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 75633b4a164..5c63753a382 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/silicon/robot/drone/drone_manufacturer.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/silicon/robot/drone/drone_manufacturer.dm
@@ -27,8 +27,11 @@
 
 /obj/machinery/drone_fabricator/process()
 
+	if(ticker.current_state < GAME_STATE_PLAYING)
+		return
+
 	if(stat & NOPOWER || !produce_drones)
-		icon_state = "drone_fab_nopower"
+		if(icon_state != "drone_fab_nopower") icon_state = "drone_fab_nopower"
 		return
 
 	if(drone_progress >= 100)