diff --git a/.changeset/fast-ways-rule.md b/.changeset/fast-ways-rule.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c1255028c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.changeset/fast-ways-rule.md
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+---
+"vfx-composer-r3f": patch
+---
+
+Fixed a small issue around particle effects that did not include controlled particles.
diff --git a/packages/vfx-composer-r3f/src/Particles.tsx b/packages/vfx-composer-r3f/src/Particles.tsx
index a7f9683c8..5bb6d1d8d 100644
--- a/packages/vfx-composer-r3f/src/Particles.tsx
+++ b/packages/vfx-composer-r3f/src/Particles.tsx
@@ -78,6 +78,8 @@ export const Particles = forwardRef<ParticlesImpl, ParticlesProps>(
     )
 
     useFrame(() => {
+      if (!ecs.entities.length) return
+
       /* Make sure the effect's world matrix is up to date */
       particles.updateMatrixWorld()