diff --git a/.github/workflows/ci.yml b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
index e93ea49..89f39a0 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/ci.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
@@ -29,7 +29,6 @@ jobs:
       - run: pnpm lint
       - run: pnpm format:check
       - run: pnpm test:coverage
-      - run: pnpm build
       - run: pnpm pack:smoke
 
   windows-exec:
@@ -62,5 +61,4 @@ jobs:
           cache: pnpm
       - run: pnpm install --frozen-lockfile
       - run: pnpm test
-      - run: pnpm build
       - run: pnpm pack:smoke
diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 820a3fc..521d6ef 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 ## 0.8.5 - Unreleased
 
+- Avoid duplicate CI compilation by retaining the package smoke test's clean prepack build.
 - Refresh Oxfmt, test tooling, CodeQL, and TruffleHog within the 48-hour dependency policy while preserving Node 22 support. Thanks @dependabot! #249 #250
 
 ## 0.8.4 - 2026-10-21