Stuck on "Starting Client" loading screen with error message "Could not connect to server"

[Baam]

Just started the game yesterday, me and my friend played for 1 hour plus and we stopped for a break. Then we continue on playing together for 4 hours straight with no issues. But today I cant seem to connect to my friends server(he is the host) and I have been stuck on the loading screen for more than 30 mins now with continuing restarting the game to no avail when yesterday there weren't issues on this. Seeking immediate help.

[Earl of Lemon Grab]

This is the same for me, worked fine prior to .54 update now i can't connect to any online games as guest

[Jin]

it is not the real fix, but tell ur friend to exot out of the game completely then restart the game. then tell him to host without actually starting. if he invites u in that phase or if u find his game on the game browser list, u should be able to join the game.