The game freezes when launching or joining a server, occurring in a completely random manner.

For example, I experience a freeze like the one in the screenshot when entering the main menu. If I wait, it eventually unfreezes, and I can most likely connect to the server normally. However, if I try to connect to a server immediately (via the launcher), I might even load into the server, but the game enters a "not responding" state. If I wait 2-3 minutes, it unfreezes, but since the server treats this as a timeout, I get disconnected and have to reconnect.

This issue started after patch 1.27.
At least 6 of my teammates (out of 7 total) are experiencing the same problem.
All of us have different PCs, but they all meet the game's recommended system requirements.

I've tried various graphical settings, running the game as an administrator, a fresh Windows 10 installation, all possible built-in launcher settings, and different screen resolutions.
I couldn't find any clear pattern or dependency causing the issue.

The issue also occurs after death—right when you get killed. There is an immediate long freeze, but it usually unfreezes within about 30 seconds, preventing a server disconnect.
All third-party recording programs and overlays are disabled.
The test is always conducted with Discord running.