diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/combat.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/combat.cpp
index d3cb678be0..657cbf92e5 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/combat.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/combat.cpp
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
 
             blockerStats.setBlock(true);
 
-            if (blocker.getClass().isNpc())
+            if (blocker.getCellRef().getRefId() == "player")
                 blocker.getClass().skillUsageSucceeded(blocker, ESM::Skill::Block, 0);
 
             return true;