diff --git a/engine/client/cl_parse_48.c b/engine/client/cl_parse_48.c
index 8994312d..ed8a2d7d 100644
--- a/engine/client/cl_parse_48.c
+++ b/engine/client/cl_parse_48.c
@@ -373,6 +373,8 @@ void CL_ParseLegacyServerMessage( sizebuf_t *msg, qboolean normal_message )
 			old_background = cl.background;
 			if( MSG_ReadOneBit( msg ))
 			{
+				int old_maxplayers = cl.maxclients;
+
 				cls.changelevel = true;
 				S_StopAllSounds( true );
 
@@ -385,6 +387,13 @@ void CL_ParseLegacyServerMessage( sizebuf_t *msg, qboolean normal_message )
 				}
 
 				CL_ClearState ();
+
+				// a1ba: need to restore cl.maxclients because engine chooses
+				// frame backups count depending on this value
+				// In general, it's incorrect to call CL_InitEdicts right after
+				// CL_ClearState because of this bug. Some time later this logic
+				// should be re-done.
+				cl.maxclients = old_maxplayers;
 				CL_InitEdicts (); // re-arrange edicts
 			}
 			else Con_Printf( "Server disconnected, reconnecting\n" );