diff --git a/engine/server/sv_main.c b/engine/server/sv_main.c
index 66b04a969..8845419e1 100644
--- a/engine/server/sv_main.c
+++ b/engine/server/sv_main.c
@@ -567,6 +567,9 @@ SV_IsSimulating
 */
 static qboolean SV_IsSimulating( void )
 {
+	if( Host_IsDedicated( ))
+		return true; // always active for dedicated servers
+
 	if( sv.background && SV_Active() && CL_Active())
 	{
 		if( CL_IsInConsole( ))
@@ -574,9 +577,6 @@ static qboolean SV_IsSimulating( void )
 		return true; // force simulating for background map
 	}
 
-	if( Host_IsDedicated() )
-		return true; // always active for dedicated servers
-
 	if( !SV_HasActivePlayers( ))
 		return false;