Random Game Freezes/Black Screens (POE2)

Since the update I've experienced random freezing/black screens that pause my game and reload. It doesn't crash the client, the game acts like it has reentered the map/re-rendering it, but when I play with friends it doesn't pause and causes my character to keep running or stand in place (based on what I was doing)

The blackscreen lasts about 5-10 seconds on average randomly.

I've never had this issue prior to this update.

GPU: GeForce RTX 3060
CPU: i9-14900K
RAM: 64GB 6000MHz CL34

I have updated my drivers, verified integrity of files, and even downloaded nvidia panel just in case.

Also I'm using DX12 - all minimal settings set for Performance over Quality and I usually maintain around 130 FPS

Any idea what could be causing this issue?

I'm too afraid to play with friends now that this has happened consistently

It usually happens after about 45min~2hours of game time. Sometimes (rarely) happens around 30minutes (just happened while shopping for cosmetics in the microtransaction store.