diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/silicon/robot/drone/drone_manufacturer.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/silicon/robot/drone/drone_manufacturer.dm
index 5788bfa121..7ffc125506 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/silicon/robot/drone/drone_manufacturer.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/silicon/robot/drone/drone_manufacturer.dm
@@ -28,7 +28,10 @@
 
 /obj/machinery/drone_fabricator/process()
 
-	if(stat & NOPOWER || !produce_drones)
+	if(ticker.current_state < GAME_STATE_PLAYING)
+		return
+
+	if((stat & NOPOWER || !produce_drones) && icon_state != "drone_fab_nopower")
 		icon_state = "drone_fab_nopower"
 		return
 
@@ -83,6 +86,11 @@
 	set name = "Join As Drone"
 	set desc = "If there is a powered, enabled fabricator in the game world with a prepared chassis, join as a maintenance drone."
 
+
+	if(ticker.current_state < GAME_STATE_PLAYING)
+		src << "\red The game hasn't started yet!"
+		return
+
 	if(!(config.allow_drone_spawn))
 		src << "\red That verb is not currently permitted."
 		return