For some strange reason, this problem is caused by my antivirus, Avast Internet Security paid version. Even though you have been allowed through the firewall, it still seems to not work. I disabled my firewall screen and then I could get through. All my other steam games have no trouble so I don’t know what is different about last epoch. anyway, I am able to play now so thanks for responding. And good luck with the beta.
Allanah