List of L4D2 Instructor Messages

This is a list of instructor lessons that you can make appear by entering their name in the event_name field of an info_game_event_proxy.

env_instructor_hint is available in L4D2 for custom instructor messages, but multi-language support is not available.

Note:If you want to test any of these out, make sure you first open your save/game_instructor_counts.txt file and delete the contents, or load up the game and enter gameinstructor_reset_counts in the console.
This is because after seeing the same tip a few times, the game stops showing that tip.

Note:In order to make any of these appear, you must enable the Fire Event When First Seen flag of the info_game_event_proxy.
It has not yet been tested which ones work and which ones don't.

Tip:You may want to search this page using Ctrl&F for terms you're interested in, like "Rescue" or "Alarm" to easily find messages that contain the words you want.
Should you be unable to find a message with the exact wording you want, you'll need to use env_instructor_hint to make a custom message.

Below is a list of all lessons, taken from the language file left4dead2_english.txt. All of these will be (or should be) translated into other language via their localization settings.
The lessons that contain %s1 are meant to mention a target player. These will probably not work for info_game_event_proxy, but they're still listed here for completion sake.

Finale & Rescue Lessons

Lesson Name	Text Shown
explain_c3m4_radio1	Call for a boat rescue
explain_c3m4_rescue	The rescue boat has arrived, get on board!
explain_vehicle_arrival	Hurry to the rescue vehicle!
board_chopper	Rescue has arrived! Get aboard!
explain_pre_radio	Answer the radio
explain_radio	Summon a rescue
explain_radio2	Prepare yourself before you respond
explain_rescue	Rescue Survivors
notify_awaiting_rescue	You will be rescued soon
survive_rescue	Rescue is coming! Defend yourselves!
Survive_Gauntlet	Make your way to the helicopter on the other side

Event & Action Lessons

Lesson Name	Text Shown
ability_out_of_range	Get closer — that target is out of range
explain_c1m4_finale1	You'll need to fill the car with gas
explain_c1m4_finale2	Step 1: Find a gas can
explain_c1m4_finale3	Step 2: Bring the gas can to the car
explain_c2m4_ticketbooth	Press the button to open the gates
explain_c3m4_radio2	Respond to Virgil
explain_c4m4_finale_no_gas	You should bring the gas can here before you flip the switch
explain_c4m4_finale_start	Signal the boat with the Burger Tank sign
explain_carousel_destination	Shut down the carousel
explain_carousel_start	Turn on the power to open the gate
explain_carousel_start2	Run to the control booth to shut down the carousel
explain_coaster	Power up the coaster to start the ride
explain_coaster_stop	Deactivate the ride to stop the alarm
explain_deactivate_alarm	Deactivate the alarm to open the exit doors
explain_decon	Release door to exit the trailer
explain_decon_wait	Close the door when everyone is in the trailer
explain_drawbridge	Press the button to lower the drawbridge
explain_ferry	Call the ferry
explain_float	Move the float
explain_gates_are_open	The gates are open, run for the safe room!
explain_gun_shop	Talk to the gun shop owner
explain_gun_shop_tanker	Whitaker will destroy this tanker and clear the path
explain_hatch	Open the hatch
explain_help_return_item	Escort the cola delivery
explain_hotel_elevator_doors	Pry open the doors to escape...
explain_mall_alarm	Deactivate the alarm on the third floor
explain_mall_window	Shoot out the store window
explain_perimeter1	Alarm will sound when perimeter is breached
explain_perimeter2	Run to the security tower to deactivate the alarm
explain_pre_drawbridge	Use the radio to call for help
explain_return_item	Deliver the cola to the gun shop owner
explain_shack	Lower the bridge
explain_stage_finale_start	Begin the rock concert to signal the chopper
explain_stage_lighting	Prepare the stage lighting
explain_stage_lighting	Set the stage lighting
explain_stage_survival_start	Begin the rock concert...
explain_store_alarm	Open the store door...
explain_store_item	Retrieve the cola inside the store
explain_survival_help_alarm	Activate the alarm...
explain_survival_help_button	Press the button...
explain_survival_help_radio	Use the radio...
temp_msg_c4m1	Go get fuel and return to the boat
temp_msg_c4m3	You got the fuel — Return to the boat
explain_bridge	Close the floodgate to make a bridge...
explain_church_door	Tell him to let you in the safe room...
explain_close_safe_room	Close the door once everyone is in
explain_crane	Use the lever to lower the crane...
explain_elevator_button	Call the elevator...
explain_emergency_door	Open the emergency door...
explain_enter_safe_room	Get into the safe room
explain_gas_can_panic	Destroy the barricade...
explain_gas_truck	Activate the fuel pump
explain_lift_button	Start the lift...
explain_mainstreet	Lower the forklift to make a ramp...
explain_panic_button	Flip the door switch...
explain_panic_button2	Be ready to fight the horde
explain_panic_disturbance_triggered2	Here they come...
explain_train_lever	Hit the bridge with the decoupled train car...
explain_use_door	Open/close door
explain_van_panic	Start the van to clear a path...
explain_wait_to_exit_safe_room	Not all of your teammates are ready
explain_wait_to_push_button	Wait for everyone to be ready first
rescued_by	%s1 rescued you
rescued_other	You rescued %s1
revive_end	Hold to revive %s1
saved_by	%s1 saved you
saved_other	You saved %s1

Weapons & Items

Lesson Name	Text Shown
explain_ammo_pile_failure	You cannot refill the ammo of this weapon.
explain_explosive_ammo_available	Explosive Ammo Available
explain_explosive_ammo_received	You picked up Explosive Ammunition
explain_gun_shop_item	Cola
explain_gun_shop_item_get	Get the cola
explain_incendiary_ammo_available	Incendiary Ammo Available
explain_incendiary_ammo_received	You picked up Incendiary Ammunition
explain_laser_sight_available	Laser Sight Upgrade Available
explain_laser_sight_received	The Laser Sight upgrade makes your weapon more accurate
explain_magnum_pistol	Magnum Pistol
explain_magnum_pistol_alt	Desert Cobra Pistol
explain_magnum_pistol_get	Get magnum pistol
explain_magnum_pistol_get_alt	Get Desert Cobra
explain_mounted_gun_overheated	The gun has temporarily overheated and is unusable!
explain_replace_ammo	Fully-Loaded %s1
explain_replace_ammo_get	Replace your low-ammo weapon
explain_trade_melee_for_magnum_pistol	Trade melee weapon for magnum pistol
explain_upgrade	Upgrade Item Available
explain_use_mounted_gun	Heavy Machine Gun
explain_2nd_pistol	Second Pistol
explain_2nd_pistol_get	Get second pistol
explain_adrenaline	Adrenaline
explain_adrenaline_get	Get adrenaline
explain_ammo_pack	Ammo Pack
explain_ammo_pack_get	Get ammo pack
explain_ammo_resupply	Ammo stash
explain_ammo_resupply_get	Replenish ammo
explain_autoshotgun	Tactical Shotgun
explain_autoshotgun_get	Get tactical shotgun
explain_chainsaw	Chainsaw
explain_chainsaw_get	Get chainsaw
explain_defibrillator	Defibrillator
explain_defibrillator_get	Get defibrillator
explain_first_aid	First aid
explain_first_aid_get	Get first aid
explain_grenade_launcher	Grenade Launcher
explain_grenade_launcher_get	Get Grenade Launcher
explain_grenade_limit	You can only carry one throwable item
explain_heal_interrupted	Hold %+attack% to heal yourself
explain_heal_other_interrupted	Hold %+attack2% to heal %s1
explain_hunting_rifle	Hunting Rifle
explain_hunting_rifle_get	Get hunting rifle
explain_inventory	Select weapon/item
explain_melee	Melee Weapon
explain_melee_get	Get melee weapon
explain_molotov	Molotov
explain_molotov_get	Get molotov
explain_pickup_item	Pick up
explain_pills	Pain Pills
explain_pills_get	Get pain pills
explain_pipebomb	Pipe Bomb
explain_pipebomb_get	Get pipe bomb
explain_pistol	Pistol
explain_pistol_ammo	Pistols have unlimited ammo
explain_pumpshotgun	Pump Shotgun
explain_pumpshotgun_get	Get pump shotgun
explain_reload	Manual reload
explain_rifle	M-16 Assault Rifle
explain_rifle_ak47	AK-47
explain_rifle_ak47_alt	Soviet Rifle
explain_rifle_ak47_get	Get AK-47
explain_rifle_ak47_get_alt	Get soviet rifle
explain_rifle_desert	Combat Rifle
explain_rifle_desert_alt	Desert Combat Rifle
explain_rifle_desert_get	Get combat rifle
explain_rifle_desert_get_alt	Get desert combat rifle
explain_rifle_get	Get M-16 assault rifle
explain_rifle_zoom	Hunting/sniper rifle scope
explain_shotgun_chrome	Chrome Shotgun
explain_shotgun_chrome_get	Get chrome shotgun
explain_shotgun_spas	Combat Shotgun
explain_shotgun_spas_get	Get combat shotgun
explain_smg	Submachine Gun
explain_smg_get	Get submachine gun
explain_smg_silenced	Silenced Submachine Gun
explain_smg_silenced_get	Get silenced submachine gun
explain_sniper_military	Sniper Rifle
explain_sniper_military_get	Get sniper rifle
explain_trade_melee_for_pistol	Trade melee weapon for pistol
explain_upgradepack_explosive	Explosive Ammo Pack
explain_upgradepack_explosive_get	Get Explosive Ammo Pack
explain_upgradepack_incendiary	Incendiary Ammo Pack
explain_upgradepack_incendiary_get	Get Incendiary Ammo Pack
explain_use_turret	Use turret
explain_vomitjar	Boomer Bile
explain_vomitjar_get	Get Boomer Bile
explain_weapon	Weapon
upgradepack_usage	Deploy Ammo Packs on the ground to share ammo with the team

Survivor Lessons

Lesson Name	Text Shown
notify_failed_to_give_duplicate_pills	%s1 already has pain pills
notify_failed_to_use_explosive_ammo_pile	You have already used this Explosive Ammo upgrade
notify_failed_to_use_incendiary_ammo_pile	You have already used this Incendiary Ammo upgrade
notify_failed_to_use_pills	You don't need to take pain pills
notify_upgrade_failed_no_primary	You must have a primary weapon to use this upgrade
notify_given_item_pain_pills	%s1 gave you pain pills
notify_heal_other	Heal %s1 with first aid
notify_heal_other_far	Move closer to heal %s1
notify_heal_other_near	Hold %+attack2% to heal %s1
notify_heal_other_near_select	Select first aid kit
notify_heal_self	Heal yourself with first aid
notify_heal_self_hold	Hold %+attack% to heal yourself
notify_infected_behind	Face rear enemies
notify_pill_self	Take pain pills for a temporary health boost
notify_shove_boomer	Shove Boomers back before shooting
notify_shove_infected	Shove them back!
notify_communicate	Communicate with teammates
notify_crouch_accuracy	Crouching improves accuracy
notify_crouch_tactic	Crouching helps teammates shoot over you
explain_friendly_fire	Don't shoot teammates!
explain_friendly_fire_melee	Don't attack teammates!
explain_reckless	Stay out of the line of fire!
notify_last_life	First aid needed! Next knockdown means death...
notify_fire_damage	Get away from the fire!
notify_stay_together	Stay together to survive
notify_failed_to_use_defibrillator	%s1 doesn't need to be revived
notify_use_defibrillator	Revive %s1 with the defibrillator
notify_use_defibrillator_hold	Hold %+attack% or %+attack2% to revive %s1
defibrillator_usage	Use the Defibrillator to revive dead players
help_it	A Boomer has vomited on %s1
help_choked	A Smoker is constricting %s1
help_choked_near	Free %s1
help_choked_far	Shoot the Smoker
help_pounced	A Hunter has pinned %s1
help_pounced_near	Shove the Hunter
help_pounced_far	Shoot the Hunter
help_jockey_ridden	A Jockey is riding %s1
help_jockey_ridden_near	Shove the Jockey
help_jockey_ridden_far	Shoot the Jockey
help_charger_pummeled	A Charger is pummeling %s1
help_charger_pummeled_kill	Kill the Charger
explain_tank	Tanks can absorb a lot of damage before they die
notify_give_pills	You can give %s1 pain pills
notify_give_pills_far	Move closer to give %s1 pain pills
notify_give_pills_near	Give %s1 pain pills
notify_give_pills_near_select	Select pain pills
explain_pill_temp_health	Pain pills give you a temporary health boost
notify_ledge	A teammate must pull you up
help_incapacitated	Help %s1 up
help_ledge	Pull %s1 up
notify_dead	You died! Please wait to respawn...
notify_dead_by_witch1	The Witch killed you! Don't startle her next time...
notify_dead_by_witch2	Witches are startled by flashlights and gunfire
notify_incapacitated	Incapacitated! A teammate must help you
notify_incapacitated_by_witch	The Witch injured you! Don't startle her next time...
notify_it1_vomit	A Boomer vomited on you
notify_it1_splatter	A Boomer exploded on you
notify_it1_jar	A Survivor bile bombed you
notify_it2	Watch out! Boomer bile attracts the horde...
notify_pounced	Pinned! A teammate must help...
notify_choked	Constricted! A teammate must help...
notify_charger_pummeled	Pummeled! A teammate must help...
notify_adrenaline_self	Take adrenaline for a temporary speed boost
notify_given_item_adrenaline	%s1 gave you adrenaline
notify_give_adrenaline	You can give %s1 your adrenaline
notify_give_adrenaline_far	Move closer to give %s1 your adrenaline
notify_give_adrenaline_near	Give %s1 your adrenaline
notify_give_adrenaline_near_select	Select adrenaline
adrenaline_usage	Adrenaline lets you perform many actions faster
notify_failed_to_give_duplicate_belt_item	%s1 already has a belt slot item
explain_panic_disturbance	Watch out! Some cars set off alarms...
explain_panic_disturbance_triggered	%s1 alerted the horde
explain_panic_disturbance_triggered2	Here they come...
explain_witch_spooked	%s1 startled the Witch
explain_witch_spooked2	You startled the Witch
save_items	You may want to save some items for the return trip
explain_return_to_elevator	Return to the elevator!
porch_light	Turn on porch lights to mark locations with items
explain_acid_spit	Try to avoid the noxious acid!
notify_entered_spit	Avoid the noxious acid!
notify_ridden	Keep moving! Resist the Jockey's influence...

Survival Lessons

Lesson Name	Text Shown
earned_bronze_medal	You earned the bronze medal!
earned_silver_medal	You earned the silver medal!
earned_gold_medal	You earned the gold medal!
player_record	You beat your best time!
team_record	You beat your team record!
world_record	You beat the world record!

Misc Lessons

Lesson Name	Text Shown
notify_give_ammo_other_near	Hold %+attack2% to give ammo to %s1
notify_give_ammo_self	Refill your ammo with the ammo pack
notify_give_ammo_self_hold	Hold %+attack% to refill your ammo
notify_failed_to_use_ammo_pack_no_weapon_on_other	%s1 doesn't need ammo right now
notify_failed_to_use_ammo_pack_no_weapon_on_self	You don't need ammo right now
notify_failed_to_use_ammo_pack_full_on_other	%s1 already has full ammo
notify_failed_to_use_ammo_pack_full_on_self	You already have full ammo
notify_failed_to_use_ammo_pack_doesnt_use_ammo	You don't need ammo right now
notify_failed_to_use_ammo_pack_other_doesnt_use_ammo	%s1 doesn't need ammo right now
explain_survivor_glows_disabled	Glows around fellow Survivors are disabled!
explain_item_glows_disabled	Glows around items are disabled. Search carefully!
explain_rescue_disabled	Rescues are disabled. Players can only respawn at safe rooms.
explain_bodyshots_reduced	Zombies take less damage to the body. Aim for the head!
explain_witch_kills	The Witch will kill you instantly. Watch out for her!
notify_grenade_launcher_range	Ouch! You are too close to your grenade launcher blasts!
explain_impound_lot	Watch your fire! Car alarms everywhere!

Scavenge

Lesson Name	Text Shown
explain_scavenge_goal_survivor	Collect gas cans and pour them into the generator...
explain_scavenge_goal_infected	Stop the survivors before they collect all of the gas cans
begin_scavenge_overtime_survivor	OVERTIME: At least one survivor must be carrying a gas can!
begin_scavenge_overtime_infected	OVERTIME: Force all survivors to drop their gas cans!
scavenge_score_tied	One more point and the survivors win this round!
exaplin_scavenge_leave_area	Leaving this area will start the round
explain_scavenge_vulnerable_cans	Dropped gas cans are vulnerable to Spitter goo
explain_gascan_pour_blocked	Wait! someone else is still pouring...

Infected Lessons

Lesson Name	Text Shown
boomer_claw	SECONDARY ATTACK: CLAW
boomer_vomit	PRIMARY ATTACK: VOMIT
hunter_claw	SECONDARY ATTACK: CLAW
hunter_lunge	PRIMARY ATTACK: CROUCH TO POUNCE
smoker_claw	SECONDARY ATTACK: CLAW
smoker_tongue	PRIMARY ATTACK: TONGUE SNARE
spitter_claw	SECONDARY ATTACK: CLAW
spitter_goo	PRIMARY ATTACK: SPIT
charger_claw	SECONDARY ATTACK: CLAW
charger_charge	PRIMARY ATTACK: CHARGE
jockey_claw	SECONDARY ATTACK: CLAW
jockey_jump	PRIMARY ATTACK: LUNGE
tongue_break_bent	Tongue broke! It bent or stretched too far...
tongue_break_shove	Tongue broke! Victim was shoved...
tongue_break_shot	Tongue broke! It was damaged...
tank_claw	SECONDARY ATTACK: THROW
tank_rock	PRIMARY ATTACK: PUNCH
break_checkpoint_door	YOU CAN'T BREAK DOWN SAFE ROOM DOORS
break_rescue_doors	YOU CAN'T BREAK DOWN RESCUE DOORS
prevent_rescue	A RESCUE TEAM IS ON ITS WAY. KILL THE SURVIVORS BEFORE IT GETS HERE...
prevent_escape	PREVENT THE SURVIVORS FROM ESCAPING
notify_choked_miss	Missed: No target
notify_riding_survivor	Steer the Survivor into danger

See also

• env_instructor_hint
• List of L4D Instructor Messages