diff --git a/config.cpp b/config.cpp
index d75f39f8..13a6b317 100644
--- a/config.cpp
+++ b/config.cpp
@@ -1286,7 +1286,7 @@ EX void initConfig() {
   // modes
     
   param_b(shmup::on, "mode-shmup", false)->be_non_editable();
-  param_b(hardcore, "mode-hardcore", false)->be_non_editable();
+  param_b(hardcore, "mode-hardcore", false)->set_reaction([] { hardcore = !hardcore; switchHardcore_quiet(); });
   param_enum(land_structure, "mode-chaos", lsNiceWalls)->be_non_editable();
   #if CAP_INV
   param_b(inv::on, "mode-Orb Strategy");
diff --git a/menus.cpp b/menus.cpp
index 78efa5d4..6f300984 100644
--- a/menus.cpp
+++ b/menus.cpp
@@ -276,13 +276,17 @@ EX void enable_cheat() {
   
 // -- game modes -- 
 
-EX void switchHardcore() {
+EX void switchHardcore_quiet() {
   if(hardcore && !canmove) { 
-    restart_game();
+    if(delayed_start) stop_game(); else restart_game();
     hardcore = false;
     }
   else if(hardcore && canmove) { hardcore = false; }
   else { hardcore = true; canmove = true; hardcoreAt = turncount; }
+  }
+
+EX void switchHardcore() {
+  switchHardcore_quiet();
   if(hardcore)
       addMessage(XLAT("One wrong move and it is game over!"));
   else