diff --git a/objects/player.gd b/objects/player.gd
index a41b635..12f58f0 100644
--- a/objects/player.gd
+++ b/objects/player.gd
@@ -51,6 +51,7 @@ func _ready():
 	Input.mouse_mode = Input.MOUSE_MODE_CAPTURED
 	rotation_delta = Vector2.ZERO
 
+	weapon = weapons[weapon_index]  # weapon must never be nil
 	initiate_change_weapon(weapon_index)