diff --git a/lib/std/core/builtin.c3 b/lib/std/core/builtin.c3
index cccfca726..3c89bf8bf 100644
--- a/lib/std/core/builtin.c3
+++ b/lib/std/core/builtin.c3
@@ -204,8 +204,9 @@ macro void unreachable(String string = "Unreachable statement reached.", ...) @b
 {
 	$if env::COMPILER_SAFE_MODE:
 	panicf(string, $$FILE, $$FUNC, $$LINE, $vasplat);
-	$endif;
+	$else
 	$$unreachable();
+	$endif
 }
 
 <*
diff --git a/releasenotes.md b/releasenotes.md
index 5312cbf49..b0ac5c0b4 100644
--- a/releasenotes.md
+++ b/releasenotes.md
@@ -33,6 +33,7 @@
 - Fixes to `@format` checking #2199.
 - Distinct versions of builtin types ignore @operator overloads #2204.
 - @operator macro using untyped parameter causes compiler segfault #2200.
+- Make `unreachable()` only panic in safe mode.
 
 ### Stdlib changes
 - Deprecate `String.is_zstr` and `String.quick_zstr` #2188.