diff --git a/luaentity.lua b/luaentity.lua
index fe81cb3..241da14 100755
--- a/luaentity.lua
+++ b/luaentity.lua
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ minetest.register_globalstep(function(dtime)
 	handle_active_blocks_timer = handle_active_blocks_timer + dtime
 	if handle_active_blocks_timer >= handle_active_blocks_step then
 		handle_active_blocks_timer = handle_active_blocks_timer - handle_active_blocks_step
-		local active_block_range = tonumber(minetest.setting_get("active_block_range"))
+		local active_block_range = tonumber(minetest.setting_get("active_block_range")) or 2
 		local new_active_blocks = {}
 		for _, player in ipairs(minetest.get_connected_players()) do
 			local blockpos = get_blockpos(player:getpos())