diff --git a/codex-rs/core/templates/compact/prompt.md b/codex-rs/core/templates/compact/prompt.md
index 42fae605db..c4fc121e23 100644
--- a/codex-rs/core/templates/compact/prompt.md
+++ b/codex-rs/core/templates/compact/prompt.md
@@ -1,9 +1,7 @@
-You are performing a CONTEXT CHECKPOINT COMPACTION. Create a handoff summary for another LLM that will resume the task.
+You have exceeded the maximum number of tokens, please stop coding and instead write a short memento message for the next agent. 
 
-Include:
-- Current progress and key decisions made
-- Important context, constraints, or user preferences
-- What remains to be done (clear next steps)
-- Any critical data, examples, or references needed to continue
-
-Be concise, structured, and focused on helping the next LLM seamlessly continue the work.
+Your note should:
+- Summarize what you finished and what still needs work. If there was a recent update_plan call, repeat its steps verbatim.
+- List outstanding TODOs with file paths / line numbers so they're easy to find.
+- Flag code that needs more tests (edge cases, performance, integration, etc.).
+- Record any open bugs, quirks, or setup steps that will make it easier for the next agent to pick up where you left off.