diff --git a/core/src/main/java/com/shatteredpixel/shatteredpixeldungeon/Badges.java b/core/src/main/java/com/shatteredpixel/shatteredpixeldungeon/Badges.java
index 4c15a5cdc..6b065e19f 100644
--- a/core/src/main/java/com/shatteredpixel/shatteredpixeldungeon/Badges.java
+++ b/core/src/main/java/com/shatteredpixel/shatteredpixeldungeon/Badges.java
@@ -867,7 +867,8 @@ public class Badges {
 	}
 
 	public static void validateDuelistUnlock(){
-		if (!isUnlocked(Badge.UNLOCK_HUNTRESS) && Dungeon.hero.belongings.weapon instanceof MeleeWeapon
+		if (!isUnlocked(Badge.UNLOCK_HUNTRESS) && Dungeon.hero != null
+				&& Dungeon.hero.belongings.weapon instanceof MeleeWeapon
 				&& ((MeleeWeapon) Dungeon.hero.belongings.weapon).tier >= 2
 				&& ((MeleeWeapon) Dungeon.hero.belongings.weapon).STRReq() <= Dungeon.hero.STR()){