diff --git a/scripts/ui/boot_screen.gd b/scripts/ui/boot_screen.gd
index c3f1bee..007f1cb 100644
--- a/scripts/ui/boot_screen.gd
+++ b/scripts/ui/boot_screen.gd
@@ -45,6 +45,13 @@ func _ready() -> void:
 	progress_label.visible = false
 	
 	status_label.text = "Checking versions..."
+	
+	# Instant bypass in editor — go straight to game
+	if OS.has_feature("editor"):
+		print("[BootScreen] Editor detected — bypassing update check.")
+		_begin_resource_load()
+		return
+		
 	update_manager.check_for_updates()
 
 func _get_update_manager() -> Node: