diff --git a/scripts/release.sh b/scripts/release.sh
index c64d6c5e..7233412f 100755
--- a/scripts/release.sh
+++ b/scripts/release.sh
@@ -189,7 +189,7 @@ echo -e "${GREEN}✅ Pushed to origin${NC}\n"
 # the forge/npmjs pair enough to publish the storefront leg.
 FORGE_NPM_REG="https://source.soulcraft.com/api/packages/soulcraft/npm/"
 FORGE_POLL_INTERVAL_S=15
-FORGE_POLL_MAX_ATTEMPTS=40  # 40 × 15s = 10 minutes
+FORGE_POLL_MAX_ATTEMPTS=80  # 80 × 15s = 20 minutes — the runner is sequential; the publish run queues behind ci.yml jobs
 echo -e "${BLUE}9️⃣  Waiting for CI to publish v${NEW_VERSION} to the forge registry (home)...${NC}"
 FORGE_LANDED=false
 for ((attempt = 1; attempt <= FORGE_POLL_MAX_ATTEMPTS; attempt++)); do