The direct answer
The official FAQ says there is no online random matchmaking. That means the game does not promise an automatic public room populated with strangers who are waiting for the same activity. Treat this as a core buying and planning fact because the game’s puzzles and proximity communication are designed around a cooperating group.
What the game expects instead
The intended route is a known group that can meet and communicate over time. The host starts the world, friends join through the platform relationship when possible, and a session Join Code covers the case where the friend does not appear automatically. This makes group logistics part of the game’s setup, not a hidden settings toggle.
Why random rooms are a poor assumption
Big Walk uses shared discoveries, distance and communication as part of its play. A group that does not know who is listening or where each player is can spend more time explaining than exploring. The official sources do not say strangers can never cooperate, but they do not provide a public matchmaking feature to organize that experience.
Community alternatives
A Reddit LFG and Discord megathread shows that players do look for groups outside the game. That evidence is useful for explaining demand, but the community is self-built and not an official House House support channel. Any stable invitation, moderation policy or player count on a community page is subject to change and should be checked before linking it as a recommendation.
The safe joining flow
First confirm that the player uses a listed platform and that the group has a host. Try the platform friend list, then ask the host for the current Join Code. Keep the code private to the intended group and do not confuse it with a permanent account ID or an open lobby password.
What if nobody is online
There is no official random queue to fall back on, and there is no single-player mode for a full campaign. The practical options are to schedule a group, use a third-party LFG source with normal privacy caution or wait for friends. The source set does not support a promise that an official public community will fill the gap.
The purchase decision
Buy Big Walk expecting a fixed co-op group rather than a drop-in matchmaking game. If your group can meet, the lack of random matchmaking is a manageable setup choice. If automatic strangers are essential, mark the game as a poor fit until an official update changes the rule.