I am having an issue that when ever I log out or get kicked out of a multi player game when I am not the host (Happens a lot, even after the last update) my hotbar items have been mixed up. Even though I have assigned spots for my tools they get randomized. I assign them by clicking on the tool and then the number I want it assigned to. I see the assigned indicator in the hot bar so I know it worked. If I am assigning it incorrectly, please let me know.
The known issue with a non host player getting kicked out and returning with nothing in inventory and having the start up prompts show up has happened to me and other players when I host. We work around it by loading a prior save and the player gets their items back. The problem with this is when it happens and the host has been playing for awhile prior to someone joining, the work around would cause them to lose all their progress and is not really feasible.
I play on a Predator Helios 500 PH517-51 PC with 16 GB Ram, Win 10 through Steam