diff --git a/src/simulation/elements/LIFE.cpp b/src/simulation/elements/LIFE.cpp
index b64b101f1..2e28ee262 100644
--- a/src/simulation/elements/LIFE.cpp
+++ b/src/simulation/elements/LIFE.cpp
@@ -91,6 +91,8 @@ static int graphics(GRAPHICS_FUNC_ARGS)
 
 static void create(ELEMENT_CREATE_FUNC_ARGS)
 {
+	if (v == -1)
+		v = 0;
 	// * 0x200000: No need to look for colours, they'll be set later anyway.
 	bool skipLookup = v & 0x200000;
 	v &= 0x1FFFFF;