diff --git a/Source/monster.cpp b/Source/monster.cpp
index 52ff7e7cd..3b20b3704 100644
--- a/Source/monster.cpp
+++ b/Source/monster.cpp
@@ -5158,7 +5158,7 @@ void M_FallenFear(int x, int y)
 
 const char *GetMonsterTypeText(const MonsterData &monsterData)
 {
-	const char *type;
+	const char *type = nullptr;
 
 	switch (monsterData.mMonstClass) {
 	case MC_ANIMAL: