Failed to connect to instance

I’m experiencing a persistent “Failed to connect to instance” error in Path of Exile 2 that occurs specifically during instance creation (entering new areas, portals, or town transitions).

Symptoms

The login and character selection processes do not always succeed, and having to do this multiple times

The error occurs more often when a new instance is being created

Happens repeatedly (often every area change)

Other online games and services run without any connectivity issues

Environment:

Location: United Kingdom

Connection: Wired Ethernet

Platform: PC (Windows)

Gateways tested: London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris

Occurs across peak and off-peak hours


Troubleshooting already completed

Tested multiple gateways

Restarted client, router, and PC

Verified firewall/router is not blocking the client

Tested MTU values (non-1500)

No VPN in use

Graphics settings and upscaling disabled for testing

Issue persists consistently


Additional notes

This does not appear to be a client performance or graphics issue

The behaviour strongly suggests an instance routing or handshake failure after authentication

I’m able to reproduce this reliably by entering new areas or using portals

I’m happy to provide logs, WinMTR results, or run any additional diagnostics you recommend.
Please let me know what further information would help escalate this.