diff --git a/common/Makefile.hal b/common/Makefile.hal
index 68de2b154..af80bc6ac 100644
--- a/common/Makefile.hal
+++ b/common/Makefile.hal
@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@
 PLATFORM?=PM3RDV4
 
 # Standalone Mode info (path depends if make is called at top or from armsrc)
+# Guard Makefile.hal against implicit rules: (with % to avoid being first goal)
+%/Makefile.hal: ;
 -include armsrc/Standalone/Makefile.hal
 -include Standalone/Makefile.hal
 ifndef DEFAULT_STANDALONE