diff --git a/init.lua b/init.lua
index 10d4865..beb2689 100644
--- a/init.lua
+++ b/init.lua
@@ -552,8 +552,13 @@ end
 
 function M.update(ctx, dt)
     if input.was_action_pressed("quit_to_launcher") then
-        engine.switch_module("lib-management.launcher")
-        return
+        -- ESC: close any open panel first; only quit to launcher when no panel is open.
+        if panel.is_open() then
+            panel.close()
+        else
+            engine.switch_module("lib-management.launcher")
+            return
+        end
     end
 
     -- Inventory panel input handling