diff --git a/code/modules/mapfluff/ruins/lavalandruin_code/puzzle.dm b/code/modules/mapfluff/ruins/lavalandruin_code/puzzle.dm
index 14c17b62192..23747bc525b 100644
--- a/code/modules/mapfluff/ruins/lavalandruin_code/puzzle.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mapfluff/ruins/lavalandruin_code/puzzle.dm
@@ -223,6 +223,10 @@
 		puzzle_small.pixel_y = 7
 		add_overlay(puzzle_small)
 
+/obj/structure/puzzle_element/update_icon(updates=ALL) // to prevent update_appearance calls from cutting the overlays and not adding them back
+	. = ..()
+	set_puzzle_icon()
+
 /obj/structure/puzzle_element/Destroy()
 	if(source)
 		source.elements -= src