diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/unsorted.dm b/code/__HELPERS/unsorted.dm
index ada97ea385..cf5902cb0a 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/unsorted.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/unsorted.dm
@@ -1210,6 +1210,9 @@ proc/pick_closest_path(value, list/matches = get_fancy_list_of_atom_types())
 #define DELTA_CALC max(((max(world.tick_usage, world.cpu) / 100) * max(Master.sleep_delta,1)), 1)
 
 /proc/stoplag()
+	if (!Master || !(Master.current_runlevel & RUNLEVELS_DEFAULT))
+		sleep(world.tick_lag)
+		return 1
 	. = 0
 	var/i = 1
 	do