There are players that join the game, try to look for the settings right away, and immediately notice how slow they move.

The first thing I do in any new game usually is checking the settings.

If you don't move the settings, perhaps move the player to the settings after doing the T-pose, until a toggle is changed to spawn at the circle on next load.

I worry we're losing some people as soon as they start because of this. It's not explained until they ask in the discord or on steam.

If nothing else, a nice big arrow that says "SETTINGS" on/above it to guide them might be enough for now. (once again would be toggled off (likely the same as the "tool tips" toggle))