GRAIN ROT Multiplayer Lobby & Privacy
Host settings that keep co-op sessions fair after Patches 1.04 and 1.05.
Patch 1.04 added the multiplayer lobby tools GRAIN ROT needed for public and friends-only hosting: lobby privacy, max player count, a view lobby menu with per-player mic volume, plus kick / ban. Patch 1.05 then fixed the bug that blocked friends from joining when privacy was set to Friends. This guide explains how to configure lobbies so your co-op tips actually reach the elevator.
GRAIN ROT supports 1–4 online players. Treat lobby settings as part of day-one hygiene alongside GPU drivers on the day-one checklist.
Why lobby settings matter
Extraction horror fails when random joiners grief extracts, mic spam drowns Corrupted callouts, or friends cannot connect because privacy is misconfigured. Before 1.04, hosts lacked clear in-game kick/ban and privacy controls. After 1.04–1.05, responsible hosting is part of the skill set — not optional etiquette.
Lobby privacy modes (post-1.04)
Exact menu labels may localize after 1.05’s localization fix, but the intent is clear:
| Mode (concept) | Who can join | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Public / Open | Broader matchmaking / open invites | Looking for fill players via Steam |
| Friends Only | Steam friends list | Regular crews and Discord LFG friends |
| Private / Invite | Explicit invites only | High-stakes deep runs |
Critical: If Friends Only joins failed for you on day-one builds, update to 1.05+ on both host and clients, then recreate the lobby. See patch notes.
Max player count
Hosts can now cap the lobby below four. Useful when:
- You want a focused duo for vessel types practice
- You are teaching a new player without two randoms joining mid-tutorial
- You are stress-testing Alone / trio pacing from extraction run
Remember the game’s design peaks at four for Spark rescue chains — capping at two changes loot and combat pressure.
View lobby menu: mic volume, kick, ban
The view lobby menu lets hosts (and possibly clients, depending on permission) adjust per-player mic volume and remove disruptive players.
Mic volume: Lower screamers without muting useful callouts. Push-to-talk on Discord/Steam still recommended in co-op tips.
Kick: Immediate remove for accidental griefing or AFK blockers in the elevator.
Ban: Harder block for repeat offenders — use for intentional extract sabotage, hate speech, or loot destruction, not for mild dropkick jokes your crew already allowed.
Document house rules before the first descent so kicks do not feel arbitrary.
Client disconnect loot (Patch 1.04)
When a client leaves, their owned items should drop on the ground or move to a lost and found crate instead of being destroyed. That protects Grinder economy when someone’s internet dies mid-layer. Hosts should ping drop locations before extracting.
Hosting checklist (two minutes)
- Update GRAIN ROT past 1.05 minimum (preferably 1.06).
- Set privacy: Friends Only for private crews; Public only if you want fills.
- Set max players to your intended squad size.
- Confirm friends can join with a quick test invite.
- Agree kick/ban and trolling rules vocally.
- Open Getting Started for new Scrappies joining mid-week.
Common lobby failures
Friend cannot join Friends Only lobby: Update to 1.05+, recreate lobby, confirm Steam friendship both ways, check firewall.
Mic too loud: Use view lobby volume before muting the whole platform.
Someone griefs extract: Kick first, ban if repeated, then continue — do not sink the run arguing.
Random joins mid-deep-run: Prefer Private/Invite for serious depth pushes.
Accessibility and language
Patch 1.05 fixed missing localization strings. If lobby labels appear blank, switch language in Steam/game settings, verify files, and report with screenshots. Keyboard and controller players share the same lobby — binds live on keyboard & mouse and Steam Deck.
Related reading
- Patch notes — 1.04 lobby tools, 1.05 friends join fix
- Co-op tips — roles and callouts
- Co-op & Spark mechanics — vessel breaks mid-session
- Official Discord — LFG channels
Related
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions.
When were lobby privacy settings added?
Patch 1.04 on August 10, 2026 added lobby privacy, max players, mic volume, and kick/ban. Patch 1.05 fixed Friends Only joins.
Why can’t my friend join a Friends Only lobby?
Update both PCs to 1.05 or newer, recreate the lobby, and confirm Steam friendship. The join bug was explicitly fixed in 1.05.
What happens to loot if a client disconnects?
After 1.04, client-owned items should drop or move to a lost and found crate instead of being destroyed.
Can I host with fewer than four players?
Yes. Use the max player count setting from Patch 1.04 to cap the lobby for duos or trios.