diff --git a/code/controllers/subsystem/mapping.dm b/code/controllers/subsystem/mapping.dm
index a2d6eaf8f7..cf66dc5a2a 100644
--- a/code/controllers/subsystem/mapping.dm
+++ b/code/controllers/subsystem/mapping.dm
@@ -454,7 +454,7 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_EMPTY(the_station_areas)
 
 	var/choice = alert(src, "What kind of level would you like to load?", "Load Away/VR", AWAY_MISSION_NAME, VIRT_REALITY_NAME, "Cancel")
 
-	var/list/possible_options = list("Custom")
+	var/list/possible_options
 	var/list/ztraits
 	switch(choice)
 		if(VIRT_REALITY_NAME)
@@ -469,6 +469,7 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_EMPTY(the_station_areas)
 		else
 			return
 
+	possible_options += "Custom"
 	var/away_name
 	var/datum/space_level/away_level