diff --git a/hive-sh4re/src/assets.rs b/hive-sh4re/src/assets.rs
index ab261118..7f3734b7 100644
--- a/hive-sh4re/src/assets.rs
+++ b/hive-sh4re/src/assets.rs
@@ -34,12 +34,10 @@ fn dir() -> PathBuf {
     match std::env::var("HIVE_ASSETS_DIR") {
         Ok(v) if !v.is_empty() => PathBuf::from(v),
         _ => panic!(
-            "HIVE_ASSETS_DIR is not set. Inside the nix-built systemd \
-             units this is wired automatically from \
-             `pkgs.hyperhive-assets`; for `cargo run` outside nix, \
-             set it to a directory laid out like \
-             `nix/assets.nix`'s output (branding/ + prompts/ \
-             subdirs). See hive-sh4re/src/assets.rs for the contract.",
+            "HIVE_ASSETS_DIR is not set. A deployment sets it; when \
+             running a binary outside one, point it at a directory \
+             with `branding/` and `prompts/` subdirs. See \
+             hive-sh4re/src/assets.rs for the contract.",
         ),
     }
 }