diff --git a/src/pc/network/packets/packet_join.c b/src/pc/network/packets/packet_join.c
index fefcf15f..7af60ead 100644
--- a/src/pc/network/packets/packet_join.c
+++ b/src/pc/network/packets/packet_join.c
@@ -80,6 +80,7 @@ void network_send_join(struct Packet* joinRequestPacket) {
     u8 globalIndex = joinRequestPacket->localIndex;
     if (globalIndex == UNKNOWN_LOCAL_INDEX) {
         for (u32 i = 1; i < MAX_PLAYERS; i++) {
+            if (i >= gServerSettings.maxPlayers) { break; }
             if (!gNetworkPlayers[i].connected) {
                 globalIndex = i;
                 break;