diff --git a/code/game/objects/items/devices/flashlight.dm b/code/game/objects/items/devices/flashlight.dm
index 5ce2f9480b..9f9fca208e 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/items/devices/flashlight.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/items/devices/flashlight.dm
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 	actions_types = list(/datum/action/item_action/toggle_light)
 	var/on = 0
 	var/brightness_on = 4 //range of light when on
-	var/flashlight_power //strength of the light when on. optional
+	var/flashlight_power = 1 //strength of the light when on
 
 /obj/item/device/flashlight/Initialize()
 	..()