diff --git a/src/mudlib/combat/moves.py b/src/mudlib/combat/moves.py
index 8c2f518..a7d1d91 100644
--- a/src/mudlib/combat/moves.py
+++ b/src/mudlib/combat/moves.py
@@ -77,6 +77,16 @@ def load_move(path: Path) -> list[CombatMove]:
             msg = f"missing required field: {field_name}"
             raise ValueError(msg)
 
+    # Move-type-specific timing validation
+    move_type = data["move_type"]
+    name = data["name"]
+    if move_type == "attack" and data.get("hit_time_ms", 0) <= 0:
+        msg = f"attack move '{name}' requires hit_time_ms > 0"
+        raise ValueError(msg)
+    if move_type == "defense" and data.get("active_ms", 0) <= 0:
+        msg = f"defense move '{name}' requires active_ms > 0"
+        raise ValueError(msg)
+
     base_name = data["name"]
     variants = data.get("variants")