diff --git a/sys/winnt/Makefile.gcc b/sys/winnt/Makefile.gcc
index f7c2550e7..785f011cc 100644
--- a/sys/winnt/Makefile.gcc
+++ b/sys/winnt/Makefile.gcc
@@ -142,8 +142,11 @@ endif
 #    you'll need to specify the correct spot below in order to
 #    successfully build NetHack-3.7.
 #
+# By default we add lua to the build.
+ifndef ADD_LUA
 ADD_LUA=Y
-LUATOP=../submdules/lua
+LUATOP=../submodules/lua
+endif
 #
 #==============================================================================
 # This marks the end of the BUILD DECISIONS section.