Can't Join/Host a Multiplayer Game

[PSIPHON]

Got the game for my friend earlier this week, and was hoping to play with him sometime after finals. However, every time I try to join his game or invite him to mine I get a connection error (if I even get the choice at all). For example, I have tried inviting him through Steam and direct codes, but neither work. The invite through Steam option (in game) doesn't even open Steam for me to invite him, and the direct code leads to him getting the error message. When I select multiplayer on the main menu and go to 'online' I get a message saying "Not connected to online community servers" but I can't find any way to fix this.

I have tried joining him, and he has no issue sending the invite, but I cannot join him when I select play or paste his code. I get the same error or Steam will not join him in the invite through messages.

I know the game is early access (and I have no plans to return it anyway) but I would really like to play with him. Anyone have the same issue or even a solution?