diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 992d319b9..9cf5b813d 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ There are two methods to create an external plugin, you can either:
 
  5. Open `build.gradle` and edit `runeLiteVersion` from `1.5.44-SNAPSHOT` to the latest release. If you are unsure about the current version it's specified on [runelite.net](https://runelite.net/).
 
- 6. In order to make sure everything works correctly, try to start the client with your external plugin enabled by running the test.
+ 6. In order to make sure everything works correctly, try to start the client with your external plugin enabled by running the test. The test requires `-ea` to be added to your VM options to enable assertions, which can be found in IntellIJ in `Run/Debug Configurations` under `Modify options`, `Add VM options`, and then adding `-ea` into the input field which appears.
 
  ![run-test](https://i.imgur.com/tKSQH5e.png)
 
@@ -120,4 +120,4 @@ be have their cryptographic hash verified during the build to prevent [supply ch
 To do this we rely on [Gradle's dependency verification](https://docs.gradle.org/nightly/userguide/dependency_verification.html).
 To add a new dependency, add it to the `thirdParty` configuration in [`package/verification-template/build.gradle`](https://github.com/runelite/plugin-hub/blob/master/package/verification-template/build.gradle),
 then run `../gradlew --write-verification-metadata sha256` to update the metadata file. A maintainer must then verify
-the dependencies manually before your pull request will be merged.
\ No newline at end of file
+the dependencies manually before your pull request will be merged.