diff --git a/gamedir/Data-1.13/Ja2_Options.INI b/gamedir/Data-1.13/Ja2_Options.INI
index 582310230..86112afff 100644
--- a/gamedir/Data-1.13/Ja2_Options.INI
+++ b/gamedir/Data-1.13/Ja2_Options.INI
@@ -52,6 +52,24 @@ EXPERIENCED_CASH =  35000
 EXPERT_CASH =       30000 
 INSANE_CASH =       15000
 
+
+;******************************************************************************************************************************
+; Game starting time and merc arrival delay
+;
+; GAME_STARTING_TIME is time when the game starts
+; FIRST_ARRIVAL_DELAY is a delay between game start and merc arrival
+; 
+; Do not change this setting after the game has started
+; Do not set the values too low
+;******************************************************************************************************************************
+
+; Default value is 3600 (1:00)
+GAME_STARTING_TIME = 3600
+
+; Default value is 21600 (6:00)
+FIRST_ARRIVAL_DELAY = 21600
+
+
 ;******************************************************************************************************************************
 ; Should the game use the externalized sector loadscreens?
 ; If set to TRUE, the game will use the loadscreens defined in TableData\Map\SectorLoadscreens.xml.
diff --git a/gamedir/Data/Ja2_Options.INI b/gamedir/Data/Ja2_Options.INI
index 18ac4c7cd..bb0438a8c 100644
--- a/gamedir/Data/Ja2_Options.INI
+++ b/gamedir/Data/Ja2_Options.INI
@@ -52,6 +52,24 @@ EXPERIENCED_CASH = 	35000
 EXPERT_CASH = 		30000
 INSANE_CASH = 		15000
 
+
+;******************************************************************************************************************************
+; Game starting time and merc arrival delay
+;
+; GAME_STARTING_TIME is time when the game starts
+; FIRST_ARRIVAL_DELAY is a delay between game start and merc arrival
+; 
+; Do not change this setting after the game has started
+; Do not set the values too low
+;******************************************************************************************************************************
+
+; Default value is 3600 (1:00)
+GAME_STARTING_TIME = 3600
+
+; Default value is 21600 (6:00)
+FIRST_ARRIVAL_DELAY = 21600
+
+
 ;******************************************************************************************************************************
 ; Should the game use the externalized sector loadscreens?
 ; If set to TRUE, the game will use the loadscreens defined in TableData\Map\SectorLoadscreens.xml.