diff --git a/init.lua b/init.lua
index 7455003..71c142b 100644
--- a/init.lua
+++ b/init.lua
@@ -4,9 +4,22 @@ fun_caves.time_factor = 10  -- affects growth abms
 fun_caves.light_max = 8  -- light intensity for mushroom growth
 fun_caves.path = minetest.get_modpath(minetest.get_current_modname())
 fun_caves.world = minetest.get_worldpath()
+
 fun_caves.elixir_armor = minetest.setting_getbool('fun_caves_use_armor_elixirs')
+if fun_caves.elixir_armor == nil then
+	fun_caves.elixir_armor = true
+end
+
 fun_caves.expire_elixir_on_death = minetest.setting_getbool('fun_caves_expire_elixir_on_death')
+if fun_caves.expire_elixir_on_death == nil then
+	fun_caves.expire_elixir_on_death = true
+end
+
 fun_caves.exploding_fungi = minetest.setting_getbool('fun_caves_exploding_fungi')
+if fun_caves.exploding_fungi == nil then
+	fun_caves.exploding_fungi = true
+end
+
 fun_caves.DEBUG = false  -- for maintenance only