diff --git a/autoload/event_bus.gd b/autoload/event_bus.gd
index a4d4e58..4ceda64 100644
--- a/autoload/event_bus.gd
+++ b/autoload/event_bus.gd
@@ -65,6 +65,11 @@ signal request_wolf_spawn(count: int)              ## Phase 15 EventCatalog →
 signal wolf_spawned(wolves: Array)                 ## Emitted by WolfSpawner AFTER a raid wave has been instantiated; carries the spawned Wolf nodes. Audio uses this for raid-warning sting.
 signal day_ended(summary: Dictionary)              ## Emitted by Clock at dusk→night boundary; carries the end-of-day recap dict.
 
+# Phase 19 — Onboarding (hint system + help section).
+signal help_requested                              ## Settings "Help" button → opens HelpModal.
+signal hint_dismissed(hint_id: StringName)         ## Emitted by HintOverlay when player closes a hint; HintSystem persists the dismissal.
+signal ui_panel_opened(panel_id: StringName)       ## Emitted by UI panels (build_drawer, work_matrix, ...) when they become visible. HintSystem subscribes for tour gating.
+
 # Phase 18 — Alert wiring (dangling signals surfaced to AlertsLog).
 signal no_stockpile_accepts(item_type: StringName, tile: Vector2i) ## Emitted by HaulingProvider when an item needs haul but no stockpile accepts it (rate-limited per item_type).
 signal bill_blocked(recipe_label: String, reason: StringName, focus_tile: Vector2i) ## Emitted by CraftingProvider when a bill cannot proceed. reason: missing_ingredient | skill_too_low | no_workbench.
diff --git a/autoload/game_state.gd b/autoload/game_state.gd
index c5562a1..4c66ff9 100644
--- a/autoload/game_state.gd
+++ b/autoload/game_state.gd
@@ -18,6 +18,10 @@ var settings: Dictionary = {
 	"pause_on_pawn_down": true,
 	"pause_on_modal":     true,
 	"show_day_summary":   true,
+	# Phase 19 — onboarding hint system.
+	# show_hints: master toggle; dismissed_hints: per-hint dismissal log (Array[String]).
+	"show_hints":         true,
+	"dismissed_hints":    [] as Array,
 	"audio_master":       1.0,
 	"audio_music":        1.0,
 	"audio_sfx":          1.0,
diff --git a/autoload/hint_system.gd b/autoload/hint_system.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..344cfca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/autoload/hint_system.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,200 @@
+extends Node
+## Phase 19 — Onboarding hint tour orchestrator.
+##
+## Reads GameState.settings["show_hints"] and ["dismissed_hints"] at _ready.
+## Connects signal-based triggers for the 7-step tour; queues hints when the
+## overlay is busy (max depth 3, oldest dropped first on overflow).
+##
+## The autoload name is HintSystem.  HintOverlay registers itself here in its
+## own _ready so this singleton never calls find_child() on the tree.
+##
+## Tour steps in order:
+##   welcome → pawn_select → build_drawer → stockpile_painted →
+##   work_matrix → day_ended → tour_complete (auto-fired after day_ended)
+
+# ── tour definition ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+## Each entry: { id, message_key }  — trigger wiring is in _connect_triggers().
+const TOUR: Array = [
+	{ "id": &"welcome",           "msg": &"hint.welcome"           },
+	{ "id": &"pawn_select",       "msg": &"hint.pawn_select"       },
+	{ "id": &"build_drawer",      "msg": &"hint.build_drawer"      },
+	{ "id": &"stockpile_painted", "msg": &"hint.stockpile_painted" },
+	{ "id": &"work_matrix",       "msg": &"hint.work_matrix"       },
+	{ "id": &"day_ended",         "msg": &"hint.day_ended"         },
+	{ "id": &"tour_complete",     "msg": &"hint.tour_complete"     },
+]
+
+const MAX_QUEUE: int = 3
+
+# ── state ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+var _overlay: Node = null          # HintOverlay — registered via register_overlay()
+var _queue: Array  = []            # Array[StringName] pending hint ids
+var _overlay_busy: bool = false    # true while overlay is sliding in or showing
+var _enabled: bool = false         # false if show_hints == false or all dismissed
+
+
+func _ready() -> void:
+	process_mode = Node.PROCESS_MODE_ALWAYS
+	var show: bool = bool(GameState.settings.get("show_hints", true))
+	if not show:
+		Audit.log("hint_system", "HintSystem disabled (show_hints=false)")
+		return
+	_enabled = true
+	_connect_triggers()
+	Audit.log("hint_system", "HintSystem ready")
+
+
+# ── public API ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+## Called by HintOverlay._ready() to register itself with this singleton.
+func register_overlay(overlay: Node) -> void:
+	_overlay = overlay
+	Audit.log("hint_system", "HintOverlay registered")
+
+
+## Reset the full tour: clear dismissed list, re-enable, refire welcome.
+## Called by HelpModal's "Reset hints" button.
+func reset_tour() -> void:
+	GameState.settings["dismissed_hints"] = [] as Array
+	_queue.clear()
+	_overlay_busy = false
+	_enabled = true
+	if not _are_triggers_connected():
+		_connect_triggers()
+	_try_show(&"welcome")
+	Audit.log("hint_system", "tour reset")
+
+
+# ── trigger wiring ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+func _are_triggers_connected() -> bool:
+	return EventBus.pawn_selected.is_connected(_on_pawn_selected)
+
+
+func _connect_triggers() -> void:
+	# welcome — deferred 2s timer, only if not already dismissed.
+	if not _is_dismissed(&"welcome"):
+		get_tree().create_timer(2.0).timeout.connect(_on_welcome_timer)
+
+	# pawn_select
+	if not EventBus.pawn_selected.is_connected(_on_pawn_selected):
+		EventBus.pawn_selected.connect(_on_pawn_selected)
+
+	# build_drawer + work_matrix share ui_panel_opened
+	if not EventBus.ui_panel_opened.is_connected(_on_ui_panel_opened):
+		EventBus.ui_panel_opened.connect(_on_ui_panel_opened)
+
+	# stockpile_painted
+	if not EventBus.designation_added.is_connected(_on_designation_added):
+		EventBus.designation_added.connect(_on_designation_added)
+
+	# day_ended
+	if not EventBus.day_ended.is_connected(_on_day_ended):
+		EventBus.day_ended.connect(_on_day_ended)
+
+	# hint_dismissed — HintOverlay emits this; we persist and dequeue.
+	if not EventBus.hint_dismissed.is_connected(_on_hint_dismissed):
+		EventBus.hint_dismissed.connect(_on_hint_dismissed)
+
+
+# ── trigger handlers ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+func _on_welcome_timer() -> void:
+	_try_show(&"welcome")
+
+
+func _on_pawn_selected(_pawn) -> void:
+	_try_show(&"pawn_select")
+
+
+func _on_ui_panel_opened(panel_id: StringName) -> void:
+	match panel_id:
+		&"build_drawer":
+			_try_show(&"build_drawer")
+		&"work_matrix":
+			_try_show(&"work_matrix")
+
+
+func _on_designation_added(_cell: Vector2i, tool: StringName) -> void:
+	if tool == &"paint_stockpile":
+		_try_show(&"stockpile_painted")
+
+
+func _on_day_ended(_summary: Dictionary) -> void:
+	_try_show(&"day_ended")
+
+
+func _on_hint_dismissed(hint_id: StringName) -> void:
+	# Persist dismissal (String, not StringName, for JSON-safe save).
+	var dismissed: Array = GameState.settings["dismissed_hints"]
+	var id_str: String = String(hint_id)
+	if not dismissed.has(id_str):
+		dismissed.append(id_str)
+		GameState.settings["dismissed_hints"] = dismissed
+
+	_overlay_busy = false
+	Audit.log("hint_system", "dismissed: %s  total=%d" % [id_str, dismissed.size()])
+
+	# Auto-fire tour_complete after day_ended is dismissed.
+	if hint_id == &"day_ended":
+		_try_show(&"tour_complete")
+
+	# Drain the queue.
+	_drain_queue()
+
+
+# ── show / queue logic ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+func _try_show(hint_id: StringName) -> void:
+	if not _enabled:
+		return
+	if _is_dismissed(hint_id):
+		return
+	if _overlay_busy:
+		_enqueue(hint_id)
+		return
+	_show_now(hint_id)
+
+
+func _show_now(hint_id: StringName) -> void:
+	if _overlay == null:
+		# Overlay not yet mounted — queue for later.
+		_enqueue(hint_id)
+		return
+	var msg_key: StringName = _msg_key_for(hint_id)
+	_overlay_busy = true
+	_overlay.show_hint(hint_id, Strings.t(msg_key))
+
+
+func _enqueue(hint_id: StringName) -> void:
+	if _queue.has(hint_id):
+		return  # already pending
+	if _queue.size() >= MAX_QUEUE:
+		_queue.pop_front()  # drop oldest to cap backlog
+	_queue.append(hint_id)
+
+
+func _drain_queue() -> void:
+	while _queue.size() > 0:
+		var next: StringName = _queue[0]
+		_queue.pop_front()
+		if _is_dismissed(next):
+			continue  # skip already-dismissed entries
+		_show_now(next)
+		return   # show one at a time; wait for next hint_dismissed
+
+
+# ── helpers ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+func _is_dismissed(hint_id: StringName) -> bool:
+	var dismissed: Array = GameState.settings.get("dismissed_hints", [])
+	return dismissed.has(String(hint_id))
+
+
+func _msg_key_for(hint_id: StringName) -> StringName:
+	for entry in TOUR:
+		if entry["id"] == hint_id:
+			return entry["msg"]
+	return &"hint.welcome"  # fallback
diff --git a/autoload/hint_system.gd.uid b/autoload/hint_system.gd.uid
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ae07e3a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/autoload/hint_system.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://g7bkgx0vfiq1
diff --git a/autoload/strings.gd b/autoload/strings.gd
index fafca34..584a799 100644
--- a/autoload/strings.gd
+++ b/autoload/strings.gd
@@ -261,6 +261,72 @@ const TABLE: Dictionary = {
 	&"item.armor":                       "Armor",
 	&"item.corpse":                      "Corpse",
 	&"item.ash":                         "Ash",
+	# Phase 19 — Onboarding hint tour.
+	&"hint.welcome":           "Welcome to your settlement. Drag to pan the camera, scroll or pinch to zoom.",
+	&"hint.pawn_select":       "Tap a pawn to open their detail panel — HP, hunger, mood, skills, and work priorities.",
+	&"hint.build_drawer":      "The Build drawer has four tabs: Designate orders, Build structures, paint Stockpiles, or Cancel a tool.",
+	&"hint.stockpile_painted": "Tap your new stockpile to set its accepted items and priority. Pawns will haul matching items here.",
+	&"hint.work_matrix":       "Work priorities go 0 (off) to 4 (urgent). Pawns pick the highest-priority work they're capable of.",
+	&"hint.day_ended":         "Day ends at dusk. Sleep, mood, and weather all carry into the next day. Plan ahead.",
+	&"hint.tour_complete":     "Tour complete. Find more in Settings → Help anytime.",
+	&"hint.got_it":            "Got it",
+	# Phase 19 — Help modal content.
+	&"ui.help.title":                  "Help",
+	&"ui.help.close":                  "X",
+	&"ui.help.tab.controls":           "Controls",
+	&"ui.help.tab.verbs":              "Verbs",
+	&"ui.help.tab.priorities":         "Priorities",
+	&"ui.help.tab.storyteller":        "Storyteller",
+	&"ui.help.tab.tips":               "Tips",
+	&"help.controls.heading":          "Camera & Selection",
+	&"help.controls.body":             "Drag with mouse or finger to pan the camera.\nScroll wheel or pinch to zoom.\n\nWASD or arrow keys also pan; + / - zoom; Home or C re-centers.\n\nTap a pawn, workbench, or stockpile to open its detail panel.\nRight-click or Escape deselects.\n\nB toggles the Build drawer.\nP opens the Work priority matrix.\nL opens the Alerts log.\n, opens Settings.",
+	&"help.verbs.heading":             "Player Verbs",
+	&"help.verbs.body":                "Designate - orders pawns to chop trees, mine rocks, dig graves, prevent roofing, or plant new trees.\n\nBuild - queues construction: walls, floors, doors, beds, torches, crates, workbenches, and quarries.\n\nStockpile - paints a zone where items get hauled. Each zone has a filter (which item types) and a priority.\n\nCancel - clears a tool selection or pending designation.",
+	&"help.priorities.heading":        "Work Priorities",
+	&"help.priorities.body":           "Each pawn has priorities (0-4) per work category. The Work matrix grid lets you tune them.\n\n0 = Off. Pawn won't do this work.\n1 = Background. Only if nothing else fits.\n2 = Low.\n3 = Normal (default).\n4 = Urgent. Drops other work to take this.\n\nNeeds (rest, eat, sleep) always run regardless - you can't starve a pawn by setting priorities.",
+	&"help.storyteller.heading":       "Storyteller Events",
+	&"help.storyteller.body":          "Each in-game day at 6 AM the Storyteller may roll an event. Categories include nudges (gentle hints), threats (wolves, raids), wanderers (recruit offers), seasonal beats, disease, resource booms, lore, and milestones.\n\nThreat events auto-pause the sim and show a modal with a choice. Other events show a banner that fades in a few seconds.\n\nThe Storyteller's tension rises and falls based on what happens to your colony - calmer when nothing has happened recently, escalating after kills, damage, or near-misses.",
+	&"help.tips.heading":              "Early-game Tips",
+	&"help.tips.body":                 "Build at least one bed and one wall before nightfall - pawns sleep on the ground and grow tired, and wolves come at night.\n\nKeep beds indoors (under a roof). Rain and cold ruin sleep quality.\n\nPaint a stockpile early - items left on the ground decay (corpses, food) or just clutter the map.\n\nWatch tension. If it climbs, slow down and reinforce. The Storyteller is reactive - give it nothing to react to and it stays quiet.\n\nFood priority order: Meal > Bread > Vegetable / Grain / Strawberry > raw Wheat. Cook before eating raw.",
+	# Phase 19 — Onboarding section in SettingsMenu.
+	&"ui.settings.section.onboarding": "Onboarding",
+	&"ui.settings.show_hints":         "Show hints (first session)",
+	&"ui.settings.help":               "Help",
+	&"ui.settings.reset_hints":        "Reset hints",
+	&"ui.settings.hints_reset":        "Hint tour reset. Welcome banner will reappear shortly.",
+	# Phase 19 — Hover tooltips for desktop discoverability.
+	&"tooltip.pause":                              "Pause sim (Space)",
+	&"tooltip.speed_normal":                       "Normal speed (1)",
+	&"tooltip.speed_fast":                         "Fast speed (2)",
+	&"tooltip.speed_ultra":                        "Ultra speed (3)",
+	&"tooltip.save":                               "Save game",
+	&"tooltip.load":                               "Load game",
+	&"tooltip.settings":                           "Open Settings (,)",
+	&"tooltip.build":                              "Open Build drawer (B)",
+	&"tooltip.work":                               "Open Work priorities (P)",
+	&"tooltip.log":                                "Open Alerts log (L)",
+	&"tooltip.fab_build":                          "Toggle Build drawer (B)",
+	&"tooltip.tool.chop":                          "Order pawns to chop selected trees for wood",
+	&"tooltip.tool.mine":                          "Order pawns to mine selected rocks for stone / ore",
+	&"tooltip.tool.dig_grave":                     "Mark a tile for grave digging",
+	&"tooltip.tool.no_roof":                       "Prevent auto-roofing on selected tiles",
+	&"tooltip.tool.plant_tree":                    "Plant a sapling (1 wood)",
+	&"tooltip.tool.build_wall_stone":              "Build stone wall",
+	&"tooltip.tool.build_wall_wood":               "Build wood wall",
+	&"tooltip.tool.build_floor_wood":              "Build wood floor",
+	&"tooltip.tool.build_floor_stone":             "Build stone floor",
+	&"tooltip.tool.build_door":                    "Build a door",
+	&"tooltip.tool.build_crate":                   "Build a storage crate",
+	&"tooltip.tool.build_bed":                     "Build a bed",
+	&"tooltip.tool.build_torch":                   "Build a torch",
+	&"tooltip.tool.build_workbench_carpenter":     "Build a carpenter's bench",
+	&"tooltip.tool.build_workbench_smelter":       "Build a smelter",
+	&"tooltip.tool.build_workbench_millstone":     "Build a millstone",
+	&"tooltip.tool.build_workbench_hearth":        "Build a hearth",
+	&"tooltip.tool.build_workbench_cremation_pyre": "Build a cremation pyre",
+	&"tooltip.tool.paint_quarry":                  "Paint a quarry on a stone outcrop",
+	&"tooltip.tool.paint_stockpile":               "Paint a stockpile zone",
+	&"tooltip.tool.graveyard":                     "Paint a graveyard zone",
 }
 
 
diff --git a/memory.md b/memory.md
index ec0ba97..b70b281 100644
--- a/memory.md
+++ b/memory.md
@@ -98,6 +98,7 @@ Reported from playtest. Triaged but not yet fixed. Plan: knock out as a bug-tria
 Older bugs noted in passing but never fixed:
 - [ ] **[LOW] Bed-claim failure for 2/3 pawns when beds are free** (logged 2026-05-11). `Bram bed claim failed at /root/Main/World/Bed — sleeping on floor` even when beds free. Doesn't gate progress; needs sleep-system audit.
 - [ ] **[LOW] Save mid-INTERACT/mid-BUILD restarts toil from 0 on load** (Phase 16 known acceptable gap). Walk toil round-trips; multi-step interact does not. Tolerable per Phase 20 tuning note.
+- [ ] **[MED] Drag-paint eaten by camera with paint tool active** (logged 2026-05-16). When a Designate/Build/Stockpile tool is active in BuildDrawer, the player should be able to click-and-drag to paint a rectangle of cells. Instead, camera_rig's drag-pan consumes the InputEventScreenDrag / MouseMotion and the paint stays single-cell. Contradicts the 2026-05-11 note that claimed drag-paint worked — that was selection drag-painting via Designation, not the camera-vs-paint priority case. Fix needs Selection or Designation to set `set_input_as_handled()` on drag events when a paint tool is active, or camera to skip pan when `Designation.active_tool != TOOL_NONE`.
 
 ## Open questions / TODOs
 
diff --git a/project.godot b/project.godot
index 7859330..fd92e54 100644
--- a/project.godot
+++ b/project.godot
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ EventBus="*res://autoload/event_bus.gd"
 Strings="*res://autoload/strings.gd"
 Audit="*res://autoload/audit.gd"
 GameState="*res://autoload/game_state.gd"
+HintSystem="*res://autoload/hint_system.gd"
 World="*res://autoload/world.gd"
 Sim="*res://autoload/sim.gd"
 Clock="*res://autoload/clock.gd"
diff --git a/scenes/main/main.gd b/scenes/main/main.gd
index fa6d2d7..a4ffb98 100644
--- a/scenes/main/main.gd
+++ b/scenes/main/main.gd
@@ -34,6 +34,10 @@ const WORK_PRIORITY_MATRIX_SCRIPT: Script  = preload("res://scenes/ui/work_prior
 const ALERTS_LOG_SCRIPT: Script            = preload("res://scenes/ui/alerts_log.gd")
 # Phase 17 — DaySummaryCard end-of-day recap modal (layer 19).
 const DAY_SUMMARY_CARD_SCRIPT: Script      = preload("res://scenes/ui/day_summary_card.gd")
+# Phase 19 — HintOverlay top-center banner (layer 22).
+const HINT_OVERLAY_SCRIPT: Script          = preload("res://scenes/ui/hint_overlay.gd")
+# Phase 19 — HelpModal static reference (layer 20).
+const HELP_MODAL_SCRIPT: Script            = preload("res://scenes/ui/help_modal.gd")
 
 
 func _ready() -> void:
@@ -187,6 +191,23 @@ func _ready() -> void:
 
 	Audit.log("main", "Phase 17 — DaySummaryCard mounted.")
 
+	# Phase 19 — HintOverlay top-center banner (layer 22).
+	# HintOverlay._ready() registers itself with HintSystem autoload so the
+	# autoload never has to find_child() the tree at call time.
+	var hint_overlay := CanvasLayer.new()
+	hint_overlay.set_script(HINT_OVERLAY_SCRIPT)
+	hint_overlay.name = "HintOverlay"
+	add_child(hint_overlay)
+
+	# Phase 19 — HelpModal static reference panel (layer 20).
+	# Subscribes to EventBus.help_requested in its own _ready; no injection needed.
+	var help_modal := CanvasLayer.new()
+	help_modal.set_script(HELP_MODAL_SCRIPT)
+	help_modal.name = "HelpModal"
+	add_child(help_modal)
+
+	Audit.log("main", "Phase 19 — HintOverlay + HelpModal mounted.")
+
 	# Apply the medieval theme to every Control under each CanvasLayer.
 	# CanvasLayers interrupt the root-Window theme cascade so we have to seed
 	# each one explicitly.  Defer one frame so panels that build their UI in
diff --git a/scenes/ui/build_drawer.gd b/scenes/ui/build_drawer.gd
index 33b0721..5f1c00a 100644
--- a/scenes/ui/build_drawer.gd
+++ b/scenes/ui/build_drawer.gd
@@ -63,6 +63,7 @@ func _ready() -> void:
 
 func open() -> void:
 	_set_panel_visible(true)
+	EventBus.ui_panel_opened.emit(&"build_drawer")
 	Audit.log("build_drawer", "opened (tab=%d)" % _active_tab)
 
 
@@ -94,6 +95,7 @@ func _build_ui() -> void:
 	_fab.text = "+"
 	_fab.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(FAB_SIZE, FAB_SIZE)
 	_fab.focus_mode = Control.FOCUS_NONE
+	_fab.tooltip_text = Strings.t(&"tooltip.fab_build")
 	_fab.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_BOTTOM_RIGHT)
 	_fab.offset_left  = -FAB_SIZE - 8
 	_fab.offset_right = -8
@@ -177,11 +179,11 @@ func _build_designate_tab() -> Control:
 	var flow := _make_flow_grid()
 	box.add_child(flow)
 
-	_add_tool_btn(flow, Strings.t(&"tool.chop"),       &"chop",       func() -> void: _activate(&"chop",       &"", Strings.t(&"tool.chop")))
-	_add_tool_btn(flow, Strings.t(&"tool.mine"),       &"mine",       func() -> void: _activate(&"mine",       &"", Strings.t(&"tool.mine")))
-	_add_tool_btn(flow, Strings.t(&"tool.dig_grave"),  &"dig_grave",  func() -> void: _activate(&"dig_grave",  &"", Strings.t(&"tool.dig_grave")))
-	_add_tool_btn(flow, Strings.t(&"tool.no_roof"),    &"no_roof",    func() -> void: _activate(&"no_roof",    &"", Strings.t(&"tool.no_roof")))
-	_add_tool_btn(flow, Strings.t(&"tool.plant_tree"), &"plant_tree", func() -> void: _activate(&"plant_tree", &"", Strings.t(&"tool.plant_tree")))
+	_add_tool_btn(flow, Strings.t(&"tool.chop"),       &"chop",       func() -> void: _activate(&"chop",       &"", Strings.t(&"tool.chop")),       Strings.t(&"tooltip.tool.chop"))
+	_add_tool_btn(flow, Strings.t(&"tool.mine"),       &"mine",       func() -> void: _activate(&"mine",       &"", Strings.t(&"tool.mine")),       Strings.t(&"tooltip.tool.mine"))
+	_add_tool_btn(flow, Strings.t(&"tool.dig_grave"),  &"dig_grave",  func() -> void: _activate(&"dig_grave",  &"", Strings.t(&"tool.dig_grave")),  Strings.t(&"tooltip.tool.dig_grave"))
+	_add_tool_btn(flow, Strings.t(&"tool.no_roof"),    &"no_roof",    func() -> void: _activate(&"no_roof",    &"", Strings.t(&"tool.no_roof")),    Strings.t(&"tooltip.tool.no_roof"))
+	_add_tool_btn(flow, Strings.t(&"tool.plant_tree"), &"plant_tree", func() -> void: _activate(&"plant_tree", &"", Strings.t(&"tool.plant_tree")), Strings.t(&"tooltip.tool.plant_tree"))
 
 	return box
 
@@ -198,15 +200,15 @@ func _build_build_tab() -> Control:
 	var st := _make_section_column(Strings.t(&"ui.build_drawer.section.structures"))
 	var st_grid := st.get_child(1) as GridContainer
 	_add_tool_btn(st_grid, Strings.t(&"tool.build_wall_stone"), &"build_wall_stone",
-		func() -> void: _activate_wall(&"stone"))
+		func() -> void: _activate_wall(&"stone"), Strings.t(&"tooltip.tool.build_wall_stone"))
 	_add_tool_btn(st_grid, Strings.t(&"tool.build_wall_wood"),  &"build_wall_wood",
-		func() -> void: _activate_wall(&"wood"))
+		func() -> void: _activate_wall(&"wood"),  Strings.t(&"tooltip.tool.build_wall_wood"))
 	_add_tool_btn(st_grid, Strings.t(&"tool.build_door"),  &"build_door",
-		func() -> void: _activate(&"build_door",  &"", Strings.t(&"tool.build_door")))
+		func() -> void: _activate(&"build_door",  &"", Strings.t(&"tool.build_door")),  Strings.t(&"tooltip.tool.build_door"))
 	_add_tool_btn(st_grid, Strings.t(&"tool.build_floor_wood"),  &"build_floor_wood",
-		func() -> void: _activate_floor(&"wood"))
+		func() -> void: _activate_floor(&"wood"),  Strings.t(&"tooltip.tool.build_floor_wood"))
 	_add_tool_btn(st_grid, Strings.t(&"tool.build_floor_stone"), &"build_floor_stone",
-		func() -> void: _activate_floor(&"stone"))
+		func() -> void: _activate_floor(&"stone"), Strings.t(&"tooltip.tool.build_floor_stone"))
 	row.add_child(st)
 	row.add_child(VSeparator.new())
 
@@ -214,11 +216,11 @@ func _build_build_tab() -> Control:
 	var fu := _make_section_column(Strings.t(&"ui.build_drawer.section.furniture"))
 	var fu_grid := fu.get_child(1) as GridContainer
 	_add_tool_btn(fu_grid, Strings.t(&"tool.build_crate"), &"build_crate",
-		func() -> void: _activate(&"build_crate", &"", Strings.t(&"tool.build_crate")))
+		func() -> void: _activate(&"build_crate", &"", Strings.t(&"tool.build_crate")), Strings.t(&"tooltip.tool.build_crate"))
 	_add_tool_btn(fu_grid, Strings.t(&"tool.build_bed"),   &"build_bed",
-		func() -> void: _activate(&"build_bed",   &"", Strings.t(&"tool.build_bed")))
+		func() -> void: _activate(&"build_bed",   &"", Strings.t(&"tool.build_bed")),   Strings.t(&"tooltip.tool.build_bed"))
 	_add_tool_btn(fu_grid, Strings.t(&"tool.build_torch"), &"build_torch",
-		func() -> void: _activate(&"build_torch", &"", Strings.t(&"tool.build_torch")))
+		func() -> void: _activate(&"build_torch", &"", Strings.t(&"tool.build_torch")), Strings.t(&"tooltip.tool.build_torch"))
 	row.add_child(fu)
 	row.add_child(VSeparator.new())
 
@@ -227,24 +229,30 @@ func _build_build_tab() -> Control:
 	var pr_grid := pr.get_child(1) as GridContainer
 	_add_tool_btn(pr_grid, Strings.t(&"tool.workbench_carpenter"),
 		&"build_workbench_carpenter",
-		func() -> void: _activate(&"build_workbench_carpenter",  &"", Strings.t(&"tool.workbench_carpenter")))
+		func() -> void: _activate(&"build_workbench_carpenter",  &"", Strings.t(&"tool.workbench_carpenter")),
+		Strings.t(&"tooltip.tool.build_workbench_carpenter"))
 	_add_tool_btn(pr_grid, Strings.t(&"tool.workbench_smelter"),
 		&"build_workbench_smelter",
-		func() -> void: _activate(&"build_workbench_smelter",    &"", Strings.t(&"tool.workbench_smelter")))
+		func() -> void: _activate(&"build_workbench_smelter",    &"", Strings.t(&"tool.workbench_smelter")),
+		Strings.t(&"tooltip.tool.build_workbench_smelter"))
 	_add_tool_btn(pr_grid, Strings.t(&"tool.workbench_millstone"),
 		&"build_workbench_millstone",
-		func() -> void: _activate(&"build_workbench_millstone",  &"", Strings.t(&"tool.workbench_millstone")))
+		func() -> void: _activate(&"build_workbench_millstone",  &"", Strings.t(&"tool.workbench_millstone")),
+		Strings.t(&"tooltip.tool.build_workbench_millstone"))
 	_add_tool_btn(pr_grid, Strings.t(&"tool.workbench_hearth"),
 		&"build_workbench_hearth",
-		func() -> void: _activate(&"build_workbench_hearth",     &"", Strings.t(&"tool.workbench_hearth")))
+		func() -> void: _activate(&"build_workbench_hearth",     &"", Strings.t(&"tool.workbench_hearth")),
+		Strings.t(&"tooltip.tool.build_workbench_hearth"))
 	_add_tool_btn(pr_grid, Strings.t(&"tool.workbench_cremation_pyre"),
 		&"build_workbench_cremation_pyre",
-		func() -> void: _activate(&"build_workbench_cremation_pyre", &"", Strings.t(&"tool.workbench_cremation_pyre")))
+		func() -> void: _activate(&"build_workbench_cremation_pyre", &"", Strings.t(&"tool.workbench_cremation_pyre")),
+		Strings.t(&"tooltip.tool.build_workbench_cremation_pyre"))
 	# Quarry — must be painted on a stone outcrop (BigRockNode); world.gd
 	# rejects placements on plain ground.
 	_add_tool_btn(pr_grid, Strings.t(&"tool.paint_quarry"),
 		&"paint_quarry",
-		func() -> void: _activate(&"paint_quarry", &"", Strings.t(&"tool.paint_quarry")))
+		func() -> void: _activate(&"paint_quarry", &"", Strings.t(&"tool.paint_quarry")),
+		Strings.t(&"tooltip.tool.paint_quarry"))
 	row.add_child(pr)
 
 	return row
@@ -259,9 +267,11 @@ func _build_stockpile_tab() -> Control:
 	box.add_child(flow)
 
 	_add_tool_btn(flow, Strings.t(&"tool.stockpile_general"), &"paint_stockpile",
-		func() -> void: _activate(&"paint_stockpile", &"", Strings.t(&"tool.stockpile_general")))
+		func() -> void: _activate(&"paint_stockpile", &"", Strings.t(&"tool.stockpile_general")),
+		Strings.t(&"tooltip.tool.paint_stockpile"))
 	_add_tool_btn(flow, Strings.t(&"tool.graveyard"),         &"graveyard",
-		func() -> void: _activate(&"graveyard",        &"", Strings.t(&"tool.graveyard")))
+		func() -> void: _activate(&"graveyard",        &"", Strings.t(&"tool.graveyard")),
+		Strings.t(&"tooltip.tool.graveyard"))
 
 	return box
 
@@ -332,10 +342,13 @@ const _THUMB_SCRIPT: Script = preload("res://scenes/ui/build_drawer_thumb.gd")
 ## Add a single tool button to `container`.  The button is a VBoxContainer of
 ## [thumb preview + Label] wrapped in a Button so the whole cell is one touch
 ## target.  `tool_id` drives the procedural preview shape (BuildDrawerThumb).
-func _add_tool_btn(container: Control, label_text: String, tool_id: StringName, callback: Callable) -> void:
+## `tooltip` is optional — set it for desktop discoverability; ignored on touch.
+func _add_tool_btn(container: Control, label_text: String, tool_id: StringName, callback: Callable, tooltip: String = "") -> void:
 	var btn := Button.new()
 	btn.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(BTN_SIZE, BTN_SIZE + LABEL_HEIGHT)
 	btn.focus_mode = Control.FOCUS_NONE
+	if tooltip != "":
+		btn.tooltip_text = tooltip
 
 	var vb := VBoxContainer.new()
 	vb.mouse_filter = Control.MOUSE_FILTER_IGNORE
diff --git a/scenes/ui/help_modal.gd b/scenes/ui/help_modal.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..507645e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scenes/ui/help_modal.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,260 @@
+class_name HelpModal extends CanvasLayer
+## Phase 19 — Static reference modal opened via Settings → Help button.
+##
+## Layer 20 (same as StorytellerModal — mutually exclusive in practice; the
+## Settings menu sits above both and dims the world before Help opens).
+##
+## Five sections: Controls / Verbs / Priorities / Storyteller / Tips.
+## Tab row across the top of the content area; active tab tinted amber.
+## ScrollContainer per-section so long copy doesn't overflow.
+##
+## Opened by EventBus.help_requested signal (emitted by SettingsMenu).
+## Closed by: X button, tapping the dim backdrop, or Escape.
+##
+## CanvasLayer.visible is toggled (not just inner Control) so the dim
+## MOUSE_FILTER_STOP backing doesn't eat world input when the modal is hidden.
+## PROCESS_MODE_ALWAYS so it remains accessible while the sim is paused.
+
+const LAYER_ORDER: int = 20
+const MODAL_W: int = 720
+const MODAL_H: int = 560
+const TAB_COUNT: int = 5
+const AMBER: Color = Color(1.0, 0.75, 0.2, 1.0)
+
+# ── tab indices ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+const TAB_CONTROLS:    int = 0
+const TAB_VERBS:       int = 1
+const TAB_PRIORITIES:  int = 2
+const TAB_STORYTELLER: int = 3
+const TAB_TIPS:        int = 4
+
+# ── state ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+var _active_tab: int = TAB_CONTROLS
+
+# ── node refs ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+var _dim: ColorRect = null
+var _panel: PanelContainer = null
+var _tab_btns: Array[Button] = []
+var _scroll: ScrollContainer = null
+var _content_box: VBoxContainer = null
+
+
+func _ready() -> void:
+	layer = LAYER_ORDER
+	process_mode = Node.PROCESS_MODE_ALWAYS
+	_build_ui()
+	_set_visible(false)
+	EventBus.help_requested.connect(_on_help_requested)
+	Audit.log("help_modal", "HelpModal ready (layer %d)" % layer)
+
+
+func _exit_tree() -> void:
+	if EventBus.help_requested.is_connected(_on_help_requested):
+		EventBus.help_requested.disconnect(_on_help_requested)
+
+
+# ── public API ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+func open() -> void:
+	_active_tab = TAB_CONTROLS
+	_set_visible(true)
+	_refresh_tabs()
+	call_deferred("_show_section")
+	Audit.log("help_modal", "opened")
+
+
+func close() -> void:
+	_set_visible(false)
+	Audit.log("help_modal", "closed")
+
+
+# ── UI construction ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+func _build_ui() -> void:
+	# Dim backdrop — MOUSE_FILTER_STOP so click-outside dismisses.
+	_dim = ColorRect.new()
+	_dim.name = "Dim"
+	_dim.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_FULL_RECT)
+	_dim.color = Color(0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.55)
+	_dim.mouse_filter = Control.MOUSE_FILTER_STOP
+	_dim.gui_input.connect(_on_dim_input)
+	add_child(_dim)
+
+	# Centered modal panel.
+	_panel = PanelContainer.new()
+	_panel.name = "HelpDialog"
+	_panel.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_CENTER)
+	_panel.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(MODAL_W, MODAL_H)
+	_panel.offset_left   = -MODAL_W / 2
+	_panel.offset_right  =  MODAL_W / 2
+	_panel.offset_top    = -MODAL_H / 2
+	_panel.offset_bottom =  MODAL_H / 2
+	add_child(_panel)
+
+	var outer := VBoxContainer.new()
+	outer.add_theme_constant_override("separation", 0)
+	_panel.add_child(outer)
+
+	# ── Header row: title label + close button ────────────────────────────────
+	var header := HBoxContainer.new()
+	header.name = "Header"
+	header.add_theme_constant_override("separation", 8)
+	header.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 48)
+	outer.add_child(header)
+
+	var title_lbl := Label.new()
+	title_lbl.name = "Title"
+	title_lbl.text = Strings.t(&"ui.help.title")
+	title_lbl.size_flags_horizontal = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
+	title_lbl.vertical_alignment = VERTICAL_ALIGNMENT_CENTER
+	title_lbl.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 22)
+	header.add_child(title_lbl)
+
+	var close_btn := Button.new()
+	close_btn.name = "CloseBtn"
+	close_btn.text = Strings.t(&"ui.help.close")
+	close_btn.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(48, 48)
+	close_btn.focus_mode = Control.FOCUS_NONE
+	close_btn.pressed.connect(close)
+	header.add_child(close_btn)
+
+	outer.add_child(HSeparator.new())
+
+	# ── Tab row ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+	var tab_row := HBoxContainer.new()
+	tab_row.name = "TabRow"
+	tab_row.add_theme_constant_override("separation", 4)
+	outer.add_child(tab_row)
+
+	var tab_keys: Array[StringName] = [
+		&"ui.help.tab.controls",
+		&"ui.help.tab.verbs",
+		&"ui.help.tab.priorities",
+		&"ui.help.tab.storyteller",
+		&"ui.help.tab.tips",
+	]
+
+	_tab_btns.clear()
+	for i in range(TAB_COUNT):
+		var btn := Button.new()
+		btn.name = "Tab%d" % i
+		btn.text = Strings.t(tab_keys[i])
+		btn.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 36)
+		btn.size_flags_horizontal = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
+		btn.focus_mode = Control.FOCUS_NONE
+		var idx: int = i  # capture for lambda
+		btn.pressed.connect(func() -> void: _on_tab_pressed(idx))
+		tab_row.add_child(btn)
+		_tab_btns.append(btn)
+
+	outer.add_child(HSeparator.new())
+
+	# ── Scrollable content area ───────────────────────────────────────────────
+	_scroll = ScrollContainer.new()
+	_scroll.name = "ContentScroll"
+	_scroll.size_flags_vertical = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
+	_scroll.horizontal_scroll_mode = ScrollContainer.SCROLL_MODE_DISABLED
+	outer.add_child(_scroll)
+
+	_content_box = VBoxContainer.new()
+	_content_box.name = "ContentBox"
+	_content_box.add_theme_constant_override("separation", 8)
+	_content_box.size_flags_horizontal = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
+	_scroll.add_child(_content_box)
+
+
+# ── tab switching ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+func _on_tab_pressed(idx: int) -> void:
+	_active_tab = idx
+	_refresh_tabs()
+	call_deferred("_show_section")
+
+
+func _refresh_tabs() -> void:
+	for i in range(_tab_btns.size()):
+		if i == _active_tab:
+			_tab_btns[i].modulate = AMBER
+		else:
+			_tab_btns[i].modulate = Color.WHITE
+
+
+func _show_section() -> void:
+	# Clear old content.
+	for child in _content_box.get_children():
+		child.queue_free()
+
+	# Reset scroll position.
+	_scroll.scroll_vertical = 0
+
+	var heading: String
+	var body: String
+
+	match _active_tab:
+		TAB_CONTROLS:
+			heading = Strings.t(&"help.controls.heading")
+			body    = Strings.t(&"help.controls.body")
+		TAB_VERBS:
+			heading = Strings.t(&"help.verbs.heading")
+			body    = Strings.t(&"help.verbs.body")
+		TAB_PRIORITIES:
+			heading = Strings.t(&"help.priorities.heading")
+			body    = Strings.t(&"help.priorities.body")
+		TAB_STORYTELLER:
+			heading = Strings.t(&"help.storyteller.heading")
+			body    = Strings.t(&"help.storyteller.body")
+		TAB_TIPS:
+			heading = Strings.t(&"help.tips.heading")
+			body    = Strings.t(&"help.tips.body")
+		_:
+			heading = ""
+			body    = ""
+
+	var heading_lbl := Label.new()
+	heading_lbl.name = "SectionHeading"
+	heading_lbl.text = heading
+	heading_lbl.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 16)
+	_content_box.add_child(heading_lbl)
+
+	_content_box.add_child(HSeparator.new())
+
+	var body_lbl := Label.new()
+	body_lbl.name = "SectionBody"
+	body_lbl.text = body
+	body_lbl.autowrap_mode = TextServer.AUTOWRAP_WORD_SMART
+	body_lbl.size_flags_horizontal = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
+	_content_box.add_child(body_lbl)
+
+
+# ── input handling ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+func _unhandled_input(event: InputEvent) -> void:
+	if not visible:
+		return
+	if event.is_action_pressed("cancel"):
+		close()
+		get_viewport().set_input_as_handled()
+
+
+func _on_dim_input(event: InputEvent) -> void:
+	# Clicking the dim backdrop closes the modal.
+	if event is InputEventMouseButton and event.pressed and event.button_index == MOUSE_BUTTON_LEFT:
+		close()
+
+
+# ── signal handler ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+func _on_help_requested() -> void:
+	open()
+
+
+# ── visibility ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+func _set_visible(v: bool) -> void:
+	# Toggle CanvasLayer.visible so the dim (MOUSE_FILTER_STOP) does not eat
+	# world input when the modal is hidden.
+	visible = v
+	if _dim != null:
+		_dim.visible = v
+	if _panel != null:
+		_panel.visible = v
diff --git a/scenes/ui/help_modal.gd.uid b/scenes/ui/help_modal.gd.uid
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0193c50
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scenes/ui/help_modal.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://bo78xe3et6bec
diff --git a/scenes/ui/hint_overlay.gd b/scenes/ui/hint_overlay.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4add345
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scenes/ui/hint_overlay.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,182 @@
+class_name HintOverlay extends CanvasLayer
+## Phase 19 — Top-center hint banner for the onboarding tour.
+##
+## Layer 22: above StorytellerModal (20) and DaySummaryCard (19) so hints are
+## always visible.  Non-blocking — only the banner itself catches input; the
+## world below remains fully interactive while the hint is up.
+##
+## API:
+##   show_hint(hint_id, message) — populate text and slide in.
+##   hide_hint()                 — slide out and emit hint_dismissed.
+##
+## Registers itself with HintSystem in _ready so the autoload never calls
+## find_child() on the tree.
+
+const BANNER_W:  int = 640
+const BANNER_H:  int = 80
+const SLIDE_DUR: float = 0.30   # seconds for the slide-in/out tween
+
+# Accent gold — matches MedievalTheme.C_ACCENT_GOLD.
+const C_ACCENT_GOLD: Color = Color(0.92, 0.75, 0.22, 1.0)
+
+# ── node refs ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+var _root_ctrl:  Control       = null   # MOUSE_FILTER_IGNORE, full-rect anchor
+var _panel:      PanelContainer = null  # the visible banner
+var _icon_lbl:   Label         = null
+var _msg_lbl:    Label         = null
+var _got_it_btn: Button        = null
+
+# ── state ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+var _current_hint_id: StringName = &""
+var _tween: Tween = null
+
+
+func _ready() -> void:
+	layer = 22
+	process_mode = Node.PROCESS_MODE_ALWAYS
+	_build_ui()
+	_set_panel_visible(false)
+
+	# Register with the HintSystem autoload so it can call show_hint/hide_hint.
+	if Engine.has_singleton("HintSystem") or has_node("/root/HintSystem"):
+		var hs: Node = get_node_or_null("/root/HintSystem")
+		if hs != null and hs.has_method("register_overlay"):
+			hs.register_overlay(self)
+	Audit.log("hint_overlay", "HintOverlay ready (layer %d)" % layer)
+
+
+func _exit_tree() -> void:
+	pass  # signal connections owned by HintSystem are cleaned up when it exits
+
+
+# ── UI construction ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+func _build_ui() -> void:
+	# Transparent full-rect root — MOUSE_FILTER_IGNORE so world stays interactive.
+	_root_ctrl = Control.new()
+	_root_ctrl.name = "Root"
+	_root_ctrl.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_FULL_RECT)
+	_root_ctrl.mouse_filter = Control.MOUSE_FILTER_IGNORE
+	add_child(_root_ctrl)
+
+	# Banner PanelContainer — top-center, fixed size.
+	_panel = PanelContainer.new()
+	_panel.name = "Banner"
+	_panel.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(BANNER_W, BANNER_H)
+	# Anchor to top-center.
+	_panel.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_TOP_WIDE)
+	# Center horizontally: offset left/right to BANNER_W wide, centred.
+	_panel.anchor_left   = 0.5
+	_panel.anchor_right  = 0.5
+	_panel.anchor_top    = 0.0
+	_panel.anchor_bottom = 0.0
+	_panel.offset_left   = -BANNER_W / 2.0
+	_panel.offset_right  =  BANNER_W / 2.0
+	_panel.offset_top    = 0.0
+	_panel.offset_bottom = BANNER_H
+	_panel.mouse_filter  = Control.MOUSE_FILTER_STOP   # banner catches its own taps
+	_panel.gui_input.connect(_on_banner_input)
+	_root_ctrl.add_child(_panel)
+
+	# Inner HBox: icon | message (expanding) | button
+	var hbox := HBoxContainer.new()
+	hbox.alignment = BoxContainer.ALIGNMENT_CENTER
+	hbox.add_theme_constant_override("separation", 12)
+	_panel.add_child(hbox)
+
+	# Icon label — bulb emoji as procedural indicator, gold-tinted.
+	_icon_lbl = Label.new()
+	_icon_lbl.name = "Icon"
+	_icon_lbl.text = "💡"
+	_icon_lbl.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 20)
+	_icon_lbl.add_theme_color_override("font_color", C_ACCENT_GOLD)
+	_icon_lbl.vertical_alignment = VERTICAL_ALIGNMENT_CENTER
+	hbox.add_child(_icon_lbl)
+
+	# Message label — auto-wraps, expands to fill.
+	_msg_lbl = Label.new()
+	_msg_lbl.name = "Message"
+	_msg_lbl.autowrap_mode = TextServer.AUTOWRAP_WORD_SMART
+	_msg_lbl.size_flags_horizontal = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
+	_msg_lbl.vertical_alignment = VERTICAL_ALIGNMENT_CENTER
+	hbox.add_child(_msg_lbl)
+
+	# "Got it" button — right side.
+	_got_it_btn = Button.new()
+	_got_it_btn.name = "GotItBtn"
+	_got_it_btn.text = Strings.t(&"hint.got_it")
+	_got_it_btn.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(80, 40)
+	_got_it_btn.focus_mode = Control.FOCUS_NONE
+	_got_it_btn.pressed.connect(hide_hint)
+	hbox.add_child(_got_it_btn)
+
+
+# ── public API ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+## Populate the banner with hint_id + message text then slide it in from above.
+func show_hint(hint_id: StringName, message: String) -> void:
+	_current_hint_id = hint_id
+	_msg_lbl.text = message
+
+	_set_panel_visible(true)
+
+	var reduce_motion: bool = bool(GameState.settings.get("accessibility_reduce_motion", false))
+	if reduce_motion:
+		# Snap to final position immediately.
+		_panel.offset_top    = 0.0
+		_panel.offset_bottom = BANNER_H
+		return
+
+	# Slide in from above: start fully off-screen, tween to resting position.
+	_panel.offset_top    = -BANNER_H
+	_panel.offset_bottom = 0.0
+
+	if _tween != null and _tween.is_running():
+		_tween.kill()
+	_tween = create_tween()
+	_tween.set_trans(Tween.TRANS_CUBIC).set_ease(Tween.EASE_OUT)
+	_tween.tween_property(_panel, "offset_top",    0.0,      SLIDE_DUR)
+	_tween.parallel().tween_property(_panel, "offset_bottom", float(BANNER_H), SLIDE_DUR)
+
+
+## Slide the banner out upward and emit hint_dismissed with the current hint_id.
+func hide_hint() -> void:
+	var id: StringName = _current_hint_id
+	var reduce_motion: bool = bool(GameState.settings.get("accessibility_reduce_motion", false))
+	if reduce_motion:
+		_set_panel_visible(false)
+		EventBus.hint_dismissed.emit(id)
+		return
+
+	if _tween != null and _tween.is_running():
+		_tween.kill()
+	_tween = create_tween()
+	_tween.set_trans(Tween.TRANS_CUBIC).set_ease(Tween.EASE_IN)
+	_tween.tween_property(_panel, "offset_top",    -float(BANNER_H), SLIDE_DUR)
+	_tween.parallel().tween_property(_panel, "offset_bottom", 0.0,             SLIDE_DUR)
+	_tween.tween_callback(_on_slide_out_finished.bind(id))
+
+
+# ── internal callbacks ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+func _on_slide_out_finished(id: StringName) -> void:
+	_set_panel_visible(false)
+	EventBus.hint_dismissed.emit(id)
+
+
+func _on_banner_input(event: InputEvent) -> void:
+	# Tap anywhere on the banner also dismisses it (touch-friendly).
+	if event is InputEventMouseButton and event.pressed and event.button_index == MOUSE_BUTTON_LEFT:
+		hide_hint()
+
+
+# ── helpers ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+func _set_panel_visible(v: bool) -> void:
+	if _panel != null:
+		_panel.visible = v
+	# Keep root_ctrl always present but invisible panel blocks nothing.
+	if _root_ctrl != null:
+		_root_ctrl.visible = true   # always: root is MOUSE_FILTER_IGNORE anyway
diff --git a/scenes/ui/hint_overlay.gd.uid b/scenes/ui/hint_overlay.gd.uid
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..02afc9d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scenes/ui/hint_overlay.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://mxu0elb57bhw
diff --git a/scenes/ui/settings_menu.gd b/scenes/ui/settings_menu.gd
index 6590006..92d3462 100644
--- a/scenes/ui/settings_menu.gd
+++ b/scenes/ui/settings_menu.gd
@@ -29,6 +29,9 @@ var _sl_ambient: HSlider = null
 var _cb_large_text:     CheckBox = null
 var _cb_reduce_motion:  CheckBox = null
 
+# Onboarding controls.
+var _cb_show_hints: CheckBox = null
+
 
 func _ready() -> void:
 	layer = 26
@@ -136,6 +139,35 @@ func _build_ui() -> void:
 
 	_add_separator(vbox)
 
+	# ── Onboarding section ────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+	var onboard_hdr := Label.new()
+	onboard_hdr.text = Strings.t(&"ui.settings.section.onboarding")
+	vbox.add_child(onboard_hdr)
+
+	_cb_show_hints = _make_checkbox(Strings.t(&"ui.settings.show_hints"), vbox)
+
+	var onboard_btns := HBoxContainer.new()
+	onboard_btns.add_theme_constant_override("separation", 12)
+	vbox.add_child(onboard_btns)
+
+	var help_btn := Button.new()
+	help_btn.name = "HelpBtn"
+	help_btn.text = Strings.t(&"ui.settings.help")
+	help_btn.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(120, 48)
+	help_btn.focus_mode = Control.FOCUS_NONE
+	help_btn.pressed.connect(_on_help_pressed)
+	onboard_btns.add_child(help_btn)
+
+	var reset_hints_btn := Button.new()
+	reset_hints_btn.name = "ResetHintsBtn"
+	reset_hints_btn.text = Strings.t(&"ui.settings.reset_hints")
+	reset_hints_btn.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(140, 48)
+	reset_hints_btn.focus_mode = Control.FOCUS_NONE
+	reset_hints_btn.pressed.connect(_on_reset_hints_pressed)
+	onboard_btns.add_child(reset_hints_btn)
+
+	_add_separator(vbox)
+
 	# ── Save / Cancel row ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 	var btn_row := HBoxContainer.new()
 	btn_row.alignment = BoxContainer.ALIGNMENT_CENTER
@@ -226,6 +258,8 @@ func _load_from_game_state() -> void:
 	_cb_large_text.button_pressed    = bool(s.get("accessibility_large_text",    false))
 	_cb_reduce_motion.button_pressed = bool(s.get("accessibility_reduce_motion", false))
 
+	_cb_show_hints.button_pressed = bool(s.get("show_hints", true))
+
 
 func _collect_to_dict() -> Dictionary:
 	return {
@@ -240,6 +274,7 @@ func _collect_to_dict() -> Dictionary:
 		"audio_ambient":      _sl_ambient.value,
 		"accessibility_large_text":    _cb_large_text.button_pressed,
 		"accessibility_reduce_motion": _cb_reduce_motion.button_pressed,
+		"show_hints":                  _cb_show_hints.button_pressed,
 	}
 
 
@@ -276,6 +311,24 @@ func _on_cancel_pressed() -> void:
 	_set_visible(false)
 
 
+func _on_help_pressed() -> void:
+	# Close settings first, then open help so layer 20 (HelpModal) draws above.
+	_set_visible(false)
+	EventBus.help_requested.emit()
+	Audit.log("settings_menu", "help requested")
+
+
+func _on_reset_hints_pressed() -> void:
+	if HintSystem != null and HintSystem.has_method("reset_tour"):
+		HintSystem.reset_tour()
+	else:
+		# Fallback: direct dict mutation if HintSystem hasn't landed yet.
+		GameState.settings["dismissed_hints"] = [] as Array
+		GameState.settings["show_hints"] = true
+	EventBus.alert_added.emit(&"info", Strings.t(&"ui.settings.hints_reset"), Vector2i(-1, -1))
+	Audit.log("settings_menu", "hints reset")
+
+
 # ── visibility ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
 func _set_visible(v: bool) -> void:
diff --git a/scenes/ui/top_bar.gd b/scenes/ui/top_bar.gd
index d778e8d..9645e42 100644
--- a/scenes/ui/top_bar.gd
+++ b/scenes/ui/top_bar.gd
@@ -54,6 +54,14 @@ func _ready() -> void:
 	ultra_btn.text   = Strings.t(&"speed.ultra")
 	save_btn.text    = Strings.t(&"ui.save")
 	load_btn.text    = Strings.t(&"ui.load")
+
+	# Phase 19 — desktop hover tooltips (no-op on touch).
+	pause_btn.tooltip_text  = Strings.t(&"tooltip.pause")
+	normal_btn.tooltip_text = Strings.t(&"tooltip.speed_normal")
+	fast_btn.tooltip_text   = Strings.t(&"tooltip.speed_fast")
+	ultra_btn.tooltip_text  = Strings.t(&"tooltip.speed_ultra")
+	save_btn.tooltip_text   = Strings.t(&"tooltip.save")
+	load_btn.tooltip_text   = Strings.t(&"tooltip.load")
 	tick_label.text   = "(boot)"
 	clock_label.text  = Strings.t(&"clock.format").format({"d": 1, "t": "06:00"})
 	season_label.text = Strings.t(&"season.format").format({"s": Strings.t(&"season.spring"), "d": 1})
@@ -159,6 +167,7 @@ func _add_build_btn() -> void:
 	build_btn.text = "🔨"
 	build_btn.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(40, 40)
 	build_btn.focus_mode = Control.FOCUS_NONE
+	build_btn.tooltip_text = Strings.t(&"tooltip.build")
 	build_btn.pressed.connect(_on_build_pressed)
 	button_row.add_child(build_btn)
 	Audit.log("top_bar", "Build button added to ButtonRow")
@@ -183,6 +192,7 @@ func _add_settings_btn() -> void:
 	settings_btn.text = "⚙"
 	settings_btn.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(40, 40)
 	settings_btn.focus_mode = Control.FOCUS_NONE
+	settings_btn.tooltip_text = Strings.t(&"tooltip.settings")
 	settings_btn.pressed.connect(_on_settings_pressed)
 	button_row.add_child(settings_btn)
 	Audit.log("top_bar", "Settings button added to ButtonRow")
@@ -208,6 +218,7 @@ func _add_work_log_btns() -> void:
 	work_btn.text = "👷"
 	work_btn.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(40, 40)
 	work_btn.focus_mode = Control.FOCUS_NONE
+	work_btn.tooltip_text = Strings.t(&"tooltip.work")
 	work_btn.pressed.connect(_on_work_pressed)
 	button_row.add_child(work_btn)
 
@@ -216,6 +227,7 @@ func _add_work_log_btns() -> void:
 	_log_btn.text = "🔔"
 	_log_btn.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(40, 40)
 	_log_btn.focus_mode = Control.FOCUS_NONE
+	_log_btn.tooltip_text = Strings.t(&"tooltip.log")
 	_log_btn.pressed.connect(_on_log_pressed)
 	button_row.add_child(_log_btn)
 
diff --git a/scenes/ui/work_priority_matrix.gd b/scenes/ui/work_priority_matrix.gd
index d09eb4a..1318392 100644
--- a/scenes/ui/work_priority_matrix.gd
+++ b/scenes/ui/work_priority_matrix.gd
@@ -85,6 +85,7 @@ func open() -> void:
 	_rebuild_grid()
 	visible = true
 	_root.visible = true
+	EventBus.ui_panel_opened.emit(&"work_matrix")
 	Audit.log("work_priority_ui", "opened (pawns=%d)" % World.pawns.size())