diff --git a/src/logic-scenes/board/card-board.gd b/src/logic-scenes/board/card-board.gd
index 6decbca..f7851b1 100644
--- a/src/logic-scenes/board/card-board.gd
+++ b/src/logic-scenes/board/card-board.gd
@@ -407,6 +407,36 @@ func insert_area(parent: Control, node: Area2D):
 		node.attached_to = self
 		node.is_dragable = true
 
+## Sorts all children in dropzone by their Y position
+## Call this after bulk loading to fix child order / z-index issues
+func _sort_dropzone_children() -> void:
+	var children = dropzone.get_children()
+	if children.size() <= 1:
+		return
+	
+	# Sort by global Y position
+	children.sort_custom(func(a, b): return a.global_position.y < b.global_position.y)
+	
+	# Reorder children in the scene tree
+	for i in range(children.size()):
+		dropzone.move_child(children[i], i)
+	
+	print_debug("CardBoard: Re-sorted %d dropzone children by Y position" % children.size())
+	
+	# Force collision shape updates on next physics frame
+	# This ensures Area2D hover detection works correctly after repositioning
+	_update_collision_shapes.call_deferred()
+
+## Forces collision shape updates for all cards/stickies in dropzone
+func _update_collision_shapes() -> void:
+	await get_tree().process_frame
+	for child in dropzone.get_children():
+		if child is Area2D:
+			# Force collision shape update by toggling monitoring
+			var was_monitoring = child.monitoring
+			child.monitoring = false
+			child.monitoring = was_monitoring
+
 # === DROP TARGET PATTERN IMPLEMENTATION ===
 
 ## Checks if this board can accept the given draggable (always true for board)
@@ -741,6 +771,10 @@ func initialise_from_save(savegame: SaveGame) -> void:
 
 	print_debug("CardBoard: Load complete!")
 	
+	# Re-sort dropzone children now that all positions are set correctly
+	# This fixes hover detection issues caused by incorrect z-order during load
+	_sort_dropzone_children()
+	
 	# Note: Lore feedback will be triggered when board is presented (in play())