Quick answer: How to Fish supports online co-op for up to eight players as of Patch 1.0.4. Have one player host, set the session to private if you only want friends, then invite the group through Steam. If joining fails, restart Steam and check the Steam relay indicator added to the main menu in Patch 1.0.9.
How many players can join?
The Steam store description still says “1–4 player,” but the developer's official Patch 1.0.4 notes added support for lobbies of up to eight. The patch note is the newer source for the live game.
| Patch | Multiplayer change |
|---|---|
| 1.0.4 | Raised the supported lobby size from four to eight players and addressed join-screen problems. |
| 1.0.5 | Added private invite-only lobbies and the option to change session type from server settings. |
| 1.0.9 | Added a Steam connection diagnostic in the main menu for relay initialization failures. |
How to host a private game
- Launch the game through Steam so the online services initialize correctly.
- Create or host the world from the multiplayer menu.
- Choose the private / invite-only session type.
- Load into the game, then invite friends through the Steam friends list or overlay.
- Wait until every invited player has loaded before travelling to another island.
Already hosting a public world?Patch 1.0.5 lets the host change the session type in server settings, but the developer notes that a restart is required after changing it.
How to join a friend
- Confirm both players are online in Steam and running the same game version.
- Accept the host's Steam invitation.
- If the invite does not open the correct world, restart Steam and the game before retrying.
- Check that the host did not switch the lobby to private after sending an older invite.
Steam relay or connection failed
Patch 1.0.9 added a short connection check in the main menu. If the Steam relay text turns red, the game did not initialize the connection correctly.
- Quit the game completely.
- Restart the Steam client, then relaunch How to Fish from your Library.
- Make sure every player is on the current patch.
- Have the host create a fresh private lobby and send a new invite.
- If the relay stays red, follow the developer's current common-bugs guidance in the official Community Discord linked from the patch notes.
Co-op tips that save a run
- Choose one host and keep that player in the session until everyone has finished travelling or saving.
- Assign one player to carry progression bait and boss trophies so they are not sold accidentally.
- During boss fights, let one player hold attention while the others maintain clear firing angles.
- Count the crew before the boat leaves; large groups make it easy to strand one player at a shop.
- Use a private lobby for planned runs instead of relying on a public server.
Official sources
- Official Steam store page — online co-op and solo support.
- Official Patch 1.0.4 notes — up to eight-player lobby support.
- Official Patch 1.0.5 notes — private lobbies and session-type controls.
- Official Patch 1.0.9 notes — Steam relay diagnostic.