diff --git a/src/core/persistence.js b/src/core/persistence.js
index 4168248..d6f6e82 100644
--- a/src/core/persistence.js
+++ b/src/core/persistence.js
@@ -1040,23 +1040,7 @@ export function loadChatData() {
     if (!savedData) {
         // Reset to defaults if no metadata exists, then try to rebuild from message swipe data below.
         updateExtensionSettings({
-            userStats: {
-                health: 100,
-                satiety: 100,
-                energy: 100,
-                hygiene: 100,
-                arousal: 0,
-                mood: '😐',
-                conditions: 'None',
-                // Use v2 inventory format for defaults
-                inventory: {
-                    version: 2,
-                    onPerson: "None",
-                    clothing: "None",
-                    stored: {},
-                    assets: "None"
-                }
-            },
+            userStats: cloneSerializable(DEFAULT_USER_STATS),
             quests: {
                 main: "None",
                 optional: []
@@ -1076,9 +1060,10 @@ export function loadChatData() {
         clearThoughtBasedExpressionPortraits();
     }
 
-    // Restore stats
+    // Restore stats — merge with defaults to preserve properties like `equipment`
+    // that may not exist in older saves
     if (savedData?.userStats) {
-        extensionSettings.userStats = { ...savedData.userStats };
+        extensionSettings.userStats = mergeWithDefaults(DEFAULT_USER_STATS, savedData.userStats);
     }
 
     // Restore classic stats