Assorted Tips and Tricks (mostly for SA)

Fast Exit

• Instant prompt on exits or any other prompt that require filling a circle. In other words: press the menu button (ESC or F1) to pause, then hold down the interact button (G), then unpause by pressing the menu button again while the interact button is still held down.
• This is mandatory to attain a top level run, so do not ignore to practice this.

Legshot Knockout

• Shooting a NPC in the leg and then knocking them out (KO) before it gets up retains SA, as long as body is not found. Note that guards get up quicker than civilians do.

Cutscene Wait

• Waiting out the cutscene that plays before entering a level can move certain NPCs to more favorable positions. This includes certain targets as well.

Panic Trespass

• Panicking NPCs to remove trespassing through bullet impact, loud gunshots, explosions, etc. This works better on civilians than guards.

Torso Shots

• Shooting at the body of NPCs, usually guards, at a distance alerts nearby guards and sends them to the approximate location of the shot. This in turn can forgive trespassing in other areas.
• Note if you are too close, once the NPC gets up, the player will be compromised.

Fast Throw

• In other words: start crouched >> un-crouch >> throw. Better timing equals faster throw.

Amnesia Trick

• Note that this may not work as in the past. An alternative strategy is to distract or panic the NPC so it won't notice.

Peek-a-boo

• In trespassing areas, NPCs who almost spot will investigate. Use that to knock them out or bypass them.

Fetch Lure

• Works best with coins, but other items such as toy explosives and the explosive phone can work.

Fast Detonate

• In other words: detonate >> subdue button or detonate >> holster. Note this is not the only way to perform instant trigger, as other methods are: detonate >> pick up or equip item, but are slightly slower.

Ledge Drop

• Out of bounds trick: pick up item at ledge you can vault over, vault right away after. It is better to use unstackable legal items. The timing is precise but consistent, so keep trying.
• Keyboard inputs example.

Wall Item Drop

• Drop an item through a wall: aim a gun at a wall, go into inventory, and then drop item through inventory. Typically explosives are dropped to explode later or lure targets elsewhere.

Exit Delay

• For any non-accident kill (including poison kills), you will have to wait at least 2.71828 in game seconds before you can exit for SA runs, otherwise it will be a "noticed kill", and the rating will be lost.
• This does not apply to accident kills, you can exit as soon as you kill the target and keep SA if it was an accident.

(Videos courtesy of Edward E. and Fortheseven)

For more advanced techniques see the external document in the guides.