diff --git a/core/src/mindustry/entities/comp/BulletComp.java b/core/src/mindustry/entities/comp/BulletComp.java
index f26a30a5db..3684cacb34 100644
--- a/core/src/mindustry/entities/comp/BulletComp.java
+++ b/core/src/mindustry/entities/comp/BulletComp.java
@@ -167,7 +167,9 @@ abstract class BulletComp implements Timedc, Damagec, Hitboxc, Teamc, Posc, Draw
             //direct hit on correct tile
             (aimTile != null && aimTile.build == build) ||
             //a piercing bullet overshot the aim tile, it's fine to hit things now
-            (type.pierce && aimTile != null && Mathf.dst(x, y, originX, originY) > aimTile.dst(originX, originY) + 2f));
+            (type.pierce && aimTile != null && Mathf.dst(x, y, originX, originY) > aimTile.dst(originX, originY) + 2f) ||
+            //there was nothing to aim at
+            (aimX == -1f && aimY == -1f));
     }
 
     //copy-paste of World#raycastEach, inlined for lambda capture performance.