diff --git a/runelite-client/src/main/java/net/runelite/client/plugins/runecraft/RunecraftPlugin.java b/runelite-client/src/main/java/net/runelite/client/plugins/runecraft/RunecraftPlugin.java
index 252d09c209..29f3ae2523 100644
--- a/runelite-client/src/main/java/net/runelite/client/plugins/runecraft/RunecraftPlugin.java
+++ b/runelite-client/src/main/java/net/runelite/client/plugins/runecraft/RunecraftPlugin.java
@@ -353,7 +353,7 @@ public class RunecraftPlugin extends Plugin
 	public void onNpcDespawned(NpcDespawned event)
 	{
 		final NPC npc = event.getNpc();
-		if (npc == darkMage)
+		if (npc != null && npc.equals(darkMage))
 		{
 			darkMage = null;
 		}