Before anything make sure to review the rules of speed running ARD in leaderboard section!

Pre-Release: Timer starts when you press any key after loading. Release 1.0.0 & Ground Zero: Timer starts when you are done with the cinematic and after you press any key after loading.

Ground Zero: Speedrun Timer must be enabled in Accessibility, or at the very least some sorts of timer/split timer.

Pre-Release & Release 1.0.0: The Timer stops when the player is unable to move at the end of the game (when the screen starts to fades out)

Ground Zero: Time ends when The Crusher is defeated.

(Splits are outdated but will changed asap) First, in the resources tab in https://www.speedrun.com/ard/resources Download the Tool Live Split, and extract the software.

Second, Download the splits through the resources.

Third, Extract the Splits Zip File, and open Live Split Software

Fourth, Right-click the Live Split timer then press Open Split, select "A.R.D. Alien Removal Division - Any% (v0.6.0).lss" (this works for all categories you just need to set it in the software by editing the split)

Fifth, Right-click the Live Split timer then press Open Layout , select "ARDLayout.lsl"

If you are running v0.5.3 do not use the numpad keys for starting your time, because of a game bug.

If you are running v0.6.0 or later, you can use the numpad keys for starting your time.

Play around with your settings for starting time and resetting time, make sure global hotkeys is enabled.

You should be ready to speedrun A.R.D!

I suggest watching my speedrun on the game to get an understanding of the maps in A.R.D. and splitting at the right times/close to the right times. https://www.speedrun.com/ard/run/y881r01y

Auto-splitting for previous versions is being worked on to make it so much easier to speedrun the game, which would include loading times and other stuff.