diff --git a/similar/main/gameseq.cpp b/similar/main/gameseq.cpp
index 5e417bd0c..a3353b58d 100644
--- a/similar/main/gameseq.cpp
+++ b/similar/main/gameseq.cpp
@@ -691,7 +691,8 @@ void init_player_stats_new_ship(const playernum_t pnum)
 		? MAX_OMEGA_CHARGE
 		: 0;
 	player_info.Omega_recharge_delay = 0;
-	player_info.hoard.orbs = 0;
+	if (game_mode_hoard())
+		player_info.hoard.orbs = 0;
 #endif
 	player_info.powerup_flags |= map_granted_flags_to_player_flags(GrantedItems);
 	DXX_MAKE_VAR_UNDEFINED(player_info.cloak_time);