Game always crashing (locks) at Class Selection

[onlinepokies]

Hi,

Specs PC:
Win 11
CPU: i9-13900K - liquid cooled
GPU: 4080 gigabyte
PSU: Corsair 1000W
Ram: Corsair 32g DDR5 @6400htz
Internet: Ethernet

All drivers are up to date.

The game runs fine, right up until the "Class" selection appears immediately after speaking with Baurus.

ctrl + alt + delete, nothing functions, the entire system locks up. Hence, have to hold thew power button for 3 sec or so, and the system powers down.

Any help, suggestions how to fix this problem, appreciated, thanks.