diff --git a/src/battle_gfx_sfx_util.c b/src/battle_gfx_sfx_util.c
index 20b0032e30..e7679d2b6d 100644
--- a/src/battle_gfx_sfx_util.c
+++ b/src/battle_gfx_sfx_util.c
@@ -1239,6 +1239,12 @@ void LoadAndCreateEnemyShadowSprites(void)
 
 void SpriteCB_EnemyShadow(struct Sprite *shadowSprite)
 {
+    if (gBattleSpritesDataPtr == NULL)
+    {
+        shadowSprite->callback = SpriteCB_SetInvisible;
+        return;
+    }
+
     bool8 invisible = FALSE;
     u8 battler = shadowSprite->tBattlerId;
     struct Sprite *battlerSprite = &gSprites[gBattlerSpriteIds[battler]];