diff --git a/src/p_setup.c b/src/p_setup.c
index 8b6133e48..0d728d450 100644
--- a/src/p_setup.c
+++ b/src/p_setup.c
@@ -4225,7 +4225,9 @@ boolean P_LoadLevel(boolean fromnetsave, boolean reloadinggamestate)
 		return true;
 
 	// If so...
-	G_PreLevelTitleCard();
+	// but not if joining because the fade may time us out
+	if (!fromnetsave)
+		G_PreLevelTitleCard();
 
 	return true;
 }