diff --git a/.gitea/workflows/deploy.yml b/.gitea/workflows/deploy.yml
index b09eeaf..ec7068e 100644
--- a/.gitea/workflows/deploy.yml
+++ b/.gitea/workflows/deploy.yml
@@ -16,10 +16,11 @@ jobs:
         with:
           node-version: 22
 
-      # npm (not bun) so Sharp's native binary for astro:assets image
-      # optimization installs reliably on the runner
+      # npm (not bun) + --include=optional so Sharp's platform binary
+      # (@img/sharp-linux-x64, an optional dep) installs on the runner,
+      # which otherwise omits optional deps -> astro:assets MissingSharp
       - name: Install dependencies
-        run: npm install
+        run: npm install --include=optional
 
       - name: Build site
         run: npm run build