iff --git a/combat.cc b/combat.cc
index 55c5fff2..89889696 100644
--- a/combat.cc
+++ b/combat.cc
@@ -821,6 +821,15 @@ void Combat_schedule::start_strike(
 ) {
 	Game_object *opponent = npc->get_target();
 	bool check_lof = !no_blocking;
+
+	// don't attack but open unlocked doors and containers
+	const Shape_info &op_info = opponent->get_info();
+	const Shape_info::Shape_class op_cls = op_info.get_shape_class();
+	if ((op_info.is_door() && opponent->get_framenum() % 4 < 2) || // unlocked door
+	        (op_cls == Shape_info::container && !op_info.is_container_locked())) { // unlocked container
+		opponent->activate();
+		return;}
+
 	// Get difference in lift.
 	const Weapon_info *winf = weapon_shape >= 0 ?
 	                    ShapeID::get_info(weapon_shape).get_weapon_info() : nullptr;