diff --git a/tests/runner-e2e/README.md b/tests/runner-e2e/README.md
index c1cb765f0b5..bd446143639 100644
--- a/tests/runner-e2e/README.md
+++ b/tests/runner-e2e/README.md
@@ -187,8 +187,10 @@ pnpm test:e2e:runner -- --id rolling-web-deployment.runner-codex.daytona.recover
 ```
 
 This source lane requires a complete server/UI build and disposable S3 and
-Postgres. Each controller has an independent compiled build and cache; shared
-workspace dependencies mean it is not released-container or Railway evidence.
+Postgres. Each controller has an independent compiled build and cache. The copied
+app retains the checkout's `cli/` and `packages/` dependency links, including the
+development Runner vendor entry. Shared workspace dependencies mean this is
+not released-container or Railway evidence.
 The read-only recovery observer captures the live predecessor's identity just
 before handoff, then requires a new controller generation, authenticated Runner
 attachment, and new canonical events for the original execution. No fixture
diff --git a/tests/runner-e2e/rolling-deployment-process.ts b/tests/runner-e2e/rolling-deployment-process.ts
index 00377990759..c55aa5caab3 100644
--- a/tests/runner-e2e/rolling-deployment-process.ts
+++ b/tests/runner-e2e/rolling-deployment-process.ts
@@ -48,6 +48,7 @@ export async function startRollingDeploymentProcess(input: {
     // This lane uses workspace dependencies, whose exports include TypeScript.
     // Preserve the normal development plugin loader beside each compiled copy.
     await symlink(path.join(input.repositoryRoot, "cli"), path.join(home, "app/cli"));
+    await symlink(path.join(input.repositoryRoot, "packages"), path.join(home, "app/packages"));
     await writeFile(path.join(appRoot, "package.json"), '{"type":"module"}');
     for (const omittedAsset of input.browser.omitAssets ?? []) {
       if (!/^[A-Za-z0-9_.-]+\.js$/.test(omittedAsset)) throw new Error("Unsafe omitted asset fixture");