diff --git a/code/controllers/subsystem/ticker.dm b/code/controllers/subsystem/ticker.dm
index d3cb19c40e..886799be34 100644
--- a/code/controllers/subsystem/ticker.dm
+++ b/code/controllers/subsystem/ticker.dm
@@ -119,6 +119,7 @@ SUBSYSTEM_DEF(ticker)
 /datum/controller/subsystem/ticker/proc/request_start()
 	if(current_state == GAME_STATE_PREGAME)
 		time_left = 0
+		delay_start = FALSE
 
 	// Killswitch if hanging or interrupted
 	if(SSnightmare.stat != NIGHTMARE_STATUS_DONE)