diff --git a/Source/options.cpp b/Source/options.cpp
index 998a6dd7b..f3f48bf96 100644
--- a/Source/options.cpp
+++ b/Source/options.cpp
@@ -269,7 +269,7 @@ void LoadOptions()
 	sgOptions.Gameplay.bFriendlyFire = GetIniBool("Game", "Friendly Fire", true);
 	sgOptions.Gameplay.bTestBard = GetIniBool("Game", "Test Bard", false);
 	sgOptions.Gameplay.bTestBarbarian = GetIniBool("Game", "Test Barbarian", false);
-	sgOptions.Gameplay.bExperienceBar = GetIniBool("Game", "Experience Bar", false);
+	sgOptions.Gameplay.bExperienceBar = GetIniBool("Game", "Experience Bar", AUTO_PICKUP_DEFAULT(false));
 	sgOptions.Gameplay.bEnemyHealthBar = GetIniBool("Game", "Enemy Health Bar", false);
 	sgOptions.Gameplay.bAutoGoldPickup = GetIniBool("Game", "Auto Gold Pickup", AUTO_PICKUP_DEFAULT(false));
 	sgOptions.Gameplay.bAdriaRefillsMana = GetIniBool("Game", "Adria Refills Mana", false);