diff --git a/code/controllers/subsystem/ticker.dm b/code/controllers/subsystem/ticker.dm
index cbc338f995..3f419e92c8 100755
--- a/code/controllers/subsystem/ticker.dm
+++ b/code/controllers/subsystem/ticker.dm
@@ -193,6 +193,7 @@ SUBSYSTEM_DEF(ticker)
 			if(!setup())
 				//setup failed
 				current_state = GAME_STATE_STARTUP
+				start_at = world.time + (CONFIG_GET(number/lobby_countdown) * 10)
 				Master.SetRunLevel(RUNLEVEL_LOBBY)
 
 		if(GAME_STATE_PLAYING)