100% OoB Tutorial/Showcase

Any% no oob route

Autosplitter setup / How to remove loads manually

# Autosplitter Setup PC
In order to activate the autosplitter you need to open the split editor from the main window in Livesplit. Right-click the window and select "Edit Splits"

At the top, set the game name to "The Messenger" and then click the "Activate" button to enable the autosplitter.

The default splits are "Split when entering a new level" and the last hit for the bosses of 8Bit, Linear and Any% (last split).
However, if you want to edit where the autosplitter will split, you can click on "Settings" and a new window will appear.
In this window you need to check all the checkboxes related to your splits.
Remember that you should check as many settings as you have splits.

To use the load remover on the timer/layout you need to right-click the main Livesplit window and ''Compare Against -> Game Time"
You can also keep track of your real time/game time in your split layout tabs just above your splits names.

# Autosplitter Setup Switch
The Video Auto Splitter only has a load remover.
First, you need to download the VAS file in the [Resources](https://www.speedrun.com/The_Messenger/resources).
Then, follow the "How To Use" section in the Video Autosplitter readme ([link](https://github.com/ROMaster2/LiveSplit.VideoAutoSplit/blob/master/README.md#how-to-use)) (still in beta).

To use the load remover on the timer/layout you need to right-click the main Livesplit window and ''Compare Against -> Game Time"
You can also keep track of your real time/game time in your split layout tabs just above your splits names.

If you have any problem regarding an autosplitter you can ask for some help in the Discord tech-support channel or ask me directly at @Voxelse.

# How to remove loads manually
First, I want to point out that, if you use the autosplitter you'll not have to retime the runs manually. Manual loads re-timing is meant to be used on old runs which had already been submitted without a loadless time.

The loads are determined by Quarble state during any level transition.
Here is an image to show how the loads work:
https://i.imgur.com/upfA3GX.png

The game is loading ONLY when Quarble is writing on his paper ("Repeat while loading" frames).
So in order to calculate the loads, you need to have a video software able to frame stepping and also able to show you the time between two frames (start/end of load).
I personally use "Avidemux" which is a free software and quite handy to calculate loads between a frame A and a frame B. But you can use any software you want as long as you can have an accurate detail of the loads.

And as stated in the rules: "When submitting a manually retimed run, a breakdown of the load times is required. Breakdown can be added in the comments."
Here is an example of what you can do (8Bit No-Oob example):
> Manual loads {N 0.933,A 0.933,F 1.000,C 0.867,B 0.867,H 1.033,Q 0.900,S 0.900,G 1.233,T 0.433}
> Loadless: 38:40:867 - 00:09:099 = 38:31.768

Backdoor Tabi Tutorial

I couldn’t find any tutorials for the Backdoor Tabi skip, so I tried my best to make my own and explain how to execute it.

https://youtu.be/bWQfaQHQeG0

Basic Any% No OoB Guide

Basic guide for learning the Any% No OoB run after Linear. If you have any questions or concerns, please join The Messenger Speedrunning Discord for additional information. We are glad to answer any questions you may have!!

https://www.twitch.tv/videos/480897749

Basic Clipping 101

Beginner/Intermediate Tutorial for 8-Bit (New game, no OoB)

This tutorial should teach you the basic mechanics and speedtech used in the run as well as strats for every room, and should be enough to get times in the low 31:XX to high 30:XX range. If you would like to learn more advanced strats, do watch the top runs, join the discord and ask questions. We will be happy to help!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDCHuQaUKuk

Dark Cave Tutorial

New Game 8 Bit/Linear Tutorial

Basic guide for learning the 8 Bit and Linear routes.   If you have any questions or concerns, please join The Messenger Speedrunning Discord for additional information. We are glad to answer any questions you may have!!

https://www.twitch.tv/videos/483124659

NG+ 8 Bit/Linear Tutorial

Basic guide for learning the New Game + route for 8 Bit and Linear.  Also useful for doing "The Deal" runs.  If you have any questions or concerns, please join The Messenger Speedrunning Discord for additional information.  We are glad to answer any questions you may have!!

https://www.twitch.tv/videos/490833026

Ninja Village Skip Tutorial [Quality of life option for New Game runs]

# Introduction

For any category that makes use of the "New Game" option in The Messenger that would normally start in Ninja Village, there is an optional skip that allows you to start directly into Autumn Hills with your timer set up to emulate having done Ninja Village.

To fully take advantage of this quality of life option it is highly recommended to set up your save file in such a way that it's quick and easy to reset and start a fresh run right back in Autumn Hills.

In this guide I'll show on a regular windows PC how to setup Livesplit for the NV skip, how to set up a save file using a pre-made save I'll provide, or how to set up your own save file if you prefer it that way and I'll also make brief mention of "Spike seeding" which is a weird quirk of the game that can be relevant to some runners and in how they approach starting their runs.

# Livesplit Setup

This guide assumes you have [Livesplit](https://livesplit.org/) already installed and [The Messenger autosplitter](https://www.speedrun.com/the_messenger/guides/r25oe) already set up.

1. First off you'll want to right click your Livesplit and select "Edit Splits".

![](/static/blob/yzr6vrz4.png)

2. Next you'll want to locate the "Start Timer at:" line and enter the number "1:46.2". This time emulates an optimal Ninja Village.

![](/static/blob/qzp63xn3.png)

3. Then select "Settings".

![](/static/blob/5e1xo6z0.png)

4. At the top where it says "Start" click the drop down menu and select "NV Skip". This option makes it to where your timer will only start when you load into your Autumn Hills save file.

![](/static/blob/oeoq9kzg.png)

5. And you're done with Livesplit! So let's continue on to setting up your save file.

# Pre-made Save File Setup

Here I'll show you how to use my pre-made NV skip save file for your convenience.

1. First you'll want to backup your existing save file (**SaveGame.txt**) which can be located at - 
**Local Disk (C:) > Users > [Your PC Name] > AppData > LocalLow > Sabotage Studio > The Messenger.**  If you cannot find your AppData folder then it is likely hidden. You can just [enable view of hidden folders](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/view-hidden-files-and-folders-in-windows-97fbc472-c603-9d90-91d0-1166d1d9f4b5#WindowsVersion=Windows_11) and then it should be there.

You can just make a folder in here called something like "Save Backups" and drag your current "**SaveGame.txt**" file into it.

![](/static/blob/1n7k77z5.png)

2. Now you'll want to download my save which can be found [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1002vuC3OY2vGFqBEXU3STd2l7iR_M3r4/view?usp=sharing). Just select the download symbol in the top right and then save it. 

3. Now simply locate and copy this new save and paste it where your backup Save used to be at - 
**Local Disk (C:) > Users > [Your PC Name] > AppData > LocalLow > Sabotage Studio > The Messenger.**

4. Now start up your game and go to your in-game options and just confirm your settings and controls are how you want them, once you set all that stuff up in-game, then close the game.

5. Go back to your newly placed **SaveGame.txt** file, right click it and go to properties.

![](/static/blob/rnqdg2ej.png)

6. Locate the "**Read-only**" box and check it and then click "**Apply**" in the bottom right and then close this window. What this does is anytime you close The Messenger, it will not update your save file, so anytime you fully close the game it will essentially reset your save file back to this premade Ninja Village skip file allowing you to start right back into Autumn Hills without doing Ninja Village.

![](/static/blob/7e9293z1.png)

7. Your save file is now setup! To confirm it is working, load the game and check your in-game save slots. You should have 2 files named "Ninja" and 1 file named "Setup". The "Ninja" files are setup right into Autumn Hills and are ready to use and the "Setup" file is for an optional more advanced spike seeding setup which I will explain later for those interested although it can also be used as a practice file since it is in a fully completed game ready to use.

8. I want to reiterate that anytime you've done a run attempt and want to start a new one, all you have to do after setting this up is simply fully restart the game and your save file will be ready to go right away! If you ever want to revert this, simply replace this new **SaveGame.txt** file with the backup you made or even continue using the premade file and just de-select the "**Read-only**" box to allow your save file to go back to tracking your progress when you close the game.

![](/static/blob/ynloq0n6.png)

# [Optional] Making Your Own Save File

If you want to make your own save for whatever reason like to choose your own file name instead of "Ninja" here is what you'd want to do.

1. First you'll want to backup your existing save file (**SaveGame.txt**) which can be located at - 
**Local Disk (C:) > Users > [Your PC Name] > AppData > LocalLow > Sabotage Studio > The Messenger.** If you cannot find your AppData folder then it is likely hidden. You can just [enable view of hidden folders](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/view-hidden-files-and-folders-in-windows-97fbc472-c603-9d90-91d0-1166d1d9f4b5#WindowsVersion=Windows_11) and then it should be there.

You can just make a folder in here called something like "Save Backups" and copy your current "**SaveGame.txt**" file into it.

![](/static/blob/7z3gv4ed.png)

2. Next you'll want to load The Messenger, start a new file and start playing through Ninja Village. Anywhere between 0-2 Time Shards is allowed as you can randomly obtain up to 2 from enemies that die. Once you enter Autumn Hills from Ninja Village, the game makes an auto-save. Once it has done this you can close the game or first set up your other save slots as well to however you would want them for practice.

3. Go back to your **SaveGame.txt** file, right click it and go to properties.

![](/static/blob/qny684ep.png)

4. Locate the "**Read-only**" box and check it and then click "**Apply**" in the bottom right and then close this window. What this does is anytime you close The Messenger, it will not update your save file, so anytime you fully close the game it will essentially reset your save file back to this premade Ninja Village skip file allowing you to start right back into Autumn Hills without doing Ninja Village. 

![](/static/blob/4zjpd5zk.png)

5. Your personal save file is now complete! Now anytime you do an attempt of a run, all you have to do is close the game and relaunch it to have your save file revert back to the Autumn Hills one that you created. If you ever want to revert this, simply replace your current **SaveGame.txt** file with the backup you made or even continue using the premade file and just uncheck the "**Read-only**" box to allow your save file to go back to tracking your progress when you close the game.

# [Extra] Spike Seeding Information

"Spike Seeding" involves some weird mechanics of the game that determines if contact with certain spikes will damage boost ninja to the left or to the right. This is only relevant for a few strategies, namely the more beginner friendly [Autumn Hills "Spike Pit Boost"](https://youtu.be/8sbjYUfrwOA), the more intermediate [Catacombs "Aquatic Butt Boost"](https://youtu.be/1Vh1p1hDyW0?si=dzEXfFS2uB7YmRQM) and the advanced [Autumn Hills "Belly Boost"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp85WZ6bUGE) strategy.

If any of these strategies are relevant to you then I recommend reading this shortened explanation of how it works and how to take advantage of it.

When you freshly start The Messenger, your "spike seed" is pre-determined the same way every time and when you load files and stages it changes this spike seed in a completely predictable manner depending on the stage you loaded into.

So if you for example, start your run in Autumn Hills you can know exactly which spikes will boost you left or right and it'd always be the same, but if you played some stages, exited to title and then started a run into Autumn Hills without restarting the game, then likely many of the spikes would boost you in different directions.

To take advantage of this as a runner, all you need to do is restart your entire game completely before you start a new run, because loading right into Autumn Hills happens to give consistent ways to do both the Spike pit boost and the butt boost.

If you however also want to try for the more advanced and risky Belly Boost strat to save roughly 0.4 seconds, then the best way to do so is have an additional save slot that is saved at the checkpoint in Picnic Panic right before the Punch-out fight (in my premade save file this is what the slot 3 "Setup" slot is for). All you need to do is start the game, load into that save, exit to title and *then* start your normal Autumn Hills file. This sets up the spike seeding in such a way that now all the mentioned relevant strats work including the Belly Boost.

It's worth noting the strategy [is possible](https://youtu.be/vxYuOdTXWUA?si=gIEe9W_6KGCu7ZBR) without using the "punch-out spike seed" and instead using the normal fresh start right into "Autumn Hills spike seed", it's just much harder since you need to damage boost on the spike further to the left which makes it tighter to pull off.

### **TLDR:** Restart your whole game before starting your Autumn Hills file to make the Spike pit Boost and Butt Boost strategies consistently viable. If you also want to do Belly Boost too, first start the game, load into a file at the checkpoint in Picnic Panic before the Punch-out fight with Barma and *then* exit to title and start an actual run using your Autumn Hills save file.

## This concludes the Ninja Village Skip tutorial!

## I hope this helped and you enjoy this great quality of life option. 

## Godspeed Messengers!

Notes for 100% (OoB)

This is not really a guide.
These are my personal notes, maybe they can be helpful for others learning this route.

Feel free to contact me, if you're interested in learning this category.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ljUwQ7zPeqdFLnjDfKp9eYUtKSilkmyq-jhO3ML8kDI/edit?usp=sharing

Trainer Setup/Instructions

#Setup
Download the Trainer from the [Resources](https://www.speedrun.com/The_Messenger/resources).

To use the trainer you need to modify a file of the game.
Go in your installation folder (path for steam):
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\The Messenger\TheMessenger_Data\Managed

Make a backup of the file called "Assembly-CSharp.dll" by renaming it into something else or copy/paste it.
Then paste the trainer file into the folder and rename "Assembly-CSharp_Trainer.dll" to "Assembly-CSharp.dll".
If you want to remove the trainer, just replace the Assembly file by the original one by doing the reverse operation.


#Instructions
The trainer is using the save slot name to enter command lines instructions.
To start an instruction, you need to be in-game and hit the '/' button.
The save slot named "Trainer" will then be replaced by '/' and will allow you to enter various instructions.
You can write the instructions manually or hit the tabulation button to loop through every possible instructions/parameters sorted alphabetically.
If the instruction needs one or more parameters, hit '.' to separate instruction and parameter(s).
To validate an instruction, hit 'Enter' or 'numpadEnter'.

Here is the list of all the possible instructions :
##CamBounds
Disable/Enable the bounds of the camera. (Shown in Debug)

##Collisions
Disable/Enable the collisions of the player. (Shown in Debug)

##DebugBoss
Show the data of bosses. (Shown in Debug)

##DebugPos
Show the position of the player. (Shown in Debug)

##DebugTextColor
Change the color of the debug text.
Takes 1 parameter {Black, Blue, Green, Red, White}

##InfHealth
Discard any damage to the player. (Shown in Debug)

##InfJumps
Allows infinite jumps. (Shown in Debug)

##InfShurikens
Allows infinite shurikens. (Shown in Debug)

##Item
Give/Remove items (don't include shop items).
Parameter 1: Item Name
Parameter 2: Item Quantity (0/1 or any number for TimeShard)

##Reload
Reload the game to the saved checkpoint/position.

##Save
Save the game and make the current position as the new checkpoint.

##SecondQuest
Enable/Disable the secondQuest flag. Used to go in metroidvania levels/rooms without softlock (Small inventory -> false, Big inventory -> true)

##Speed
Modify the speed of the player. (Shown in Debug if different than 1)
Takes 1 parameter: Any number (preset 1-3)

##Tp
Teleport the player to the desired location.
Parameter 1: Level Name
Parameter 2: Checkpoint Index (negative indexes are entrances/exits/portal)
Parameter 3 (optional) : Dimension (8/16 or current dimension if empty)


#Tips
Hit '/' to reset the current command line.
Hit "Tab" to loop through every possible instructions/parameters.
If you know the name of the instruction/parameter you want, you can enter the first letters and hit tab to auto-complete the name.
Character case doesn't matter.
If you are written text in the command line intentionally when playing, remove the initial '/' to ignore any input.


#Examples
Debug position : **/DebugPos**
Set the player speed to 2: **/Speed.2**
Unlock the Wingsuit: **/Item.Wingsuit.1**
Remove the Wingsuit: **/Item.Wingsuit.0**
Change the debug text color to red: **/DebugTextColor.Red**
Teleport to UnderWorld Checkpoint -1 in 16bit: **/Tp.Underworld.-1.16**
Teleport to Autumn Hills Checkpoint 4 in current dimension: **/Tp.AutumnHills.4**

If you have any problem regarding the trainer you can ask for some help in the Discord tech-support channel or ask me directly at @Voxelse.

Updated Any% routes for New Game and New Game+ (No OoB)

NEW GAME:

- Play normally upto Crags.
- Leash the bird to get the Key of Strength early.
- Play the rest of linear normally.
- Enter Glacial portal.
- Play glacial in reverse and free Manfred early by means of leashing or by executing the leashless jump.
- Play through Elemental Skylands. Use the Manfred sections to get a lot of money and get the Key of Symbiosis.
- Play the rest of Glacial in reverse after exiting Skylands and enter Crags.
- Drop down to the Crags portal, open it and leave through the portal.
- Enter Autumn portal, play Autumn in reverse and obtain the Key of Hope through backdoor entry.
- Enter the shop below the Key of Hope backdoor room.
- Buy Path of Resilience and Kusari Jacket (1320 shards total), then enter HQ.
- Enter Grotto portal. Play Grotto in reverse and enter Sunken Shrine through the underwater maze without the seashell.
- Execute backdoor Tabi to obtain the Lightfoot Tabi. If you are not comfortable with backdoor Tabi, you may follow the normal sequence of rooms to get it as well.
- Obtain the Sun and Moon crests and hence obtain the Key of Love.
- Leave Sunken Shrine the way you came, NOT through the portal. Play the rest of Grotto in reverse (in 8-Bit) and enter Bamboo.
- Save Claustro, then play the whole of Bamboo in reverse (in 8-bit) and enter Catacombs.
- Switch to 16-bit immediately and obtain Ruxxtin's Amulet.
- Play Catacombs backwards (in 16-bit) and enter Dark Cave.
- Traverse Dark Cave without the candle and Enter Riviere.
- Play the whole of Riviere normally, defeat the Butterfly Matriarch and obtain the Magic Firefly.
- Jump into the water and die. Enter the shop that you respawn at and enter HQ.
- Enter the Crags portal that you opened previously and enter Underworld, saving Pyro on the way.
- Obtain the Key of Chaos in Underworld and exit through the shop above it. 
- Enter Glacial portal, talk to Ruxxtin's staff and enter Cloud Ruins.
- Play through Cloud Ruins and save Acro.
- Jump into the pit and die. Enter the shop that you respawned at.
- Buy Serendipitous Minds, Prepared Mind and Meditation (1000 shards total), then enter HQ.
NOTE: The Key of Chaos and Acro segments can be interchanged if you like.
- Enter Autumn Portal and play Autumn forwards and enter Forlorn Temple.
- Play through Forlorn Temple, defeat the Demon King and obtain the Demon King's Crown.
- Walk backwards and enter HQ through the shop.
- Enter Corrupted Future, obtain the Key of Courage and execute the Abomination skip.
- Leave Corrupted Future and Enter Music Box.
- GG.

NEW GAME+:

- Select Lightfoot Tabi upon file creation.
- Play normally upto Crags.
- Use windmill to get the Key of Strength early.
- Play the rest of linear normally.
- Enter Autumn portal, play Autumn in reverse and obtain the Key of Hope through backdoor entry.
- Leave the Key of Hope room, play Autumn forwards and enter Forlorn Temple.
- Execute Jeed Jump to get over the gap and play through Forlorn, defeat the Demon King and obtain the Demon King's Crown.
- Walk right and enter Bamboo. Play it in reverse (in 16-bit) and enter Catacombs.
- DON'T pick up Ruxxtin's Amulet. Play Catacombs backwards (in 16-bit) and enter Dark Cave.
- Traverse Dark Cave without the candle and Enter Riviere.
- Play the whole of Riviere normally, defeat the Butterfly Matriarch and obtain the Magic Firefly. Optionally, you may perform Riviere skips*.
- Jump into the water and die. Enter the shop (or portal in case of Riviere skips) that you respawn at and enter HQ.
- Enter Grotto portal. Play Grotto in reverse and enter Sunken Shrine through the underwater maze.
- Obtain the Sun and Moon crests and hence obtain the Key of Love.
- Leave Sunken Shrine through the portal and enter the Glacial portal.
- Play glacial in reverse and free Manfred early using windmill.
- Play through Elemental Skylands and obtain the Key of Symbiosis.
- Play the rest of Glacial in reverse after exiting Skylands and enter Crags.
- Jump down to the Underworld entrance, ignore Pyro and enter Underworld.
- Obtain the Key of Chaos in Underworld and exit through the shop above it. 
- Enter Corrupted Future, obtain the Key of Courage and execute the Abomination skip.
- Leave Corrupted Future and Enter Music Box.
- GG.

*Riviere skips: As an advanced strat, you may open the Riviere portal, enter it and exit it to save at the portal, then skip every single checkpoint in Riviere. Upon defeating the Butterfly Matriarch and dying in the water, you will spawn at the portal and be able to enter the portal and be very close to the Grotto portal, which saves about 8 seconds.

Broedgeman

strizer86

Voxelse

Vascos

Grondious

1k75870l

minous27

SamuraiYudansha

AssasinNarga

Hangry_GD

The Messenger

SortofAlpha

neongreenfruit

No OoB

New Game

No Upgrades

New Game +

100%

New File

AH Start

Bounds

Mode

The timing method used in the submitted run. Currently only either the usual new game, no save method or the AH Start method.

Nombre	Autor
100% OoB Tutorial/Showcase	Broedgeman 6 years ago
Any% no oob route	Vascos 6 years ago
Autosplitter setup / How to remove loads manually	Voxelse 6 years ago
Backdoor Tabi Tutorial	Hangry_GD 3 years ago
Basic Any% No OoB Guide	SamuraiYudansha 5 years ago
Basic Clipping 101	strizer86 6 years ago
Beginner/Intermediate Tutorial for 8-Bit (New game, no OoB)	AssasinNarga 3 years ago
Dark Cave Tutorial	minous27 4 years ago
New Game 8 Bit/Linear Tutorial	SamuraiYudansha 5 years ago
NG+ 8 Bit/Linear Tutorial	SamuraiYudansha 5 years ago
Ninja Village Skip Tutorial [Quality of life option for New Game runs]	Grondious 1 year ago
Notes for 100% (OoB)	Broedgeman 6 years ago
Trainer Setup/Instructions	Voxelse 6 years ago
Updated Any% routes for New Game and New Game+ (No OoB)	AssasinNarga 3 years ago