diff --git a/debug.cpp b/debug.cpp
index 1821474c..6ee2850d 100644
--- a/debug.cpp
+++ b/debug.cpp
@@ -168,7 +168,7 @@ vector<cheatkey> cheats = {
   cheatkey{'R'-64, "advance the rose wave", buildRosemap},
   #if CAP_EDIT
   cheatkey{'A', "start the Map Editor", [] {
-    lastexplore = turncount;
+    lastexplore = shmup::on ? shmup::curtime : turncount;
     pushScreen(mapeditor::showMapEditor);
     }},
   cheatkey{'A'-64, "start the Vector Graphics Editor", [] {
diff --git a/menus.cpp b/menus.cpp
index 0f93d480..218835bc 100644
--- a/menus.cpp
+++ b/menus.cpp
@@ -329,7 +329,7 @@ EX void showCreative() {
     dialog::cheat_if_confirmed([] {
       cheater++;
       pushScreen(mapeditor::showMapEditor);
-      lastexplore = turncount;
+      lastexplore = shmup::on ? shmup::curtime : turncount;
       addMessage(XLAT("You activate your terraforming powers!"));
       });
     });