diff --git a/maps/bots/_bot_internal.gsc b/maps/bots/_bot_internal.gsc
index d60c24d..b6de508 100644
--- a/maps/bots/_bot_internal.gsc
+++ b/maps/bots/_bot_internal.gsc
@@ -2333,6 +2333,12 @@ do_knife_target( target )
 	self endon( "disconnect" );
 	self endon( "bot_knife" );
 
+	// dedi doesnt have this registered
+	if ( getdvar( "aim_automelee_enabled" ) == "" )
+	{
+		setdvar( "aim_automelee_enabled", 1 );
+	}
+
 	if ( !getdvarint( "aim_automelee_enabled" ) || !self isonground() || self getstance() == "prone" || self inLastStand() )
 	{
 		self.bot.knifing_target = undefined;