diff --git a/crates/vite_task_plan/src/error.rs b/crates/vite_task_plan/src/error.rs
index 7a255b8d..6415355b 100644
--- a/crates/vite_task_plan/src/error.rs
+++ b/crates/vite_task_plan/src/error.rs
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ pub enum Error {
     #[error(transparent)]
     TaskRecursionDetected(#[from] TaskRecursionError),
 
-    #[error("Invalid vite task command: {program} with args {args:?} under cwd {cwd:?}")]
+    #[error("Invalid vite task command: {program} with args {args:?} under cwd \"{cwd}\"")]
     ParsePlanRequest {
         program: Str,
         args: Arc<[Str]>,
diff --git a/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/package.json b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/package.json
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..b65cafad
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/package.json
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+{
+  "name": "test-workspace",
+  "private": true
+}
diff --git a/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/packages/app/package.json b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/packages/app/package.json
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..3632bbf6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/packages/app/package.json
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+{
+  "name": "@test/app",
+  "version": "1.0.0",
+  "scripts": {
+    "build": "echo 'Building @test/app'"
+  },
+  "dependencies": {
+    "@test/utils": "workspace:*"
+  },
+  "devDependencies": {
+    "@test/core": "workspace:*"
+  }
+}
diff --git a/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/packages/core/package.json b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/packages/core/package.json
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..5fa64938
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/packages/core/package.json
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+{
+  "name": "@test/core",
+  "version": "1.0.0",
+  "scripts": {
+    "build": "echo 'Building @test/core'"
+  }
+}
diff --git a/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/packages/utils/package.json b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/packages/utils/package.json
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..95e18952
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/packages/utils/package.json
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+{
+  "name": "@test/utils",
+  "version": "1.0.0",
+  "scripts": {
+    "build": "echo 'Building @test/utils'"
+  },
+  "dependencies": {
+    "@test/core": "workspace:*"
+  }
+}
diff --git a/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/pnpm-workspace.yaml b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/pnpm-workspace.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..18ec407e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/pnpm-workspace.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+packages:
+  - 'packages/*'
diff --git a/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots.toml b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots.toml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..a52a797a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots.toml
@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
+# Tests --direct / -d flag: select direct dependencies only (one hop).
+# Topology: app → utils (dependency), app → core (devDependency), utils → core
+# Both dependency types are traversed.
+
+# -d from app: should select utils (dep) and core (devDep), NOT app itself.
+[[plan]]
+compact = true
+name = "dependencies from app"
+args = ["run", "-d", "build"]
+cwd = "packages/app"
+
+# -d from utils: should select core only (direct dep), NOT utils itself.
+[[plan]]
+compact = true
+name = "dependencies from utils"
+args = ["run", "-d", "build"]
+cwd = "packages/utils"
+
+# -d from core: core has no deps, so no packages selected.
+[[plan]]
+compact = true
+name = "dependencies from leaf package"
+args = ["run", "-d", "build"]
+cwd = "packages/core"
+
+# Contrast with -t from app: should select app, utils, AND core (full transitive).
+[[plan]]
+compact = true
+name = "transitive from app for comparison"
+args = ["run", "-t", "build"]
+cwd = "packages/app"
+
+# -d with package specifier: direct deps of @test/app.
+[[plan]]
+compact = true
+name = "dependencies with package specifier"
+args = ["run", "-d", "@test/app#build"]
+
+# -d with --workspace-root: direct deps of the workspace root package.
+[[plan]]
+compact = true
+name = "dependencies with workspace root"
+args = ["run", "-d", "-w", "build"]
+
+# Error: -d and -r conflict.
+[[plan]]
+compact = true
+name = "direct with recursive conflict"
+args = ["run", "-d", "-r", "build"]
+
+# Error: -d and -t conflict.
+[[plan]]
+compact = true
+name = "direct with transitive conflict"
+args = ["run", "-d", "-t", "build"]
+
+# Error: -d and --filter conflict.
+[[plan]]
+compact = true
+name = "direct with filter conflict"
+args = ["run", "-d", "--filter", "@test/app", "build"]
diff --git a/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - dependencies from app.snap b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - dependencies from app.snap
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..59b4f44e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - dependencies from app.snap	
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+---
+source: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/main.rs
+expression: "&compact_plan"
+info:
+  args:
+    - run
+    - "-d"
+    - build
+  cwd: packages/app
+input_file: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies
+---
+{
+  "packages/core#build": [],
+  "packages/utils#build": [
+    "packages/core#build"
+  ]
+}
diff --git a/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - dependencies from leaf package.snap b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - dependencies from leaf package.snap
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..6662ac66
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - dependencies from leaf package.snap	
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+---
+source: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/main.rs
+expression: "&compact_plan"
+info:
+  args:
+    - run
+    - "-d"
+    - build
+  cwd: packages/core
+input_file: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies
+---
+{}
diff --git a/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - dependencies from utils.snap b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - dependencies from utils.snap
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..7ceb02c5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - dependencies from utils.snap	
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+---
+source: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/main.rs
+expression: "&compact_plan"
+info:
+  args:
+    - run
+    - "-d"
+    - build
+  cwd: packages/utils
+input_file: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies
+---
+{
+  "packages/core#build": []
+}
diff --git a/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - dependencies with package specifier.snap b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - dependencies with package specifier.snap
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..8fb198b9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - dependencies with package specifier.snap	
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+---
+source: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/main.rs
+expression: "&compact_plan"
+info:
+  args:
+    - run
+    - "-d"
+    - "@test/app#build"
+input_file: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies
+---
+{
+  "packages/core#build": [],
+  "packages/utils#build": [
+    "packages/core#build"
+  ]
+}
diff --git a/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - dependencies with workspace root.snap b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - dependencies with workspace root.snap
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..fa253f2c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - dependencies with workspace root.snap	
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+---
+source: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/main.rs
+expression: "&compact_plan"
+info:
+  args:
+    - run
+    - "-d"
+    - "-w"
+    - build
+input_file: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies
+---
+{}
diff --git a/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - direct with filter conflict.snap b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - direct with filter conflict.snap
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..acc0ec88
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - direct with filter conflict.snap	
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+---
+source: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/main.rs
+expression: err_str.as_ref()
+info:
+  args:
+    - run
+    - "-d"
+    - "--filter"
+    - "@test/app"
+    - build
+input_file: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies
+---
+Invalid vite task command: vt with args [] under cwd "<workspace>/": --filter and --direct cannot be used together
diff --git a/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - direct with recursive conflict.snap b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - direct with recursive conflict.snap
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..c63778bb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - direct with recursive conflict.snap	
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+---
+source: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/main.rs
+expression: err
+info:
+  args:
+    - run
+    - "-d"
+    - "-r"
+    - build
+input_file: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies
+---
+error: the argument '--direct' cannot be used with '--recursive'
+
+Usage: vt run --direct <TASK_SPECIFIER> <ADDITIONAL_ARGS>...
+
+For more information, try '--help'.
diff --git a/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - direct with transitive conflict.snap b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - direct with transitive conflict.snap
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..3a5df9f0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - direct with transitive conflict.snap	
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+---
+source: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/main.rs
+expression: err
+info:
+  args:
+    - run
+    - "-d"
+    - "-t"
+    - build
+input_file: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies
+---
+error: the argument '--direct' cannot be used with '--transitive'
+
+Usage: vt run --direct <TASK_SPECIFIER> <ADDITIONAL_ARGS>...
+
+For more information, try '--help'.
diff --git a/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - transitive from app for comparison.snap b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - transitive from app for comparison.snap
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..08fd0429
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/query - transitive from app for comparison.snap	
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+---
+source: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/main.rs
+expression: "&compact_plan"
+info:
+  args:
+    - run
+    - "-t"
+    - build
+  cwd: packages/app
+input_file: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies
+---
+{
+  "packages/app#build": [
+    "packages/core#build",
+    "packages/utils#build"
+  ],
+  "packages/core#build": [],
+  "packages/utils#build": [
+    "packages/core#build"
+  ]
+}
diff --git a/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/task graph.snap b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/task graph.snap
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..8ce12eef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies/snapshots/task graph.snap	
@@ -0,0 +1,109 @@
+---
+source: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/main.rs
+expression: task_graph_json
+input_file: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/direct-dependencies
+---
+[
+  {
+    "key": [
+      "<workspace>/packages/app",
+      "build"
+    ],
+    "node": {
+      "task_display": {
+        "package_name": "@test/app",
+        "task_name": "build",
+        "package_path": "<workspace>/packages/app"
+      },
+      "resolved_config": {
+        "command": "echo 'Building @test/app'",
+        "resolved_options": {
+          "cwd": "<workspace>/packages/app",
+          "cache_config": {
+            "env_config": {
+              "fingerprinted_envs": [],
+              "untracked_env": [
+                "<default untracked envs>"
+              ]
+            },
+            "input_config": {
+              "includes_auto": true,
+              "positive_globs": [],
+              "negative_globs": []
+            }
+          }
+        }
+      },
+      "source": "PackageJsonScript"
+    },
+    "neighbors": []
+  },
+  {
+    "key": [
+      "<workspace>/packages/core",
+      "build"
+    ],
+    "node": {
+      "task_display": {
+        "package_name": "@test/core",
+        "task_name": "build",
+        "package_path": "<workspace>/packages/core"
+      },
+      "resolved_config": {
+        "command": "echo 'Building @test/core'",
+        "resolved_options": {
+          "cwd": "<workspace>/packages/core",
+          "cache_config": {
+            "env_config": {
+              "fingerprinted_envs": [],
+              "untracked_env": [
+                "<default untracked envs>"
+              ]
+            },
+            "input_config": {
+              "includes_auto": true,
+              "positive_globs": [],
+              "negative_globs": []
+            }
+          }
+        }
+      },
+      "source": "PackageJsonScript"
+    },
+    "neighbors": []
+  },
+  {
+    "key": [
+      "<workspace>/packages/utils",
+      "build"
+    ],
+    "node": {
+      "task_display": {
+        "package_name": "@test/utils",
+        "task_name": "build",
+        "package_path": "<workspace>/packages/utils"
+      },
+      "resolved_config": {
+        "command": "echo 'Building @test/utils'",
+        "resolved_options": {
+          "cwd": "<workspace>/packages/utils",
+          "cache_config": {
+            "env_config": {
+              "fingerprinted_envs": [],
+              "untracked_env": [
+                "<default untracked envs>"
+              ]
+            },
+            "input_config": {
+              "includes_auto": true,
+              "positive_globs": [],
+              "negative_globs": []
+            }
+          }
+        }
+      },
+      "source": "PackageJsonScript"
+    },
+    "neighbors": []
+  }
+]
diff --git a/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/transitive-skip-intermediate/snapshots.toml b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/transitive-skip-intermediate/snapshots.toml
index c5f5f8cb..c8bd97a2 100644
--- a/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/transitive-skip-intermediate/snapshots.toml
+++ b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/transitive-skip-intermediate/snapshots.toml
@@ -40,3 +40,18 @@ cwd = "packages/middle"
 compact = true
 name = "transitive with package specifier lacking task"
 args = ["run", "-t", "@test/middle#build"]
+
+# -d from top: direct deps are {middle}. middle lacks build → empty.
+# Unlike -t which walks transitively through middle to find bottom.
+[[plan]]
+compact = true
+name = "direct from top stops at direct deps"
+args = ["run", "-d", "build"]
+cwd = "packages/top"
+
+# -d from middle: direct dep is {bottom}. bottom has build → bottom#build.
+[[plan]]
+compact = true
+name = "direct from middle finds direct dep"
+args = ["run", "-d", "build"]
+cwd = "packages/middle"
diff --git a/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/transitive-skip-intermediate/snapshots/query - direct from middle finds direct dep.snap b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/transitive-skip-intermediate/snapshots/query - direct from middle finds direct dep.snap
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..1fc8b795
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/transitive-skip-intermediate/snapshots/query - direct from middle finds direct dep.snap	
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+---
+source: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/main.rs
+expression: "&compact_plan"
+info:
+  args:
+    - run
+    - "-d"
+    - build
+  cwd: packages/middle
+input_file: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/transitive-skip-intermediate
+---
+{
+  "packages/bottom#build": []
+}
diff --git a/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/transitive-skip-intermediate/snapshots/query - direct from top stops at direct deps.snap b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/transitive-skip-intermediate/snapshots/query - direct from top stops at direct deps.snap
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..27e90860
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/transitive-skip-intermediate/snapshots/query - direct from top stops at direct deps.snap	
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+---
+source: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/main.rs
+expression: "&compact_plan"
+info:
+  args:
+    - run
+    - "-d"
+    - build
+  cwd: packages/top
+input_file: crates/vite_task_plan/tests/plan_snapshots/fixtures/transitive-skip-intermediate
+---
+{}
diff --git a/crates/vite_workspace/src/package_filter.rs b/crates/vite_workspace/src/package_filter.rs
index 07fc7fde..cda77981 100644
--- a/crates/vite_workspace/src/package_filter.rs
+++ b/crates/vite_workspace/src/package_filter.rs
@@ -170,6 +170,12 @@ pub(crate) struct GraphTraversal {
     /// Produced by `^` in `foo^...` (keep dependencies, drop foo)
     /// or `...^foo` (keep dependents, drop foo).
     pub(crate) exclude_self: bool,
+
+    /// When `true`, only traverse one hop (direct dependencies/dependents).
+    /// When `false`, traverse the full transitive closure.
+    ///
+    /// Produced by `--dependencies` / `-d`.
+    pub(crate) direct_only: bool,
 }
 
 /// A single package filter, corresponding to one `--filter` argument.
@@ -215,8 +221,8 @@ pub enum PackageFilterParseError {
 /// Errors that can occur when converting [`PackageQueryArgs`] into a [`PackageQuery`].
 #[derive(Debug, thiserror::Error)]
 pub enum PackageQueryError {
-    #[error("--recursive and --transitive cannot be used together")]
-    RecursiveTransitiveConflict,
+    #[error("--recursive, --transitive, and --direct are mutually exclusive")]
+    ConflictingTraversalModes,
 
     #[error("--filter and --transitive cannot be used together")]
     FilterWithTransitive,
@@ -224,6 +230,9 @@ pub enum PackageQueryError {
     #[error("--filter and --recursive cannot be used together")]
     FilterWithRecursive,
 
+    #[error("--filter and --direct cannot be used together")]
+    DirectWithFilter,
+
     #[error("cannot specify package name with --recursive")]
     PackageNameWithRecursive { package_name: Str },
 
@@ -240,20 +249,65 @@ pub enum PackageQueryError {
     InvalidFilter(#[from] PackageFilterParseError),
 }
 
+/// How to traverse the package dependency graph when selecting packages.
+///
+/// These modes are mutually exclusive at the CLI level (`-r`, `-t`, `-d`).
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq)]
+pub enum TraversalMode {
+    /// `--recursive` / `-r`: select all packages in the workspace.
+    Recursive,
+    /// `--transitive` / `-t`: select the current package and its full transitive dependencies.
+    Transitive,
+    /// `--direct` / `-d`: select only the direct dependencies of the current package (one hop, excluding self).
+    Direct,
+}
+
+impl TraversalMode {
+    /// Convert to the internal graph traversal specification.
+    ///
+    /// `Recursive` and `Transitive` produce the same graph traversal; they differ
+    /// in how seeds are chosen (all packages vs. the current package), which is
+    /// decided by the caller in [`PackageQueryArgs::into_package_query`].
+    pub(crate) const fn to_graph_traversal(self) -> GraphTraversal {
+        match self {
+            Self::Recursive | Self::Transitive => GraphTraversal {
+                direction: TraversalDirection::Dependencies,
+                exclude_self: false,
+                direct_only: false,
+            },
+            Self::Direct => GraphTraversal {
+                direction: TraversalDirection::Dependencies,
+                exclude_self: true,
+                direct_only: true,
+            },
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 /// CLI arguments for selecting which packages a command applies to.
 ///
 /// Use `#[clap(flatten)]` to embed these in a parent clap struct.
 /// Call [`into_package_query`](Self::into_package_query) to convert into an opaque [`PackageQuery`].
+#[expect(
+    clippy::struct_excessive_bools,
+    reason = "clap requires separate bool fields for the mutually-exclusive traversal flags \
+              (-r/-t/-d) plus the independent -w flag; they are resolved into `TraversalMode` \
+              via `TraversalMode::from_flags`"
+)]
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq, clap::Args)]
 pub struct PackageQueryArgs {
     /// Select all packages in the workspace.
-    #[clap(default_value = "false", short, long)]
+    #[clap(default_value = "false", short, long, group = "traversal")]
     recursive: bool,
 
     /// Select the current package and its transitive dependencies.
-    #[clap(default_value = "false", short, long)]
+    #[clap(default_value = "false", short, long, group = "traversal")]
     transitive: bool,
 
+    /// Select the direct dependencies of the current package.
+    #[clap(default_value = "false", short, long, group = "traversal")]
+    direct: bool,
+
     /// Select the workspace root package.
     #[clap(default_value = "false", short = 'w', long = "workspace-root")]
     workspace_root: bool,
@@ -277,6 +331,27 @@ Match packages by name, directory, or glob pattern.
     filters: Vec<Str>,
 }
 
+impl TraversalMode {
+    /// Resolve three mutually exclusive traversal flags into an `Option<TraversalMode>`.
+    ///
+    /// Clap's `group = "traversal"` enforces mutual exclusivity at parse time.
+    /// This function also handles direct struct construction (e.g. in tests).
+    const fn from_flags(
+        recursive: bool,
+        transitive: bool,
+        direct: bool,
+    ) -> Result<Option<Self>, PackageQueryError> {
+        match (recursive, transitive, direct) {
+            (false, false, false) => Ok(None),
+            (true, false, false) => Ok(Some(Self::Recursive)),
+            (false, true, false) => Ok(Some(Self::Transitive)),
+            (false, false, true) => Ok(Some(Self::Direct)),
+            // Clap group prevents this from CLI; guard for direct construction.
+            _ => Err(PackageQueryError::ConflictingTraversalModes),
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 impl PackageQueryArgs {
     /// Convert CLI arguments into an opaque [`PackageQuery`].
     ///
@@ -284,68 +359,60 @@ impl PackageQueryArgs {
     /// `cwd` is the working directory (used as fallback when no package name or filter is given).
     ///
     /// Returns `(query, is_cwd_only)` where `is_cwd_only` is `true` when the query
-    /// falls through to the implicit-cwd path (no `-r`, `-t`, `-w`, `--filter`,
+    /// falls through to the implicit-cwd path (no `-r`, `-t`, `-d`, `-w`, `--filter`,
     /// or explicit package name).
     ///
     /// # Errors
     ///
     /// Returns [`PackageQueryError`] if conflicting flags are set, a package name
     /// is specified with `--recursive` or `--filter`, or a filter expression is invalid.
-    #[expect(clippy::too_many_lines, reason = "single exhaustive match")]
     pub fn into_package_query(
         self,
         package_name: Option<Str>,
         cwd: &Arc<AbsolutePath>,
     ) -> Result<(PackageQuery, bool), PackageQueryError> {
-        let Self { recursive, transitive, workspace_root, filters } = self;
-
-        // Collect filter tokens from all `--filter` arguments, splitting on whitespace.
-        let mut filter_tokens = Vec::<Str>::with_capacity(filters.len());
-        for filter in filters {
-            let mut is_empty = true;
-            for filter_token in filter.split_ascii_whitespace() {
-                is_empty = false;
-                filter_tokens.push(filter_token.into());
-            }
-            // Error if any --filter value is empty or whitespace-only.
-            if is_empty {
-                return Err(PackageQueryError::EmptyFilter);
-            }
-        }
-        // We have checked that filter_tokens is non-empty if any filters were provided,
-        // If no tokens are collected, it means no filters were provided.
-        let filter_tokens: Option<Vec1<Str>> = Vec1::try_from_vec(filter_tokens).ok();
+        let Self { recursive, transitive, direct, workspace_root, filters } = self;
+        let traversal_mode = TraversalMode::from_flags(recursive, transitive, direct)?;
+        let filter_tokens = collect_filter_tokens(filters)?;
 
         // Error arms only match the conflicting fields (wildcards for the rest).
         // Success arms explicitly match every field — no wildcards.
-        match (recursive, transitive, workspace_root, filter_tokens, package_name) {
+        match (traversal_mode, workspace_root, filter_tokens, package_name) {
             // ------------------------- error cases --------------------------------
 
-            // --recursive --transitive
-            (true, true, _, _, _) => Err(PackageQueryError::RecursiveTransitiveConflict),
             // --recursive --filter
-            (true, _, _, Some(_), _) => Err(PackageQueryError::FilterWithRecursive),
+            (Some(TraversalMode::Recursive), _, Some(_), _) => {
+                Err(PackageQueryError::FilterWithRecursive)
+            }
             // --recursive <pkg>#<task>
-            (true, false, _, _, Some(package_name)) => {
+            (Some(TraversalMode::Recursive), _, _, Some(package_name)) => {
                 Err(PackageQueryError::PackageNameWithRecursive { package_name })
             }
             // --transitive --filter
-            (false, true, _, Some(_), _) => Err(PackageQueryError::FilterWithTransitive),
+            (Some(TraversalMode::Transitive), _, Some(_), _) => {
+                Err(PackageQueryError::FilterWithTransitive)
+            }
+            // --direct --filter
+            (Some(TraversalMode::Direct), _, Some(_), _) => {
+                Err(PackageQueryError::DirectWithFilter)
+            }
             // --filter <pkg>#<task>
-            (_, _, _, Some(_), Some(package_name)) => {
+            (_, _, Some(_), Some(package_name)) => {
                 Err(PackageQueryError::PackageNameWithFilter { package_name })
             }
             // --workspace-root <pkg>#<task>
-            (_, _, true, _, Some(package_name)) => {
+            (_, true, _, Some(package_name)) => {
                 Err(PackageQueryError::PackageNameWithWorkspaceRoot { package_name })
             }
 
             // ------------------------ success cases -------------------------------
 
             // --recursive (--workspace-root is redundant)
-            (true, false, true | false, None, None) => Ok((PackageQuery::all(), false)),
+            (Some(TraversalMode::Recursive), true | false, None, None) => {
+                Ok((PackageQuery::all(), false))
+            }
             // --filter [--workspace-root]
-            (false, false, workspace_root, Some(filter_tokens), None) => {
+            (None, workspace_root, Some(filter_tokens), None) => {
                 let mut parsed: Vec1<PackageFilter> =
                     filter_tokens.try_mapped(|f| parse_filter(&f, cwd))?;
                 if workspace_root {
@@ -358,16 +425,14 @@ impl PackageQueryArgs {
                 }
                 Ok((PackageQuery::filters(parsed), false))
             }
-            // --workspace-root [--transitive]
-            (false, transitive, true, None, None) => {
-                let traversal = if transitive {
-                    Some(GraphTraversal {
-                        direction: TraversalDirection::Dependencies,
-                        exclude_self: false,
-                    })
-                } else {
-                    None
-                };
+            // --workspace-root [--transitive|--direct]
+            (
+                mode @ (None | Some(TraversalMode::Transitive | TraversalMode::Direct)),
+                true,
+                None,
+                None,
+            ) => {
+                let traversal = mode.map(TraversalMode::to_graph_traversal);
                 Ok((
                     PackageQuery::filters(Vec1::new(PackageFilter {
                         exclude: false,
@@ -378,16 +443,14 @@ impl PackageQueryArgs {
                     false,
                 ))
             }
-            // [--transitive] <pkg>#<task>
-            (false, transitive, false, None, Some(name)) => {
-                let traversal = if transitive {
-                    Some(GraphTraversal {
-                        direction: TraversalDirection::Dependencies,
-                        exclude_self: false,
-                    })
-                } else {
-                    None
-                };
+            // [--transitive|--direct] <pkg>#<task>
+            (
+                mode @ (None | Some(TraversalMode::Transitive | TraversalMode::Direct)),
+                false,
+                None,
+                Some(name),
+            ) => {
+                let traversal = mode.map(TraversalMode::to_graph_traversal);
                 Ok((
                     PackageQuery::filters(Vec1::new(PackageFilter {
                         exclude: false,
@@ -401,21 +464,23 @@ impl PackageQueryArgs {
                     false,
                 ))
             }
-            // --transitive
-            (false, true, false, None, None) => Ok((
+            // --transitive | --direct (from cwd)
+            (
+                Some(mode @ (TraversalMode::Transitive | TraversalMode::Direct)),
+                false,
+                None,
+                None,
+            ) => Ok((
                 PackageQuery::filters(Vec1::new(PackageFilter {
                     exclude: false,
                     selector: PackageSelector::ContainingPackage(Arc::clone(cwd)),
-                    traversal: Some(GraphTraversal {
-                        direction: TraversalDirection::Dependencies,
-                        exclude_self: false,
-                    }),
+                    traversal: Some(mode.to_graph_traversal()),
                     source: None,
                 })),
                 false,
             )),
             // (no flags, implicit cwd)
-            (false, false, false, None, None) => Ok((
+            (None, false, None, None) => Ok((
                 PackageQuery::filters(Vec1::new(PackageFilter {
                     exclude: false,
                     selector: PackageSelector::ContainingPackage(Arc::clone(cwd)),
@@ -428,6 +493,27 @@ impl PackageQueryArgs {
     }
 }
 
+/// Collect filter tokens from all `--filter` arguments, splitting each on whitespace.
+///
+/// Returns `None` if no filters were provided, `Some` if at least one token was collected.
+/// Errors with [`PackageQueryError::EmptyFilter`] if any `--filter` value is empty or
+/// whitespace-only.
+fn collect_filter_tokens(filters: Vec<Str>) -> Result<Option<Vec1<Str>>, PackageQueryError> {
+    let mut filter_tokens = Vec::<Str>::with_capacity(filters.len());
+    for filter in filters {
+        let mut is_empty = true;
+        for filter_token in filter.split_ascii_whitespace() {
+            is_empty = false;
+            filter_tokens.push(filter_token.into());
+        }
+        if is_empty {
+            return Err(PackageQueryError::EmptyFilter);
+        }
+    }
+    // If no tokens were collected, no filters were provided.
+    Ok(Vec1::try_from_vec(filter_tokens).ok())
+}
+
 // ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 // Parsing
 // ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
@@ -476,15 +562,24 @@ pub(crate) fn parse_filter(
     let exclude_self = deps_exclude_self || dependents_exclude_self;
 
     // Step 4–5: build the traversal descriptor.
+    // Filter-based traversals are always transitive (not direct_only).
     let traversal = match (include_dependencies, include_dependents) {
         (false, false) => None,
-        (true, false) => {
-            Some(GraphTraversal { direction: TraversalDirection::Dependencies, exclude_self })
-        }
-        (false, true) => {
-            Some(GraphTraversal { direction: TraversalDirection::Dependents, exclude_self })
-        }
-        (true, true) => Some(GraphTraversal { direction: TraversalDirection::Both, exclude_self }),
+        (true, false) => Some(GraphTraversal {
+            direction: TraversalDirection::Dependencies,
+            exclude_self,
+            direct_only: false,
+        }),
+        (false, true) => Some(GraphTraversal {
+            direction: TraversalDirection::Dependents,
+            exclude_self,
+            direct_only: false,
+        }),
+        (true, true) => Some(GraphTraversal {
+            direction: TraversalDirection::Both,
+            exclude_self,
+            direct_only: false,
+        }),
     };
 
     // Step 6–9: parse the remaining core selector.
@@ -1116,6 +1211,7 @@ mod tests {
         let args = PackageQueryArgs {
             recursive: false,
             transitive: false,
+            direct: false,
             workspace_root: true,
             filters: Vec::new(),
         };
@@ -1142,6 +1238,7 @@ mod tests {
         let args = PackageQueryArgs {
             recursive: true,
             transitive: false,
+            direct: false,
             workspace_root: true,
             filters: Vec::new(),
         };
@@ -1160,6 +1257,7 @@ mod tests {
         let args = PackageQueryArgs {
             recursive: false,
             transitive: true,
+            direct: false,
             workspace_root: true,
             filters: Vec::new(),
         };
@@ -1185,6 +1283,7 @@ mod tests {
         let args = PackageQueryArgs {
             recursive: false,
             transitive: false,
+            direct: false,
             workspace_root: true,
             filters: vec![Str::from("foo")],
         };
@@ -1209,6 +1308,7 @@ mod tests {
         let args = PackageQueryArgs {
             recursive: false,
             transitive: false,
+            direct: false,
             workspace_root: true,
             filters: Vec::new(),
         };
@@ -1233,6 +1333,7 @@ mod tests {
         let args = PackageQueryArgs {
             recursive: false,
             transitive: false,
+            direct: false,
             workspace_root: false,
             filters: vec![Str::from("a b")],
         };
@@ -1253,6 +1354,7 @@ mod tests {
         let args = PackageQueryArgs {
             recursive: false,
             transitive: false,
+            direct: false,
             workspace_root: true,
             filters: vec![Str::from("foo")],
         };
@@ -1273,6 +1375,7 @@ mod tests {
         let args = PackageQueryArgs {
             recursive: false,
             transitive: false,
+            direct: false,
             workspace_root: false,
             filters: Vec::new(),
         };
@@ -1294,6 +1397,7 @@ mod tests {
         let args = PackageQueryArgs {
             recursive: false,
             transitive: false,
+            direct: false,
             workspace_root: false,
             filters: vec![Str::from("")],
         };
@@ -1306,6 +1410,7 @@ mod tests {
         let args = PackageQueryArgs {
             recursive: false,
             transitive: false,
+            direct: false,
             workspace_root: false,
             filters: vec![Str::from("   ")],
         };
@@ -1318,6 +1423,7 @@ mod tests {
         let args = PackageQueryArgs {
             recursive: false,
             transitive: false,
+            direct: false,
             workspace_root: false,
             filters: vec![Str::from("foo"), Str::from("")],
         };
@@ -1330,6 +1436,7 @@ mod tests {
         let args = PackageQueryArgs {
             recursive: false,
             transitive: false,
+            direct: false,
             workspace_root: false,
             filters: vec![Str::from(""), Str::from("foo")],
         };
@@ -1342,6 +1449,7 @@ mod tests {
         let args = PackageQueryArgs {
             recursive: false,
             transitive: false,
+            direct: false,
             workspace_root: false,
             filters: vec![Str::from("foo"), Str::from("  \t  ")],
         };
@@ -1356,6 +1464,7 @@ mod tests {
         let args = PackageQueryArgs {
             recursive: false,
             transitive: false,
+            direct: false,
             workspace_root: false,
             filters: Vec::new(),
         };
@@ -1369,6 +1478,7 @@ mod tests {
         let args = PackageQueryArgs {
             recursive: false,
             transitive: false,
+            direct: false,
             workspace_root: false,
             filters: Vec::new(),
         };
@@ -1382,6 +1492,7 @@ mod tests {
         let args = PackageQueryArgs {
             recursive: false,
             transitive: true,
+            direct: false,
             workspace_root: false,
             filters: Vec::new(),
         };
@@ -1395,6 +1506,7 @@ mod tests {
         let args = PackageQueryArgs {
             recursive: true,
             transitive: false,
+            direct: false,
             workspace_root: false,
             filters: Vec::new(),
         };
@@ -1408,6 +1520,7 @@ mod tests {
         let args = PackageQueryArgs {
             recursive: false,
             transitive: false,
+            direct: false,
             workspace_root: false,
             filters: vec![Str::from("foo")],
         };
@@ -1421,6 +1534,7 @@ mod tests {
         let args = PackageQueryArgs {
             recursive: false,
             transitive: false,
+            direct: false,
             workspace_root: true,
             filters: Vec::new(),
         };
diff --git a/crates/vite_workspace/src/package_graph.rs b/crates/vite_workspace/src/package_graph.rs
index 69908d62..0bdb7617 100644
--- a/crates/vite_workspace/src/package_graph.rs
+++ b/crates/vite_workspace/src/package_graph.rs
@@ -431,23 +431,39 @@ impl IndexedPackageGraph {
 
         let mut reachable = FxHashSet::default();
 
-        match traversal.direction {
-            TraversalDirection::Dependencies => {
-                self.bfs_outgoing(&seeds, &mut reachable);
-            }
-            TraversalDirection::Dependents => {
-                self.bfs_incoming(&seeds, &mut reachable);
+        if traversal.direct_only {
+            // One-hop traversal: only direct neighbors, no recursive expansion.
+            match traversal.direction {
+                TraversalDirection::Dependencies => {
+                    self.direct_outgoing(&seeds, &mut reachable);
+                }
+                TraversalDirection::Dependents => {
+                    self.direct_incoming(&seeds, &mut reachable);
+                }
+                TraversalDirection::Both => {
+                    self.direct_outgoing(&seeds, &mut reachable);
+                    self.direct_incoming(&seeds, &mut reachable);
+                }
             }
-            TraversalDirection::Both => {
-                // Walk dependents first, then walk dependencies of ALL dependents found
-                // (including the original seeds).
-                // pnpm ref: <https://github.com/pnpm/pnpm/blob/491a84fb26fa716408bf6bd361680f6a450c61fc/workspace/filter-workspace-packages/src/index.ts#L265-L267>
-                let mut dependents = FxHashSet::default();
-                self.bfs_incoming(&seeds, &mut dependents);
-                let all_dep_seeds: FxHashSet<_> =
-                    seeds.iter().chain(dependents.iter()).copied().collect();
-                self.bfs_outgoing(&all_dep_seeds, &mut reachable);
-                reachable.extend(dependents);
+        } else {
+            match traversal.direction {
+                TraversalDirection::Dependencies => {
+                    self.bfs_outgoing(&seeds, &mut reachable);
+                }
+                TraversalDirection::Dependents => {
+                    self.bfs_incoming(&seeds, &mut reachable);
+                }
+                TraversalDirection::Both => {
+                    // Walk dependents first, then walk dependencies of ALL dependents found
+                    // (including the original seeds).
+                    // pnpm ref: <https://github.com/pnpm/pnpm/blob/491a84fb26fa716408bf6bd361680f6a450c61fc/workspace/filter-workspace-packages/src/index.ts#L265-L267>
+                    let mut dependents = FxHashSet::default();
+                    self.bfs_incoming(&seeds, &mut dependents);
+                    let all_dep_seeds: FxHashSet<_> =
+                        seeds.iter().chain(dependents.iter()).copied().collect();
+                    self.bfs_outgoing(&all_dep_seeds, &mut reachable);
+                    reachable.extend(dependents);
+                }
             }
         }
 
@@ -462,6 +478,36 @@ impl IndexedPackageGraph {
         reachable
     }
 
+    /// Collect direct (one-hop) outgoing neighbors of `seeds`.
+    ///
+    /// Seeds are NOT added to `out`.
+    fn direct_outgoing(
+        &self,
+        seeds: &FxHashSet<PackageNodeIndex>,
+        out: &mut FxHashSet<PackageNodeIndex>,
+    ) {
+        for &node in seeds {
+            for edge in self.graph.edges(node) {
+                out.insert(edge.target());
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Collect direct (one-hop) incoming neighbors of `seeds`.
+    ///
+    /// Seeds are NOT added to `out`.
+    fn direct_incoming(
+        &self,
+        seeds: &FxHashSet<PackageNodeIndex>,
+        out: &mut FxHashSet<PackageNodeIndex>,
+    ) {
+        for &node in seeds {
+            for edge in self.graph.edges_directed(node, Direction::Incoming) {
+                out.insert(edge.source());
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
     /// BFS along outgoing (dependency) edges from `seeds`, collecting all reachable nodes.
     ///
     /// Seeds are NOT added to `out`; the caller decides inclusion based on `exclude_self`.
diff --git a/docs/depends-on.md b/docs/depends-on.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..de2c7b77
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/depends-on.md
@@ -0,0 +1,83 @@
+# RFC: Enhanced `dependsOn` Syntax
+
+## Background
+
+Today, `dependsOn` entries can only refer to a single task by name (`"build"`) or by package-qualified name (`"pkg#build"`). A common pattern in monorepo task runners is "run `build` in all transitive dependencies first" — tools like Nx (`^build`) and Turborepo (`^build`) support this, but each introduces its own symbol with its own meaning.
+
+The CLI already supports package selection through flags like `--recursive`, `--transitive`, and `--filter`. Rather than invent yet another DSL with new symbols, we reuse the exact same mental model and syntax from `vp run`.
+
+### Design principle
+
+**No new mental models.** If you know how to write `vp run`, you know how to write a `dependsOn` entry. The flag names, filter syntax, and task specifier format are identical.
+
+## Current Syntax
+
+```jsonc
+{
+  "tasks": {
+    "test": {
+      "dependsOn": [
+        "build", // same-package task
+        "utils#build", // task in a specific package
+      ],
+    },
+  },
+}
+```
+
+These simple forms remain valid and unchanged.
+
+## Proposed Syntax
+
+### Object syntax
+
+Each `dependsOn` element can be an object whose keys mirror the CLI flag names:
+
+```jsonc
+{
+  "tasks": {
+    "test": {
+      "dependsOn": [
+        // Existing syntax — still works as plain strings
+        "build",
+        "utils#build",
+
+        // Run `build` across all workspace packages
+        { "recursive": "build" },
+
+        // Run `build` in current package and its transitive dependencies
+        { "transitive": "build" },
+
+        // Run `build` in packages matching a filter
+        { "filter": "@myorg/core", "task": "build" },
+        { "filter": "@myorg/core...", "task": "build" },
+
+        // Multiple filters
+        { "filter": ["@myorg/core", "@myorg/utils"], "task": "build" },
+
+        // Workspace root
+        { "workspaceRoot": "build" },
+      ],
+    },
+  },
+}
+```
+
+**Object forms:**
+
+| Form                                               | Meaning                                                          |
+| -------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
+| `{ "recursive": "<task>" }`                        | Run `<task>` across all workspace packages.                      |
+| `{ "transitive": "<task>" }`                       | Run `<task>` in current package and its transitive dependencies. |
+| `{ "filter": "<pattern>", "task": "<task>" }`      | Run `<task>` in packages matching a filter expression.           |
+| `{ "filter": ["<p1>", "<p2>"], "task": "<task>" }` | Run `<task>` in packages matching multiple filters.              |
+| `{ "workspaceRoot": "<task>" }`                    | Run `<task>` in the workspace root package.                      |
+
+The same validation rules from the CLI apply:
+
+- `recursive`, `transitive`, `filter`, and `workspaceRoot` are mutually exclusive.
+- When using `filter`, the task name goes in a separate `task` field (since `filter` takes a pattern as its value).
+
+## Context: "Current Package"
+
+When `--transitive` or a filter with traversal suffixes (e.g. `@myorg/core...`) resolves packages, "current package" means the package that owns the task containing this `dependsOn` entry — the same package that would be inferred from an unqualified `"build"` dependency today.