diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index d62db6bd..1665ce3d 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -47,6 +47,7 @@ Archive's bin directory contains 2 subdirectories, 'bugfixed' and 'pure'
 | sv_alltalk                         | 0       | 0   | 4            | When players can hear each other ([further explanation](../../wiki/sv_alltalk)).<br/>`0` dead don't hear alive<br/>`1` no restrictions<br/>`2` teammates hear each other<br/>`3` Same as 2, but spectators hear everybody<br/>`4` alive hear alive, dead hear dead and alive.
 | bot_deathmatch                     | 0       | 0   | 1            | Set's the mode for the zBot.<br/>`0` disabled<br/>`1` enable mode Deathmatch and not allow to do the scenario |
 | bot_quota_mode                     | normal  | -   | -            | Determines the type of quota.<br/>`normal` default behaviour<br/>`fill` the server will adjust bots to keep `N` players in the game, where `N` is bot_quota<br/>`match` the server will maintain a `1:N` ratio of humans to bots, where `N` is bot_quota |
+| bot_join_delay                     | 0       | -   | -            | Prevents bots from joining the server for this many seconds after a map change. |
 | mp_item_staytime                   | 300     | -   | -            | Time to remove item that have been dropped from the players. |
 | mp_legacy_bombtarget_touch         | 1       | 0   | 1            | Legacy func_bomb_target touch. New one is more strict. <br/>`0` New behavior<br/>`1` Legacy behavior|
 | mp_respawn_immunitytime            | 0       | 0   | -            | Specifies the players defense time after respawn. (in seconds).<br/>`0` disabled<br/>`>0.00001` time delay to remove protection |
diff --git a/dist/game.cfg b/dist/game.cfg
index ddb2ec01..5d7de8d5 100644
--- a/dist/game.cfg
+++ b/dist/game.cfg
@@ -166,6 +166,11 @@ bot_deathmatch 0
 // Default value: "normal"
 bot_quota_mode "normal"
 
+// Prevents bots from joining the server for this many seconds after a map change.
+//
+// Default value: "0"
+bot_join_delay 0
+
 // Debug cvar shows triggers.
 // 0 - disabled (default behaviour)
 // 1 - enabled
diff --git a/regamedll/dlls/bot/cs_bot_init.cpp b/regamedll/dlls/bot/cs_bot_init.cpp
index 9a5d5aba..43f345a5 100644
--- a/regamedll/dlls/bot/cs_bot_init.cpp
+++ b/regamedll/dlls/bot/cs_bot_init.cpp
@@ -60,6 +60,7 @@ cvar_t cv_bot_profile_db             = { "bot_profile_db", "BotProfile.db", FCVA
 #ifdef REGAMEDLL_ADD
 cvar_t cv_bot_deathmatch             = { "bot_deathmatch", "0", FCVAR_SERVER, 0.0f, nullptr };
 cvar_t cv_bot_quota_mode             = { "bot_quota_mode", "normal", FCVAR_SERVER, 0.0f, nullptr };
+cvar_t cv_bot_join_delay             = { "bot_join_delay", "0", FCVAR_SERVER, 0.0f, nullptr };
 #else
 // Migrated to bot_quota_mode, use "match"
 cvar_t cv_bot_quota_match            = { "bot_quota_match", "0", FCVAR_SERVER, 0.0f, nullptr };
@@ -127,6 +128,7 @@ void Bot_RegisterCVars()
 #ifdef REGAMEDLL_ADD
 	CVAR_REGISTER(&cv_bot_deathmatch);
 	CVAR_REGISTER(&cv_bot_quota_mode);
+	CVAR_REGISTER(&cv_bot_join_delay);
 #endif
 
 }
diff --git a/regamedll/dlls/bot/cs_bot_init.h b/regamedll/dlls/bot/cs_bot_init.h
index bdf23387..e50ac87d 100644
--- a/regamedll/dlls/bot/cs_bot_init.h
+++ b/regamedll/dlls/bot/cs_bot_init.h
@@ -60,6 +60,7 @@ extern cvar_t cv_bot_profile_db;
 #ifdef REGAMEDLL_ADD
 extern cvar_t cv_bot_deathmatch;
 extern cvar_t cv_bot_quota_mode;
+extern cvar_t cv_bot_join_delay;
 #else
 extern cvar_t cv_bot_quota_match;
 #endif
diff --git a/regamedll/dlls/bot/cs_bot_manager.cpp b/regamedll/dlls/bot/cs_bot_manager.cpp
index 021b41e4..2cc2eece 100644
--- a/regamedll/dlls/bot/cs_bot_manager.cpp
+++ b/regamedll/dlls/bot/cs_bot_manager.cpp
@@ -875,6 +875,15 @@ void CCSBotManager::MaintainBotQuota()
 			desiredBotCount = 0;
 	}
 
+#ifdef REGAMEDLL_ADD
+	// wait until the map has been loaded for a bit, to allow players to transition across
+	// the transition without missing the pistol round
+	if (static_cast<int>(cv_bot_join_delay.value) > CSGameRules()->GetMapElapsedTime())
+	{
+		desiredBotCount = 0;
+	}
+#endif
+
 	// if bots will auto-vacate, we need to keep one slot open to allow players to join
 	if (cv_bot_auto_vacate.value > 0.0)
 		desiredBotCount = Q_min(desiredBotCount, gpGlobals->maxClients - (totalHumansInGame + 1));
diff --git a/regamedll/dlls/gamerules.h b/regamedll/dlls/gamerules.h
index ad0812ee..dfa45d96 100644
--- a/regamedll/dlls/gamerules.h
+++ b/regamedll/dlls/gamerules.h
@@ -635,6 +635,7 @@ public:
 	float GetRoundRemainingTimeReal() const;
 	float GetTimeLeft() const { return m_flTimeLimit - gpGlobals->time; }
 	float GetRoundElapsedTime() const { return gpGlobals->time - m_fRoundStartTime; }
+	float GetMapElapsedTime() const { return gpGlobals->time; }
 
 	BOOL TeamFull(int team_id);
 	BOOL TeamStacked(int newTeam_id, int curTeam_id);