diff --git a/matrix/init_backfill.cc b/matrix/init_backfill.cc
index 8005ce55c..01dc42c80 100644
--- a/matrix/init_backfill.cc
+++ b/matrix/init_backfill.cc
@@ -276,6 +276,8 @@ void
 ircd::m::init::backfill::handle_room(const room::id &room_id)
 {
 	m::acquire::opts opts;
+	opts.head = true;
+	opts.missing = true;
 	m::acquire::acquire
 	{
 		room_id, opts