i already use google's DNS, internet explorer... riiiiiiigt lets just assume ive never touched that and its already default.

my ISP doesnt block any ports and is sure that my internet is functioning fine, so its on my end.

initially i thought it was an issue with port forwarding, but after disconnecting my router and connecting directly to the modem to bypass the router completely i had no change, and it still didnt work. my next thought was windows firewall or a bad update, so i turned off firewall and re-updated my windows, neither of which worked. i guess all thats left is for me to re download and patch the game... if that still doesnt fix it then ill likely be pursuing a refund on my purchase.