diff --git a/non_argo_values/gitea_values.yaml b/non_argo_values/gitea_values.yaml
index 711b0b3..34961ed 100644
--- a/non_argo_values/gitea_values.yaml
+++ b/non_argo_values/gitea_values.yaml
@@ -4,6 +4,12 @@
 # Single replica for homelab
 replicaCount: 1
 
+# Gitea data lives on a single RWO NFS PVC, so two pods can't run at once.
+# The chart default (RollingUpdate maxSurge 100%/maxUnavailable 0) surges a
+# second pod and deadlocks on upgrade -- use Recreate instead.
+strategy:
+  type: Recreate
+
 # Service configuration - LoadBalancer for direct access
 service:
   http: