diff --git a/test_helpers/builder.go b/test_helpers/builder.go
index dc7fd34..44f46bf 100644
--- a/test_helpers/builder.go
+++ b/test_helpers/builder.go
@@ -101,10 +101,8 @@ func RunStateSnapshot(
 				if build() == nil {
 					t.Fatal("expected an error")
 				}
+				require.FileExists(t, recoveryFile)
 			}
-			// Ensure we don't exceed the expected number of nodes. If we do, it implies the
-			// failed attempt got further than intended, and we have duplicates.
-			// ipldAppender = failingSyncedAppender(&iplds, len(test.Expected.IPLDs))
 			ipldAppender = failingSyncedAppender(&iplds, -1)
 			if err := build(); err != nil {
 				t.Fatal(err)