diff --git a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Mania/Edit/Setup/ManiaSetupSection.cs b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Mania/Edit/Setup/ManiaSetupSection.cs
index b602a67baa..81c41ab628 100644
--- a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Mania/Edit/Setup/ManiaSetupSection.cs
+++ b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Mania/Edit/Setup/ManiaSetupSection.cs
@@ -43,6 +43,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Mania.Edit.Setup
         private void updateBeatmap()
         {
             Beatmap.BeatmapInfo.SpecialStyle = specialStyle.Current.Value;
+            Beatmap.SaveState();
         }
     }
 }
diff --git a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Tests/Editor/TestSceneObjectMerging.cs b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Tests/Editor/TestSceneObjectMerging.cs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..b68231ce64
--- /dev/null
+++ b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Tests/Editor/TestSceneObjectMerging.cs
@@ -0,0 +1,213 @@
+// Copyright (c) ppy Pty Ltd <contact@ppy.sh>. Licensed under the MIT Licence.
+// See the LICENCE file in the repository root for full licence text.
+
+using System.Linq;
+using NUnit.Framework;
+using osu.Framework.Utils;
+using osu.Game.Rulesets.Objects;
+using osu.Game.Rulesets.Objects.Types;
+using osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects;
+using osuTK;
+using osuTK.Input;
+
+namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Tests.Editor
+{
+    public class TestSceneObjectMerging : TestSceneOsuEditor
+    {
+        [Test]
+        public void TestSimpleMerge()
+        {
+            HitCircle? circle1 = null;
+            HitCircle? circle2 = null;
+
+            AddStep("select first two circles", () =>
+            {
+                circle1 = (HitCircle)EditorBeatmap.HitObjects.First(h => h is HitCircle);
+                circle2 = (HitCircle)EditorBeatmap.HitObjects.First(h => h is HitCircle && h != circle1);
+                EditorClock.Seek(circle1.StartTime);
+                EditorBeatmap.SelectedHitObjects.Add(circle1);
+                EditorBeatmap.SelectedHitObjects.Add(circle2);
+            });
+
+            mergeSelection();
+
+            AddAssert("slider created", () => circle1 is not null && circle2 is not null && sliderCreatedFor(
+                (pos: circle1.Position, pathType: PathType.Linear),
+                (pos: circle2.Position, pathType: null)));
+
+            AddStep("undo", () => Editor.Undo());
+            AddAssert("merged objects restored", () => circle1 is not null && circle2 is not null && objectsRestored(circle1, circle2));
+        }
+
+        [Test]
+        public void TestMergeCircleSlider()
+        {
+            HitCircle? circle1 = null;
+            Slider? slider = null;
+            HitCircle? circle2 = null;
+
+            AddStep("select a circle, slider, circle", () =>
+            {
+                circle1 = (HitCircle)EditorBeatmap.HitObjects.First(h => h is HitCircle);
+                slider = (Slider)EditorBeatmap.HitObjects.First(h => h is Slider && h.StartTime > circle1.StartTime);
+                circle2 = (HitCircle)EditorBeatmap.HitObjects.First(h => h is HitCircle && h.StartTime > slider.StartTime);
+                EditorClock.Seek(circle1.StartTime);
+                EditorBeatmap.SelectedHitObjects.Add(circle1);
+                EditorBeatmap.SelectedHitObjects.Add(slider);
+                EditorBeatmap.SelectedHitObjects.Add(circle2);
+            });
+
+            mergeSelection();
+
+            AddAssert("slider created", () =>
+            {
+                if (circle1 is null || circle2 is null || slider is null)
+                    return false;
+
+                var controlPoints = slider.Path.ControlPoints;
+                (Vector2, PathType?)[] args = new (Vector2, PathType?)[controlPoints.Count + 2];
+                args[0] = (circle1.Position, PathType.Linear);
+
+                for (int i = 0; i < controlPoints.Count; i++)
+                {
+                    args[i + 1] = (controlPoints[i].Position + slider.Position, i == controlPoints.Count - 1 ? PathType.Linear : controlPoints[i].Type);
+                }
+
+                args[^1] = (circle2.Position, null);
+                return sliderCreatedFor(args);
+            });
+
+            AddStep("undo", () => Editor.Undo());
+            AddAssert("merged objects restored", () => circle1 is not null && circle2 is not null && slider is not null && objectsRestored(circle1, slider, circle2));
+        }
+
+        [Test]
+        public void TestMergeSliderSlider()
+        {
+            Slider? slider1 = null;
+            SliderPath? slider1Path = null;
+            Slider? slider2 = null;
+
+            AddStep("select two sliders", () =>
+            {
+                slider1 = (Slider)EditorBeatmap.HitObjects.First(h => h is Slider);
+                slider1Path = new SliderPath(slider1.Path.ControlPoints.Select(p => new PathControlPoint(p.Position, p.Type)).ToArray(), slider1.Path.ExpectedDistance.Value);
+                slider2 = (Slider)EditorBeatmap.HitObjects.First(h => h is Slider && h.StartTime > slider1.StartTime);
+                EditorClock.Seek(slider1.StartTime);
+                EditorBeatmap.SelectedHitObjects.Add(slider1);
+                EditorBeatmap.SelectedHitObjects.Add(slider2);
+            });
+
+            mergeSelection();
+
+            AddAssert("slider created", () =>
+            {
+                if (slider1 is null || slider2 is null || slider1Path is null)
+                    return false;
+
+                var controlPoints1 = slider1Path.ControlPoints;
+                var controlPoints2 = slider2.Path.ControlPoints;
+                (Vector2, PathType?)[] args = new (Vector2, PathType?)[controlPoints1.Count + controlPoints2.Count - 1];
+
+                for (int i = 0; i < controlPoints1.Count - 1; i++)
+                {
+                    args[i] = (controlPoints1[i].Position + slider1.Position, controlPoints1[i].Type);
+                }
+
+                for (int i = 0; i < controlPoints2.Count; i++)
+                {
+                    args[i + controlPoints1.Count - 1] = (controlPoints2[i].Position + controlPoints1[^1].Position + slider1.Position, controlPoints2[i].Type);
+                }
+
+                return sliderCreatedFor(args);
+            });
+
+            AddAssert("merged slider matches first slider", () =>
+            {
+                var mergedSlider = (Slider)EditorBeatmap.SelectedHitObjects.First();
+                return slider1 is not null && mergedSlider.HeadCircle.Samples.SequenceEqual(slider1.HeadCircle.Samples)
+                                           && mergedSlider.TailCircle.Samples.SequenceEqual(slider1.TailCircle.Samples)
+                                           && mergedSlider.Samples.SequenceEqual(slider1.Samples)
+                                           && mergedSlider.SampleControlPoint.IsRedundant(slider1.SampleControlPoint);
+            });
+
+            AddAssert("slider end is at same completion for last slider", () =>
+            {
+                if (slider1Path is null || slider2 is null)
+                    return false;
+
+                var mergedSlider = (Slider)EditorBeatmap.SelectedHitObjects.First();
+                return Precision.AlmostEquals(mergedSlider.Path.Distance, slider1Path.CalculatedDistance + slider2.Path.Distance);
+            });
+        }
+
+        [Test]
+        public void TestNonMerge()
+        {
+            HitCircle? circle1 = null;
+            HitCircle? circle2 = null;
+            Spinner? spinner = null;
+
+            AddStep("select first two circles and spinner", () =>
+            {
+                circle1 = (HitCircle)EditorBeatmap.HitObjects.First(h => h is HitCircle);
+                circle2 = (HitCircle)EditorBeatmap.HitObjects.First(h => h is HitCircle && h != circle1);
+                spinner = (Spinner)EditorBeatmap.HitObjects.First(h => h is Spinner);
+                EditorClock.Seek(spinner.StartTime);
+                EditorBeatmap.SelectedHitObjects.Add(circle1);
+                EditorBeatmap.SelectedHitObjects.Add(circle2);
+                EditorBeatmap.SelectedHitObjects.Add(spinner);
+            });
+
+            mergeSelection();
+
+            AddAssert("slider created", () => circle1 is not null && circle2 is not null && sliderCreatedFor(
+                (pos: circle1.Position, pathType: PathType.Linear),
+                (pos: circle2.Position, pathType: null)));
+
+            AddAssert("spinner not merged", () => EditorBeatmap.HitObjects.Contains(spinner));
+        }
+
+        private void mergeSelection()
+        {
+            AddStep("merge selection", () =>
+            {
+                InputManager.PressKey(Key.LControl);
+                InputManager.PressKey(Key.LShift);
+                InputManager.Key(Key.M);
+                InputManager.ReleaseKey(Key.LShift);
+                InputManager.ReleaseKey(Key.LControl);
+            });
+        }
+
+        private bool sliderCreatedFor(params (Vector2 pos, PathType? pathType)[] expectedControlPoints)
+        {
+            if (EditorBeatmap.SelectedHitObjects.Count != 1)
+                return false;
+
+            var mergedSlider = (Slider)EditorBeatmap.SelectedHitObjects.First();
+            int i = 0;
+
+            foreach ((Vector2 pos, PathType? pathType) in expectedControlPoints)
+            {
+                var controlPoint = mergedSlider.Path.ControlPoints[i++];
+
+                if (!Precision.AlmostEquals(controlPoint.Position + mergedSlider.Position, pos) || controlPoint.Type != pathType)
+                    return false;
+            }
+
+            return true;
+        }
+
+        private bool objectsRestored(params HitObject[] objects)
+        {
+            foreach (var hitObject in objects)
+            {
+                if (EditorBeatmap.HitObjects.Contains(hitObject))
+                    return false;
+            }
+
+            return true;
+        }
+    }
+}
diff --git a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Edit/Blueprints/Sliders/SliderSelectionBlueprint.cs b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Edit/Blueprints/Sliders/SliderSelectionBlueprint.cs
index bd11cc826f..794551dab7 100644
--- a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Edit/Blueprints/Sliders/SliderSelectionBlueprint.cs
+++ b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Edit/Blueprints/Sliders/SliderSelectionBlueprint.cs
@@ -251,13 +251,13 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Edit.Blueprints.Sliders
 
         private void convertToStream()
         {
-            if (editorBeatmap == null || changeHandler == null || beatDivisor == null)
+            if (editorBeatmap == null || beatDivisor == null)
                 return;
 
             var timingPoint = editorBeatmap.ControlPointInfo.TimingPointAt(HitObject.StartTime);
             double streamSpacing = timingPoint.BeatLength / beatDivisor.Value;
 
-            changeHandler.BeginChange();
+            changeHandler?.BeginChange();
 
             int i = 0;
             double time = HitObject.StartTime;
@@ -292,7 +292,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Edit.Blueprints.Sliders
 
             editorBeatmap.Remove(HitObject);
 
-            changeHandler.EndChange();
+            changeHandler?.EndChange();
         }
 
         public override MenuItem[] ContextMenuItems => new MenuItem[]
diff --git a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Edit/OsuSelectionHandler.cs b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Edit/OsuSelectionHandler.cs
index 4a6d94f303..f3c0a05bc2 100644
--- a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Edit/OsuSelectionHandler.cs
+++ b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Edit/OsuSelectionHandler.cs
@@ -6,8 +6,11 @@ using System.Linq;
 using osu.Framework.Allocation;
 using osu.Framework.Graphics;
 using osu.Framework.Graphics.Primitives;
+using osu.Framework.Graphics.UserInterface;
+using osu.Framework.Input.Events;
 using osu.Framework.Utils;
 using osu.Game.Extensions;
+using osu.Game.Graphics.UserInterface;
 using osu.Game.Rulesets.Edit;
 using osu.Game.Rulesets.Objects;
 using osu.Game.Rulesets.Objects.Types;
@@ -15,6 +18,7 @@ using osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects;
 using osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.UI;
 using osu.Game.Screens.Edit.Compose.Components;
 using osuTK;
+using osuTK.Input;
 
 namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Edit
 {
@@ -53,6 +57,17 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Edit
             referencePathTypes = null;
         }
 
+        protected override bool OnKeyDown(KeyDownEvent e)
+        {
+            if (e.Key == Key.M && e.ControlPressed && e.ShiftPressed)
+            {
+                mergeSelection();
+                return true;
+            }
+
+            return false;
+        }
+
         public override bool HandleMovement(MoveSelectionEvent<HitObject> moveEvent)
         {
             var hitObjects = selectedMovableObjects;
@@ -320,7 +335,109 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Edit
         /// All osu! hitobjects which can be moved/rotated/scaled.
         /// </summary>
         private OsuHitObject[] selectedMovableObjects => SelectedItems.OfType<OsuHitObject>()
-                                                                      .Where(h => !(h is Spinner))
+                                                                      .Where(h => h is not Spinner)
                                                                       .ToArray();
+
+        /// <summary>
+        /// All osu! hitobjects which can be merged.
+        /// </summary>
+        private OsuHitObject[] selectedMergeableObjects => SelectedItems.OfType<OsuHitObject>()
+                                                                        .Where(h => h is HitCircle or Slider)
+                                                                        .OrderBy(h => h.StartTime)
+                                                                        .ToArray();
+
+        private void mergeSelection()
+        {
+            var mergeableObjects = selectedMergeableObjects;
+
+            if (mergeableObjects.Length < 2)
+                return;
+
+            ChangeHandler?.BeginChange();
+
+            // Have an initial slider object.
+            var firstHitObject = mergeableObjects[0];
+            var mergedHitObject = firstHitObject as Slider ?? new Slider
+            {
+                StartTime = firstHitObject.StartTime,
+                Position = firstHitObject.Position,
+                NewCombo = firstHitObject.NewCombo,
+                SampleControlPoint = firstHitObject.SampleControlPoint,
+            };
+
+            if (mergedHitObject.Path.ControlPoints.Count == 0)
+            {
+                mergedHitObject.Path.ControlPoints.Add(new PathControlPoint(Vector2.Zero, PathType.Linear));
+            }
+
+            // Merge all the selected hit objects into one slider path.
+            bool lastCircle = firstHitObject is HitCircle;
+
+            foreach (var selectedMergeableObject in mergeableObjects.Skip(1))
+            {
+                if (selectedMergeableObject is IHasPath hasPath)
+                {
+                    var offset = lastCircle ? selectedMergeableObject.Position - mergedHitObject.Position : mergedHitObject.Path.ControlPoints[^1].Position;
+                    float distanceToLastControlPoint = Vector2.Distance(mergedHitObject.Path.ControlPoints[^1].Position, offset);
+
+                    // Calculate the distance required to travel to the expected distance of the merging slider.
+                    mergedHitObject.Path.ExpectedDistance.Value = mergedHitObject.Path.CalculatedDistance + distanceToLastControlPoint + hasPath.Path.Distance;
+
+                    // Remove the last control point if it sits exactly on the start of the next control point.
+                    if (Precision.AlmostEquals(distanceToLastControlPoint, 0))
+                    {
+                        mergedHitObject.Path.ControlPoints.RemoveAt(mergedHitObject.Path.ControlPoints.Count - 1);
+                    }
+
+                    mergedHitObject.Path.ControlPoints.AddRange(hasPath.Path.ControlPoints.Select(o => new PathControlPoint(o.Position + offset, o.Type)));
+                    lastCircle = false;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    // Turn the last control point into a linear type if this is the first merging circle in a sequence, so the subsequent control points can be inherited path type.
+                    if (!lastCircle)
+                    {
+                        mergedHitObject.Path.ControlPoints.Last().Type = PathType.Linear;
+                    }
+
+                    mergedHitObject.Path.ControlPoints.Add(new PathControlPoint(selectedMergeableObject.Position - mergedHitObject.Position));
+                    mergedHitObject.Path.ExpectedDistance.Value = null;
+                    lastCircle = true;
+                }
+            }
+
+            // Make sure only the merged hit object is in the beatmap.
+            if (firstHitObject is Slider)
+            {
+                foreach (var selectedMergeableObject in mergeableObjects.Skip(1))
+                {
+                    EditorBeatmap.Remove(selectedMergeableObject);
+                }
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                foreach (var selectedMergeableObject in mergeableObjects)
+                {
+                    EditorBeatmap.Remove(selectedMergeableObject);
+                }
+
+                EditorBeatmap.Add(mergedHitObject);
+            }
+
+            // Make sure the merged hitobject is selected.
+            SelectedItems.Clear();
+            SelectedItems.Add(mergedHitObject);
+
+            ChangeHandler?.EndChange();
+        }
+
+        protected override IEnumerable<MenuItem> GetContextMenuItemsForSelection(IEnumerable<SelectionBlueprint<HitObject>> selection)
+        {
+            foreach (var item in base.GetContextMenuItemsForSelection(selection))
+                yield return item;
+
+            if (selectedMergeableObjects.Length > 1)
+                yield return new OsuMenuItem("Merge selection", MenuItemType.Destructive, mergeSelection);
+        }
     }
 }
diff --git a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Edit/Setup/OsuSetupSection.cs b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Edit/Setup/OsuSetupSection.cs
index d8471aca1a..2889832ff1 100644
--- a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Edit/Setup/OsuSetupSection.cs
+++ b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Edit/Setup/OsuSetupSection.cs
@@ -49,6 +49,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Edit.Setup
         private void updateBeatmap()
         {
             Beatmap.BeatmapInfo.StackLeniency = stackLeniency.Current.Value;
+            Beatmap.SaveState();
         }
     }
 }
diff --git a/osu.Game.Tests/Visual/Gameplay/TestScenePlayerLoader.cs b/osu.Game.Tests/Visual/Gameplay/TestScenePlayerLoader.cs
index 05474e3d39..a38089e023 100644
--- a/osu.Game.Tests/Visual/Gameplay/TestScenePlayerLoader.cs
+++ b/osu.Game.Tests/Visual/Gameplay/TestScenePlayerLoader.cs
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ using osu.Game.Screens.Play;
 using osu.Game.Screens.Play.PlayerSettings;
 using osu.Game.Utils;
 using osuTK.Input;
+using SkipOverlay = osu.Game.Screens.Play.SkipOverlay;
 
 namespace osu.Game.Tests.Visual.Gameplay
 {
@@ -56,6 +57,10 @@ namespace osu.Game.Tests.Visual.Gameplay
 
         private readonly ChangelogOverlay changelogOverlay;
 
+        private double savedTrackVolume;
+        private double savedMasterVolume;
+        private bool savedMutedState;
+
         public TestScenePlayerLoader()
         {
             AddRange(new Drawable[]
@@ -75,11 +80,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Tests.Visual.Gameplay
         }
 
         [SetUp]
-        public void Setup() => Schedule(() =>
-        {
-            player = null;
-            audioManager.Volume.SetDefault();
-        });
+        public void Setup() => Schedule(() => player = null);
 
         /// <summary>
         /// Sets the input manager child to a new test player loader container instance.
@@ -98,7 +99,13 @@ namespace osu.Game.Tests.Visual.Gameplay
         private void prepareBeatmap()
         {
             var workingBeatmap = CreateWorkingBeatmap(new OsuRuleset().RulesetInfo);
+
+            // Add intro time to test quick retry skipping (TestQuickRetry).
+            workingBeatmap.BeatmapInfo.AudioLeadIn = 60000;
+
+            // Turn on epilepsy warning to test warning display (TestEpilepsyWarning).
             workingBeatmap.BeatmapInfo.EpilepsyWarning = epilepsyWarning;
+
             Beatmap.Value = workingBeatmap;
 
             foreach (var mod in SelectedMods.Value.OfType<IApplicableToTrack>())
@@ -147,6 +154,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Tests.Visual.Gameplay
                 moveMouse();
                 return player?.LoadState == LoadState.Ready;
             });
+
             AddRepeatStep("move mouse", moveMouse, 20);
 
             AddAssert("loader still active", () => loader.IsCurrentScreen());
@@ -154,6 +162,8 @@ namespace osu.Game.Tests.Visual.Gameplay
 
             void moveMouse()
             {
+                notificationOverlay.State.Value = Visibility.Hidden;
+
                 InputManager.MoveMouseTo(
                     loader.VisualSettings.ScreenSpaceDrawQuad.TopLeft
                     + (loader.VisualSettings.ScreenSpaceDrawQuad.BottomRight - loader.VisualSettings.ScreenSpaceDrawQuad.TopLeft)
@@ -274,6 +284,8 @@ namespace osu.Game.Tests.Visual.Gameplay
             AddStep("load player", () => resetPlayer(false, beforeLoad));
             AddUntilStep("wait for player", () => player?.LoadState == LoadState.Ready);
 
+            saveVolumes();
+
             AddAssert("check for notification", () => notificationOverlay.UnreadCount.Value == 1);
             AddStep("click notification", () =>
             {
@@ -287,6 +299,8 @@ namespace osu.Game.Tests.Visual.Gameplay
 
             AddAssert("check " + volumeName, assert);
 
+            restoreVolumes();
+
             AddUntilStep("wait for player load", () => player.IsLoaded);
         }
 
@@ -294,6 +308,9 @@ namespace osu.Game.Tests.Visual.Gameplay
         [TestCase(false)]
         public void TestEpilepsyWarning(bool warning)
         {
+            saveVolumes();
+            setFullVolume();
+
             AddStep("change epilepsy warning", () => epilepsyWarning = warning);
             AddStep("load dummy beatmap", () => resetPlayer(false));
 
@@ -306,6 +323,30 @@ namespace osu.Game.Tests.Visual.Gameplay
                 AddUntilStep("sound volume decreased", () => Beatmap.Value.Track.AggregateVolume.Value == 0.25);
                 AddUntilStep("sound volume restored", () => Beatmap.Value.Track.AggregateVolume.Value == 1);
             }
+
+            restoreVolumes();
+        }
+
+        [Test]
+        public void TestEpilepsyWarningEarlyExit()
+        {
+            saveVolumes();
+            setFullVolume();
+
+            AddStep("set epilepsy warning", () => epilepsyWarning = true);
+            AddStep("load dummy beatmap", () => resetPlayer(false));
+
+            AddUntilStep("wait for current", () => loader.IsCurrentScreen());
+
+            AddUntilStep("wait for epilepsy warning", () => getWarning().Alpha > 0);
+            AddUntilStep("warning is shown", () => getWarning().State.Value == Visibility.Visible);
+
+            AddStep("exit early", () => loader.Exit());
+
+            AddUntilStep("warning is hidden", () => getWarning().State.Value == Visibility.Hidden);
+            AddUntilStep("sound volume restored", () => Beatmap.Value.Track.AggregateVolume.Value == 1);
+
+            restoreVolumes();
         }
 
         [TestCase(true, 1.0, false)] // on battery, above cutoff --> no warning
@@ -336,21 +377,65 @@ namespace osu.Game.Tests.Visual.Gameplay
             AddUntilStep("wait for player load", () => player.IsLoaded);
         }
 
-        [Test]
-        public void TestEpilepsyWarningEarlyExit()
+        private void restoreVolumes()
         {
-            AddStep("set epilepsy warning", () => epilepsyWarning = true);
+            AddStep("restore previous volumes", () =>
+            {
+                audioManager.VolumeTrack.Value = savedTrackVolume;
+                audioManager.Volume.Value = savedMasterVolume;
+                volumeOverlay.IsMuted.Value = savedMutedState;
+            });
+        }
+
+        private void setFullVolume()
+        {
+            AddStep("set volumes to 100%", () =>
+            {
+                audioManager.VolumeTrack.Value = 1;
+                audioManager.Volume.Value = 1;
+                volumeOverlay.IsMuted.Value = false;
+            });
+        }
+
+        private void saveVolumes()
+        {
+            AddStep("save previous volumes", () =>
+            {
+                savedTrackVolume = audioManager.VolumeTrack.Value;
+                savedMasterVolume = audioManager.Volume.Value;
+                savedMutedState = volumeOverlay.IsMuted.Value;
+            });
+        }
+
+        [Test]
+        public void TestQuickRetry()
+        {
+            TestPlayer getCurrentPlayer() => loader.CurrentPlayer as TestPlayer;
+            bool checkSkipButtonVisible() => player.ChildrenOfType<SkipOverlay>().FirstOrDefault()?.IsButtonVisible == true;
+
+            TestPlayer previousPlayer = null;
+
             AddStep("load dummy beatmap", () => resetPlayer(false));
 
-            AddUntilStep("wait for current", () => loader.IsCurrentScreen());
+            AddUntilStep("wait for current", () => getCurrentPlayer()?.IsCurrentScreen() == true);
+            AddStep("store previous player", () => previousPlayer = getCurrentPlayer());
 
-            AddUntilStep("wait for epilepsy warning", () => getWarning().Alpha > 0);
-            AddUntilStep("warning is shown", () => getWarning().State.Value == Visibility.Visible);
+            AddStep("Restart map normally", () => getCurrentPlayer().Restart());
+            AddUntilStep("wait for load", () => getCurrentPlayer()?.LoadedBeatmapSuccessfully == true);
 
-            AddStep("exit early", () => loader.Exit());
+            AddUntilStep("restart completed", () => getCurrentPlayer() != null && getCurrentPlayer() != previousPlayer);
+            AddStep("store previous player", () => previousPlayer = getCurrentPlayer());
 
-            AddUntilStep("warning is hidden", () => getWarning().State.Value == Visibility.Hidden);
-            AddUntilStep("sound volume restored", () => Beatmap.Value.Track.AggregateVolume.Value == 1);
+            AddUntilStep("skip button visible", checkSkipButtonVisible);
+
+            AddStep("press quick retry key", () => InputManager.PressKey(Key.Tilde));
+            AddUntilStep("restart completed", () => getCurrentPlayer() != null && getCurrentPlayer() != previousPlayer);
+            AddStep("release quick retry key", () => InputManager.ReleaseKey(Key.Tilde));
+
+            AddUntilStep("wait for load", () => getCurrentPlayer()?.LoadedBeatmapSuccessfully == true);
+
+            AddUntilStep("time reached zero", () => getCurrentPlayer()?.GameplayClockContainer.CurrentTime > 0);
+            AddUntilStep("skip button not visible", () => !checkSkipButtonVisible());
         }
 
         private EpilepsyWarning getWarning() => loader.ChildrenOfType<EpilepsyWarning>().SingleOrDefault();
diff --git a/osu.Game.Tests/Visual/Mods/TestSceneModFailCondition.cs b/osu.Game.Tests/Visual/Mods/TestSceneModFailCondition.cs
index 91fa09b414..23c1eda7f7 100644
--- a/osu.Game.Tests/Visual/Mods/TestSceneModFailCondition.cs
+++ b/osu.Game.Tests/Visual/Mods/TestSceneModFailCondition.cs
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Tests.Visual.Mods
         protected override TestPlayer CreateModPlayer(Ruleset ruleset)
         {
             var player = base.CreateModPlayer(ruleset);
-            player.RestartRequested = () => restartRequested = true;
+            player.RestartRequested = _ => restartRequested = true;
             return player;
         }
 
diff --git a/osu.Game/Beatmaps/BeatmapInfo.cs b/osu.Game/Beatmaps/BeatmapInfo.cs
index 9196dde73c..32b7f0b29b 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Beatmaps/BeatmapInfo.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Beatmaps/BeatmapInfo.cs
@@ -102,6 +102,14 @@ namespace osu.Game.Beatmaps
 
         public string OnlineMD5Hash { get; set; } = string.Empty;
 
+        /// <summary>
+        /// The last time of a local modification (via the editor).
+        /// </summary>
+        public DateTimeOffset? LastLocalUpdate { get; set; }
+
+        /// <summary>
+        /// The last time online metadata was applied to this beatmap.
+        /// </summary>
         public DateTimeOffset? LastOnlineUpdate { get; set; }
 
         /// <summary>
diff --git a/osu.Game/Beatmaps/BeatmapManager.cs b/osu.Game/Beatmaps/BeatmapManager.cs
index e148016487..d736765dd9 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Beatmaps/BeatmapManager.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Beatmaps/BeatmapManager.cs
@@ -94,6 +94,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Beatmaps
 
             var beatmapSet = new BeatmapSetInfo
             {
+                DateAdded = DateTimeOffset.UtcNow,
                 Beatmaps =
                 {
                     new BeatmapInfo(ruleset, new BeatmapDifficulty(), metadata)
@@ -313,6 +314,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Beatmaps
                 beatmapInfo.MD5Hash = stream.ComputeMD5Hash();
                 beatmapInfo.Hash = stream.ComputeSHA2Hash();
 
+                beatmapInfo.LastLocalUpdate = DateTimeOffset.Now;
                 beatmapInfo.Status = BeatmapOnlineStatus.LocallyModified;
 
                 AddFile(setInfo, stream, createBeatmapFilenameFromMetadata(beatmapInfo));
diff --git a/osu.Game/Beatmaps/IWorkingBeatmap.cs b/osu.Game/Beatmaps/IWorkingBeatmap.cs
index 548341cc77..a39766abe1 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Beatmaps/IWorkingBeatmap.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Beatmaps/IWorkingBeatmap.cs
@@ -134,6 +134,6 @@ namespace osu.Game.Beatmaps
         /// <summary>
         /// Reads the correct track restart point from beatmap metadata and sets looping to enabled.
         /// </summary>
-        void PrepareTrackForPreviewLooping();
+        void PrepareTrackForPreview(bool looping);
     }
 }
diff --git a/osu.Game/Beatmaps/WorkingBeatmap.cs b/osu.Game/Beatmaps/WorkingBeatmap.cs
index 16464932e0..301610ee58 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Beatmaps/WorkingBeatmap.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Beatmaps/WorkingBeatmap.cs
@@ -110,9 +110,9 @@ namespace osu.Game.Beatmaps
 
         public Track LoadTrack() => track = GetBeatmapTrack() ?? GetVirtualTrack(1000);
 
-        public void PrepareTrackForPreviewLooping()
+        public void PrepareTrackForPreview(bool looping)
         {
-            Track.Looping = true;
+            Track.Looping = looping;
             Track.RestartPoint = Metadata.PreviewTime;
 
             if (Track.RestartPoint == -1)
diff --git a/osu.Game/Database/LegacyCollectionImporter.cs b/osu.Game/Database/LegacyCollectionImporter.cs
index 4bb28bf731..6d3e3fb76a 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Database/LegacyCollectionImporter.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Database/LegacyCollectionImporter.cs
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Database
 
                         if (existing != null)
                         {
-                            foreach (string newBeatmap in existing.BeatmapMD5Hashes)
+                            foreach (string newBeatmap in collection.BeatmapMD5Hashes)
                             {
                                 if (!existing.BeatmapMD5Hashes.Contains(newBeatmap))
                                     existing.BeatmapMD5Hashes.Add(newBeatmap);
diff --git a/osu.Game/Database/RealmAccess.cs b/osu.Game/Database/RealmAccess.cs
index 8099db44b1..cdaf35a1fb 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Database/RealmAccess.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Database/RealmAccess.cs
@@ -68,8 +68,9 @@ namespace osu.Game.Database
         /// 20   2022-07-21    Added LastAppliedDifficultyVersion to RulesetInfo, changed default value of BeatmapInfo.StarRating to -1.
         /// 21   2022-07-27    Migrate collections to realm (BeatmapCollection).
         /// 22   2022-07-31    Added ModPreset.
+        /// 23   2022-08-01    Added LastLocalUpdate to BeatmapInfo.
         /// </summary>
-        private const int schema_version = 22;
+        private const int schema_version = 23;
 
         /// <summary>
         /// Lock object which is held during <see cref="BlockAllOperations"/> sections, blocking realm retrieval during blocking periods.
diff --git a/osu.Game/Screens/Edit/Editor.cs b/osu.Game/Screens/Edit/Editor.cs
index 89f9aec5ee..a7cbe1f1ad 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Screens/Edit/Editor.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Screens/Edit/Editor.cs
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ using osu.Framework.Logging;
 using osu.Framework.Platform;
 using osu.Framework.Screens;
 using osu.Framework.Testing;
+using osu.Framework.Threading;
 using osu.Framework.Timing;
 using osu.Game.Audio;
 using osu.Game.Beatmaps;
@@ -233,6 +234,8 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Edit
             AddInternal(editorBeatmap = new EditorBeatmap(playableBeatmap, loadableBeatmap.GetSkin(), loadableBeatmap.BeatmapInfo));
             dependencies.CacheAs(editorBeatmap);
 
+            editorBeatmap.UpdateInProgress.BindValueChanged(updateInProgress);
+
             canSave = editorBeatmap.BeatmapInfo.Ruleset.CreateInstance() is ILegacyRuleset;
 
             if (canSave)
@@ -714,6 +717,27 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Edit
             this.Exit();
         }
 
+        #region Mute from update application
+
+        private ScheduledDelegate temporaryMuteRestorationDelegate;
+        private bool temporaryMuteFromUpdateInProgress;
+
+        private void updateInProgress(ValueChangedEvent<bool> obj)
+        {
+            temporaryMuteFromUpdateInProgress = true;
+            updateSampleDisabledState();
+
+            // Debounce is arbitrarily high enough to avoid flip-flopping the value each other frame.
+            temporaryMuteRestorationDelegate?.Cancel();
+            temporaryMuteRestorationDelegate = Scheduler.AddDelayed(() =>
+            {
+                temporaryMuteFromUpdateInProgress = false;
+                updateSampleDisabledState();
+            }, 50);
+        }
+
+        #endregion
+
         #region Clipboard support
 
         private EditorMenuItem cutMenuItem;
@@ -829,7 +853,9 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Edit
 
         private void updateSampleDisabledState()
         {
-            samplePlaybackDisabled.Value = clock.SeekingOrStopped.Value || !(currentScreen is ComposeScreen);
+            samplePlaybackDisabled.Value = clock.SeekingOrStopped.Value
+                                           || currentScreen is not ComposeScreen
+                                           || temporaryMuteFromUpdateInProgress;
         }
 
         private void seek(UIEvent e, int direction)
diff --git a/osu.Game/Screens/Edit/EditorBeatmap.cs b/osu.Game/Screens/Edit/EditorBeatmap.cs
index 96425e8bc8..8aa754b305 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Screens/Edit/EditorBeatmap.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Screens/Edit/EditorBeatmap.cs
@@ -22,6 +22,17 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Edit
 {
     public class EditorBeatmap : TransactionalCommitComponent, IBeatmap, IBeatSnapProvider
     {
+        /// <summary>
+        /// Will become <c>true</c> when a new update is queued, and <c>false</c> when all updates have been applied.
+        /// </summary>
+        /// <remarks>
+        /// This is intended to be used to avoid performing operations (like playback of samples)
+        /// while mutating hitobjects.
+        /// </remarks>
+        public IBindable<bool> UpdateInProgress => updateInProgress;
+
+        private readonly BindableBool updateInProgress = new BindableBool();
+
         /// <summary>
         /// Invoked when a <see cref="HitObject"/> is added to this <see cref="EditorBeatmap"/>.
         /// </summary>
@@ -78,7 +89,10 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Edit
             this.beatmapInfo = beatmapInfo ?? playableBeatmap.BeatmapInfo;
 
             if (beatmapSkin is Skin skin)
+            {
                 BeatmapSkin = new EditorBeatmapSkin(skin);
+                BeatmapSkin.BeatmapSkinChanged += SaveState;
+            }
 
             beatmapProcessor = playableBeatmap.BeatmapInfo.Ruleset.CreateInstance().CreateBeatmapProcessor(PlayableBeatmap);
 
@@ -225,6 +239,8 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Edit
         {
             // updates are debounced regardless of whether a batch is active.
             batchPendingUpdates.Add(hitObject);
+
+            updateInProgress.Value = true;
         }
 
         /// <summary>
@@ -234,6 +250,8 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Edit
         {
             foreach (var h in HitObjects)
                 batchPendingUpdates.Add(h);
+
+            updateInProgress.Value = true;
         }
 
         /// <summary>
@@ -326,6 +344,8 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Edit
             foreach (var h in deletes) HitObjectRemoved?.Invoke(h);
             foreach (var h in inserts) HitObjectAdded?.Invoke(h);
             foreach (var h in updates) HitObjectUpdated?.Invoke(h);
+
+            updateInProgress.Value = false;
         }
 
         /// <summary>
diff --git a/osu.Game/Screens/Edit/Setup/DesignSection.cs b/osu.Game/Screens/Edit/Setup/DesignSection.cs
index 40bbfeaf7d..5cec730440 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Screens/Edit/Setup/DesignSection.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Screens/Edit/Setup/DesignSection.cs
@@ -126,6 +126,8 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Edit.Setup
             Beatmap.BeatmapInfo.EpilepsyWarning = epilepsyWarning.Current.Value;
             Beatmap.BeatmapInfo.LetterboxInBreaks = letterboxDuringBreaks.Current.Value;
             Beatmap.BeatmapInfo.SamplesMatchPlaybackRate = samplesMatchPlaybackRate.Current.Value;
+
+            Beatmap.SaveState();
         }
     }
 }
diff --git a/osu.Game/Screens/Edit/Setup/DifficultySection.cs b/osu.Game/Screens/Edit/Setup/DifficultySection.cs
index 5ce5d05d64..ce44445683 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Screens/Edit/Setup/DifficultySection.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Screens/Edit/Setup/DifficultySection.cs
@@ -96,6 +96,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Edit.Setup
             Beatmap.Difficulty.OverallDifficulty = overallDifficultySlider.Current.Value;
 
             Beatmap.UpdateAllHitObjects();
+            Beatmap.SaveState();
         }
     }
 }
diff --git a/osu.Game/Screens/Edit/Setup/MetadataSection.cs b/osu.Game/Screens/Edit/Setup/MetadataSection.cs
index 854dec2001..928e5bc3b6 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Screens/Edit/Setup/MetadataSection.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Screens/Edit/Setup/MetadataSection.cs
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Edit.Setup
                 target.Current.Value = value;
 
             updateReadOnlyState();
-            updateMetadata();
+            Scheduler.AddOnce(updateMetadata);
         }
 
         private void updateReadOnlyState()
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Edit.Setup
 
             // for now, update on commit rather than making BeatmapMetadata bindables.
             // after switching database engines we can reconsider if switching to bindables is a good direction.
-            updateMetadata();
+            Scheduler.AddOnce(updateMetadata);
         }
 
         private void updateMetadata()
@@ -117,6 +117,8 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Edit.Setup
             Beatmap.BeatmapInfo.DifficultyName = difficultyTextBox.Current.Value;
             Beatmap.Metadata.Source = sourceTextBox.Current.Value;
             Beatmap.Metadata.Tags = tagsTextBox.Current.Value;
+
+            Beatmap.SaveState();
         }
     }
 }
diff --git a/osu.Game/Screens/Menu/IntroCircles.cs b/osu.Game/Screens/Menu/IntroCircles.cs
index faa9a267ce..7a4bdb231f 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Screens/Menu/IntroCircles.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Screens/Menu/IntroCircles.cs
@@ -19,8 +19,9 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Menu
 
         protected override string BeatmapFile => "circles.osz";
 
-        private const double delay_step_one = 2300;
-        private const double delay_step_two = 600;
+        public const double TRACK_START_DELAY = 600;
+
+        private const double delay_for_menu = 2900;
 
         private Sample welcome;
 
@@ -50,8 +51,8 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Menu
 
                     PrepareMenuLoad();
 
-                    Scheduler.AddDelayed(LoadMenu, delay_step_one);
-                }, delay_step_two);
+                    Scheduler.AddDelayed(LoadMenu, delay_for_menu - TRACK_START_DELAY);
+                }, TRACK_START_DELAY);
 
                 logo.ScaleTo(1);
                 logo.FadeIn();
diff --git a/osu.Game/Screens/Menu/IntroScreen.cs b/osu.Game/Screens/Menu/IntroScreen.cs
index a2ecd7eacb..409c7d6c8d 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Screens/Menu/IntroScreen.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Screens/Menu/IntroScreen.cs
@@ -272,11 +272,22 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Menu
                 FadeInBackground(200);
         }
 
-        protected virtual void StartTrack()
+        protected void StartTrack()
         {
-            // Only start the current track if it is the menu music. A beatmap's track is started when entering the Main Menu.
-            if (UsingThemedIntro)
-                Track.Start();
+            var drawableTrack = musicController.CurrentTrack;
+
+            if (!UsingThemedIntro)
+            {
+                initialBeatmap?.PrepareTrackForPreview(false);
+
+                drawableTrack.VolumeTo(0);
+                drawableTrack.Restart();
+                drawableTrack.VolumeTo(1, 2200, Easing.InCubic);
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                drawableTrack.Restart();
+            }
         }
 
         protected override void LogoArriving(OsuLogo logo, bool resuming)
diff --git a/osu.Game/Screens/Menu/IntroTriangles.cs b/osu.Game/Screens/Menu/IntroTriangles.cs
index 6ad0350e43..d777f78df2 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Screens/Menu/IntroTriangles.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Screens/Menu/IntroTriangles.cs
@@ -84,9 +84,17 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Menu
                         return;
 
                     if (!UsingThemedIntro)
+                    {
+                        // If the user has requested no theme, fallback to the same intro voice and delay as IntroCircles.
+                        // The triangles intro voice and theme are combined which makes it impossible to use.
                         welcome?.Play();
+                        Scheduler.AddDelayed(StartTrack, IntroCircles.TRACK_START_DELAY);
+                    }
+                    else
+                        StartTrack();
 
-                    StartTrack();
+                    // no-op for the case of themed intro, no harm in calling for both scenarios as a safety measure.
+                    decoupledClock.Start();
                 });
             }
         }
@@ -99,11 +107,6 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Menu
             intro.Expire();
         }
 
-        protected override void StartTrack()
-        {
-            decoupledClock.Start();
-        }
-
         private class TrianglesIntroSequence : CompositeDrawable
         {
             private readonly OsuLogo logo;
diff --git a/osu.Game/Screens/Menu/MainMenu.cs b/osu.Game/Screens/Menu/MainMenu.cs
index 066a37055c..0071ada05a 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Screens/Menu/MainMenu.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Screens/Menu/MainMenu.cs
@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Menu
                 // presume the track is the current beatmap's track. not sure how correct this assumption is but it has worked until now.
                 if (!track.IsRunning)
                 {
-                    Beatmap.Value.PrepareTrackForPreviewLooping();
+                    Beatmap.Value.PrepareTrackForPreview(false);
                     track.Restart();
                 }
             }
diff --git a/osu.Game/Screens/OnlinePlay/Match/RoomSubScreen.cs b/osu.Game/Screens/OnlinePlay/Match/RoomSubScreen.cs
index 25f2a94a3c..03216180fb 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Screens/OnlinePlay/Match/RoomSubScreen.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Screens/OnlinePlay/Match/RoomSubScreen.cs
@@ -485,7 +485,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.OnlinePlay.Match
 
             if (track != null)
             {
-                Beatmap.Value.PrepareTrackForPreviewLooping();
+                Beatmap.Value.PrepareTrackForPreview(true);
                 music?.EnsurePlayingSomething();
             }
         }
diff --git a/osu.Game/Screens/Play/Player.cs b/osu.Game/Screens/Play/Player.cs
index 51b2042d1b..6827ff04d3 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Screens/Play/Player.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Screens/Play/Player.cs
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Play
         /// </summary>
         protected virtual bool PauseOnFocusLost => true;
 
-        public Action RestartRequested;
+        public Action<bool> RestartRequested;
 
         private bool isRestarting;
 
@@ -267,7 +267,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Play
                 FailOverlay = new FailOverlay
                 {
                     SaveReplay = prepareAndImportScore,
-                    OnRetry = Restart,
+                    OnRetry = () => Restart(),
                     OnQuit = () => PerformExit(true),
                 },
                 new HotkeyExitOverlay
@@ -294,7 +294,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Play
                         if (!this.IsCurrentScreen()) return;
 
                         fadeOut(true);
-                        Restart();
+                        Restart(true);
                     },
                 });
             }
@@ -371,6 +371,9 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Play
 
             IsBreakTime.BindTo(breakTracker.IsBreakTime);
             IsBreakTime.BindValueChanged(onBreakTimeChanged, true);
+
+            if (Configuration.AutomaticallySkipIntro)
+                skipIntroOverlay.SkipWhenReady();
         }
 
         protected virtual GameplayClockContainer CreateGameplayClockContainer(WorkingBeatmap beatmap, double gameplayStart) => new MasterGameplayClockContainer(beatmap, gameplayStart);
@@ -441,7 +444,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Play
                     {
                         OnResume = Resume,
                         Retries = RestartCount,
-                        OnRetry = Restart,
+                        OnRetry = () => Restart(),
                         OnQuit = () => PerformExit(true),
                     },
                 },
@@ -648,7 +651,8 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Play
         /// Restart gameplay via a parent <see cref="PlayerLoader"/>.
         /// <remarks>This can be called from a child screen in order to trigger the restart process.</remarks>
         /// </summary>
-        public void Restart()
+        /// <param name="quickRestart">Whether a quick restart was requested (skipping intro etc.).</param>
+        public void Restart(bool quickRestart = false)
         {
             if (!Configuration.AllowRestart)
                 return;
@@ -660,7 +664,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Play
             musicController.Stop();
 
             sampleRestart?.Play();
-            RestartRequested?.Invoke();
+            RestartRequested?.Invoke(quickRestart);
 
             PerformExit(false);
         }
@@ -840,7 +844,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Play
             failAnimationLayer.Start();
 
             if (GameplayState.Mods.OfType<IApplicableFailOverride>().Any(m => m.RestartOnFail))
-                Restart();
+                Restart(true);
 
             return true;
         }
diff --git a/osu.Game/Screens/Play/PlayerConfiguration.cs b/osu.Game/Screens/Play/PlayerConfiguration.cs
index d11825baee..b1b0e01d80 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Screens/Play/PlayerConfiguration.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Screens/Play/PlayerConfiguration.cs
@@ -31,5 +31,10 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Play
         /// Whether the player should be allowed to skip intros/outros, advancing to the start of gameplay or the end of a storyboard.
         /// </summary>
         public bool AllowSkipping { get; set; } = true;
+
+        /// <summary>
+        /// Whether the intro should be skipped by default.
+        /// </summary>
+        public bool AutomaticallySkipIntro { get; set; }
     }
 }
diff --git a/osu.Game/Screens/Play/PlayerLoader.cs b/osu.Game/Screens/Play/PlayerLoader.cs
index 674490d595..e6bd1367ef 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Screens/Play/PlayerLoader.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Screens/Play/PlayerLoader.cs
@@ -123,6 +123,8 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Play
 
         private EpilepsyWarning? epilepsyWarning;
 
+        private bool quickRestart;
+
         [Resolved(CanBeNull = true)]
         private INotificationOverlay? notificationOverlay { get; set; }
 
@@ -361,6 +363,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Play
                 return;
 
             CurrentPlayer = createPlayer();
+            CurrentPlayer.Configuration.AutomaticallySkipIntro = quickRestart;
             CurrentPlayer.RestartCount = restartCount++;
             CurrentPlayer.RestartRequested = restartRequested;
 
@@ -375,8 +378,9 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Play
         {
         }
 
-        private void restartRequested()
+        private void restartRequested(bool quickRestartRequested)
         {
+            quickRestart = quickRestartRequested;
             hideOverlays = true;
             ValidForResume = true;
         }
diff --git a/osu.Game/Screens/Play/SkipOverlay.cs b/osu.Game/Screens/Play/SkipOverlay.cs
index 687705ff1b..5c9a706549 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Screens/Play/SkipOverlay.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Screens/Play/SkipOverlay.cs
@@ -39,10 +39,13 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Play
         private double displayTime;
 
         private bool isClickable;
+        private bool skipQueued;
 
         [Resolved]
         private IGameplayClock gameplayClock { get; set; }
 
+        internal bool IsButtonVisible => fadeContainer.State == Visibility.Visible && buttonContainer.State.Value == Visibility.Visible;
+
         public override bool ReceivePositionalInputAt(Vector2 screenSpacePos) => true;
 
         /// <summary>
@@ -123,6 +126,20 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Play
             displayTime = gameplayClock.CurrentTime;
 
             fadeContainer.TriggerShow();
+
+            if (skipQueued)
+            {
+                Scheduler.AddDelayed(() => button.TriggerClick(), 200);
+                skipQueued = false;
+            }
+        }
+
+        public void SkipWhenReady()
+        {
+            if (IsLoaded)
+                button.TriggerClick();
+            else
+                skipQueued = true;
         }
 
         protected override void Update()
diff --git a/osu.Game/Screens/Ranking/ResultsScreen.cs b/osu.Game/Screens/Ranking/ResultsScreen.cs
index c530febcae..226216b0f0 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Screens/Ranking/ResultsScreen.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Screens/Ranking/ResultsScreen.cs
@@ -177,7 +177,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Ranking
                     {
                         if (!this.IsCurrentScreen()) return;
 
-                        player?.Restart();
+                        player?.Restart(true);
                     },
                 });
             }
diff --git a/osu.Game/Screens/Select/SongSelect.cs b/osu.Game/Screens/Select/SongSelect.cs
index 33ff31857f..0c2ca6d4af 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Screens/Select/SongSelect.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Screens/Select/SongSelect.cs
@@ -683,7 +683,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Select
         }
 
         private void ensureTrackLooping(IWorkingBeatmap beatmap, TrackChangeDirection changeDirection)
-            => beatmap.PrepareTrackForPreviewLooping();
+            => beatmap.PrepareTrackForPreview(true);
 
         public override bool OnBackButton()
         {