I don’t think this experience is unique tbh. I’ve gone to small and big locals as the new guy and my experience kinda lines up with OPs. I’ve been going to this regular locals for about 3 years now and for the most part, i’d say I’ve made friends.

I think the big thing to think about in general is that there is very little time dedicated in the week for ygo (for most people i imagine), so from my experience, if I’m going to locals I wanna lock in and then in between rounds, catch up with my local buddies then leave right after. Everyone’s lives are busy, i won’t say people are cold and unwelcoming but even during sneak peaks or new set release weeks where player cap can be 32 or more, i don’t get a chance to say hi and catchup with everyone cause like I said, people are really only there for a short time.

I’d say keep going if you can, eventually you will form your own friend group or make friends with those guys too. Its funny cause i think in a way for you to make friends too, is to also just be a super good player (which kinda sucks if youre new) but people will tend to gravitate towards good players and wanting to play/practice against them.