diff --git a/src/console_cmds.cpp b/src/console_cmds.cpp
--- a/src/console_cmds.cpp
+++ b/src/console_cmds.cpp
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@
 #include "network/network_func.h"
 #include "network/network_base.h"
 #include "network/network_admin.h"
+#include "network/network_client.h"
 #include "command_func.h"
 #include "settings_func.h"
 #include "fios.h"
@@ -90,7 +91,7 @@ DEF_CONSOLE_HOOK(ConHookNeedNetwork)
 {
 	if (!NetworkAvailable(echo)) return CHR_DISALLOW;
 
-	if (!_networking) {
+	if (!_networking || (!_network_server && !MyClient::IsConnected())) {
 		if (echo) IConsoleError("Not connected. This command is only available in multiplayer.");
 		return CHR_DISALLOW;
 	}
diff --git a/src/network/network_client.cpp b/src/network/network_client.cpp
--- a/src/network/network_client.cpp
+++ b/src/network/network_client.cpp
@@ -463,6 +463,15 @@ NetworkRecvStatus ClientNetworkGameSocke
 	return NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_OKAY;
 }
 
+/**
+ * Check whether the client is actually connected (and in the game).
+ * @return True when the client is connected.
+ */
+bool ClientNetworkGameSocketHandler::IsConnected()
+{
+	return my_client != NULL && my_client->status == STATUS_ACTIVE;
+}
+
 
 /***********
  * Receiving functions
diff --git a/src/network/network_client.h b/src/network/network_client.h
--- a/src/network/network_client.h
+++ b/src/network/network_client.h
@@ -100,6 +100,8 @@ public:
 	static NetworkRecvStatus SendRCon(const char *password, const char *command);
 	static NetworkRecvStatus SendMove(CompanyID company, const char *password);
 
+	static bool IsConnected();
+
 	static void Send();
 	static bool Receive();
 	static bool GameLoop();