[2019] Attempt to contact server before loading in character

19 hours ago, QuantumItalian said:

So I have played quite a few games, some of which ended up getting ruined by loading into the map, then attempting to contact the server, just to find out I am unable to finish the connection. 

I understand your statement and it does make sense to do that but you should not fail to connect, to begin with. So, that is the issue that needs addressing and not the other (Hard to explain). 

From what it sounds like, your character is actually loaded in but you lost connection to the server and lost all the gear. Are you on a stable network? Wired connection? Too many people using the internet at home? etc. Also, if you use Killer Network Hardware (The common alternative is Realtek), Disable Advanced Stream Detect in settings. For some reason, it comes enabled as default and messes with your game network usage. Even with Discord audio. 

5 hours ago, QuantumItalian said:

After I posted this I did some more digging and found out this may be the issue.  Currently not on the most stable of networks at the moment.  I appreciate the reply, and I believe that answers the question as well.

Sounds good!