diff --git a/phpstan.neon.dist b/phpstan.neon.dist
index 4c6d195..8e789eb 100644
--- a/phpstan.neon.dist
+++ b/phpstan.neon.dist
@@ -19,5 +19,6 @@ parameters:
         # does not error when it is absent (no blocks, or before the first build).
         - assets/build (?)
         - vendor
-        - node_modules
+        # Optional: absent until `npm install` runs (a Composer-only checkout).
+        - node_modules (?)
         - tests