steam. Community posts can inspire questions, but the factual claims above are checked against the linked official sources.