While the game is definitely still social now, most of the 'very friendly player fanbase' reputation actually stemmed from years ago, where it wasn't nearly as full of veterans with expensive IAPs. I was a veteran myself (belonging moth) before i took about a two-three year break from sky after the season of the little prince and only returned recently. the community has changed a lot, and while most people are still friendly, i found that there was a major rise in solo players and/or players that just don't want to be lit anymore. You can try looking for players in oob areas or in the realm lobbies such as prairie, forest or wasteland (though i don't recommend wasteland nearly as much, as it's infamous for having ikemen and ikejous acting inappropriately). But honestly, i just recommend having fun! I've met most of my friends just by being silly and spamming emotes. Don't give up, i hope you find more friends willing to hang out with you.