diff --git a/code/controllers/master.dm b/code/controllers/master.dm
index 70552e0ccb..2b1e9bcda9 100644
--- a/code/controllers/master.dm
+++ b/code/controllers/master.dm
@@ -62,7 +62,8 @@ GLOBAL_REAL(Master, /datum/controller/master) = new
 	var/static/current_ticklimit = TICK_LIMIT_RUNNING
 
 /datum/controller/master/New()
-	config = new
+	if(!config)
+		config = new
 	// Highlander-style: there can only be one! Kill off the old and replace it with the new.
 
 	if(!random_seed)