diff --git a/level/scripts/level.gd b/level/scripts/level.gd
index 1675240..b231f2c 100644
--- a/level/scripts/level.gd
+++ b/level/scripts/level.gd
@@ -45,6 +45,9 @@ func _ready():
 	# Reshape the menu into the gladiator outfitting screen
 	_setup_outfitting_menu()
 
+	# Clients: if the host closes the arena, bank winnings and return to camp
+	Network.server_disconnected.connect(_on_server_closed)
+
 	# Create or find weapons container
 	if has_node("WeaponsContainer"):
 		weapons_container = get_node("WeaponsContainer")
@@ -81,6 +84,19 @@ func _on_connected_to_server():
 	print("[Level] Connected to server! Cleaning up manual weapons")
 	_cleanup_manual_weapons_on_client()
 
+## The host closed the arena while we were connected (client side).
+## Leaving alive counts as retiring - bank everything, then back to camp.
+func _on_server_closed():
+	print("[Level] Server disconnected - returning to camp")
+	if GameState.run_active:
+		GameState.retire_run()
+
+	if has_node("/root/HUD"):
+		get_node("/root/HUD").reset()
+
+	Input.mouse_mode = Input.MOUSE_MODE_VISIBLE
+	get_tree().reload_current_scene()
+
 ## Called by Network when multiplayer peer is set up
 func initialize_multiplayer():
 	print("[Level] initialize_multiplayer called. is_server: ", multiplayer.is_server())
@@ -235,6 +251,9 @@ func _on_player_connected(peer_id, player_info):
 		for orb_id in _active_orbs.keys():
 			rpc_id(peer_id, "_spawn_health_orb_local", orb_id, _active_orbs[orb_id])
 
+		# Sync the current wave number so the late joiner's HUD isn't stuck on "Prepare..."
+		GameState.rpc_id(peer_id, "sync_wave", GameState.current_wave)
+
 		# Sync equipped weapons for all existing players to the newly joined player
 		print("[Server] Syncing equipped weapons to newly connected peer: ", peer_id)
 		for player_node in players_container.get_children():
diff --git a/level/ui/scripts/escape_menu.gd b/level/ui/scripts/escape_menu.gd
index e924772..21cd30b 100644
--- a/level/ui/scripts/escape_menu.gd
+++ b/level/ui/scripts/escape_menu.gd
@@ -54,14 +54,19 @@ func toggle_menu():
 		if player and player.is_multiplayer_authority():
 			Input.mouse_mode = Input.MOUSE_MODE_CAPTURED
 
-## Retiring is only possible while alive with an active run
+## Alive with an active run: retire (bank winnings).
+## Dead but spectating a live session: plain trip home (settlement already done).
 func _update_retire_button():
 	if not _retire_button:
 		return
-	var can_retire = GameState.run_active and player and not player.is_dead
-	_retire_button.visible = can_retire
-	if can_retire:
+	if GameState.run_active and player and not player.is_dead:
+		_retire_button.visible = true
 		_retire_button.text = "Retire to Camp (+%dg)" % GameState.run_gold
+	elif multiplayer.multiplayer_peer != null and player and player.is_dead:
+		_retire_button.visible = true
+		_retire_button.text = "Back to Camp"
+	else:
+		_retire_button.visible = false
 
 ## Called when Resume button is clicked
 func _on_resume_pressed():
diff --git a/level/ui/scripts/run_results.gd b/level/ui/scripts/run_results.gd
index 2dd08a5..811566b 100644
--- a/level/ui/scripts/run_results.gd
+++ b/level/ui/scripts/run_results.gd
@@ -80,6 +80,15 @@ func _ready():
 
 	_add_spacer(vbox, 16)
 
+	# Spectate option - only when a teammate is still fighting
+	if _teammates_still_alive():
+		var spectate_button = Button.new()
+		spectate_button.text = "Spectate"
+		spectate_button.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 44)
+		spectate_button.pressed.connect(_on_spectate_pressed)
+		vbox.add_child(spectate_button)
+		_add_spacer(vbox, 6)
+
 	# Return button
 	var return_button = Button.new()
 	return_button.text = "Return to Camp"
@@ -90,6 +99,25 @@ func _ready():
 	# Make sure the mouse is usable on the overlay
 	Input.mouse_mode = Input.MOUSE_MODE_VISIBLE
 
+## Any other living player in the arena?
+func _teammates_still_alive() -> bool:
+	if multiplayer.multiplayer_peer == null:
+		return false
+	var level = get_tree().get_current_scene()
+	if not level or not level.has_node("PlayersContainer"):
+		return false
+	var my_id = multiplayer.get_unique_id()
+	for p in level.get_node("PlayersContainer").get_children():
+		if p is Character and not p.is_dead and str(p.name).to_int() != my_id:
+			return true
+	return false
+
+## Close the overlay and watch the run play out (escape menu can leave later).
+## For the host this also keeps the server alive for everyone else.
+func _on_spectate_pressed():
+	Input.mouse_mode = Input.MOUSE_MODE_CAPTURED
+	queue_free()
+
 func _add_header(parent: Control, text: String):
 	var label = Label.new()
 	label.text = text