This guide will be an evolving guide to specific levels, things to optimize runs per level. As new tricks and optimizations arise, they will be added. If you have something to add, please contact me via Discord. My hope is that this guide though originally posted by me is a community written post.

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT CRASHES AND LAG (Read before doing a full speed run) Echoing post by BostonBrew, I too encountered crashes by skipping through the medal section and playing next mission too fast. Don't spam the A button, just methodically advance through each screen at the end of each level. I also encountered a crash on the final level as the missile struck Commander 31's bunker. Not sure if the Star Fox 64 trick of looking away from the explosion can mitigate this issue or if my Xbox at the time needed regular maintenance and just overheated at the absolutely most critical moment of the game, the final few seconds of the speed run. As the campaign goes on and Xbox gets hotter, it is prone to lag in areas with lots of visuals on screen. I only found not doing excessive things on screen to aid in that, outside of hardware maintenance and care. If it's lagging, avoid excessive hot swapping, explosives and spraying 'n praying. These can increase lag. Also spamming hotswap as a level first loads in and becomes playable can cause crash.

ABOUT SPAWNING NECESSARY NPCs & VEHICLES Many phases in levels are triggered by the elimination of a certain enemy, group of enemies or set number of enemies etc. In some set instances, these will happen as a set mechanic. However, in most instances, friendly and enemy spawns are dynamic and if you look at them directly, they will not spawn in. This is a mechanic in the game to encourage immersion. For some instances (such as on Submerged) you must look away from a vehicle spawn for the game to spawn it in. Memorizing instances when to look away from phase trigger spawns is necessary for a fully optimized run.

LEVEL GUIDE Each level will have a list of phases which are required to advance to the end. Any known skippable phases will not be listed. The target time will be a rounded up figure I am placing for IN GAME time (not live splits) to maintain a viable run. These figures are rounded up conveniently from the current WR or a generally acknowledged viable time for the level. On some levels which are prone to have a number of deaths or dynamic vehicle sequences, the target will be a rough estimate with the ~symbol in front of it.

[1 In and Out] TARGET - 1:50

1.1 LEVEL PHASES -Reach the rendezvous point -Eliminate tanks -Advance through the gate -Eliminate all hostiles / secure the area

1.2 OPTIMIZATIONS -Hot swap immediately to the furthest Spec Op unit. This can be done before his parachute is deployed -Advance along the far right end of the road -Hot swap to the engineer on the roof and eliminate tanks. (Still debating if hot swapping between the two engineers on reload is beneficial or not) -As soon as tanks are eliminated, hot swap to tank on the road -Full advance to the gate, blow it up and once in the courtyard switch to the 50 cal (secondary gunner) to eliminate enemies faster than the 120 (main cannon)

1.3 ADDITIONAL NOTES -HELO can easily be dropped by killing the pilot from the tanks 50 cal by targeting the pilot seat. This saves time

[2 Radio Silence] TARGET - 6:50

2.1 LEVEL PHASES -Recon first area on a set timer -Recon second area on a set timer -Recon third area on a set timer -RTB

2.2 OPTIMIZATIONS -Nothing major to note other than good driving and memorizing the map for better drive times -Killing from the mounted 50 cal on the fast mover is advised, although monitor your health. It is more important to keep one fast mover at full health than getting kills

2.3 ADDITIONAL NOTES -On the final phase, a HELO, multiple fast movers and waves of enemies can descend on your location in the final moments. Keeping your fast mover in good health is important in order to RTB with a good time.

[3 Head Shot] TARGET - 3:20

3.1 LEVEL PHASES -Eliminate all targets

3.2 OPTIMIZATIONS (See 3.3)

3.3 ADDITIONAL NOTES -Enemy spawns are waves of 2-4 on top of buildings. In order to proceed to the next wave, all enemies int he current wave must be killed. If stuck, use a GPS to find a target likely not visible to you and a hotswap is necessary -Quick Sniping (Firing, quickly switching to a gadget o pistol, then back to sniper) does not increase RAF but allows for better refocusing of the scope killing making aiming on each subsequent enemy faster -HELO is not a necessary kill

[4 Submerged] TARGET - 2:45

4.1 LEVEL PHASES -Plant Explosive at fist bunker -Plant Explosive at second bunker -Plant Explosive at each of the 3 Submarines

4.2 OPTIMIZATIONS -Immediately drop parachute and redeploy right about ground -B line it into first bunker, elim three enemies quickly and plant explosive -Hot swap to Engineer parachuting, look away and spawn unmanned fast mover near spawning group of enemies. Take it to bunker 2 parking it right in front of the steps. -Fire a rocket at the group of enemies, plant explosives and immediately return to fast mover. -Drive in through main gates, take an immediate right, turn left past the crates and precede to two subs outside. -Drive onto closest sub and plant first explosive -Hotswap to either Engineer near sub 2 or friendly boat. Wait unti Sub 1 explodes, then plant on Sub 2 -Hotswap to friendlies on roof away from two subs and run into the Sub Pen, killing enemies at the door -Jump over fence and swim over to sub 3 -Plant final explosive, death is likely after planting

4.3 ADDITIONAL NOTES -Look away to spawn fast mover between phase 1 and 2 -Standing on one of the remaining subs while another one explodes can case level to bug making it impossible to plant another explosive. Being on the walk way, in the sea or boat next to the next sub has shown to work -Stand still and look at the explosive node while planting, panning pov or excessive movement can cancel interaction

[5 Metal Island] TARGET ~ 7:45

5.1 LEVEL PHASES -Defend Rig -Defend Island -Defend Rig again -Defend both -Defend from counter attack

5.2 OPTIMIZATIONS -Using the assault class, wipe out as many enemies parachuting as possible. Some drop right below where you spawn in, anticipate this. -Once cleared, hotswap to the assault on the light house and eliminate targets on the island from there -Hotsawp back to the rig and eliminate all targets there. From this point it is possible to remain on the rig in the area where you originally spawned in if you're careful -GTAM each HELO that spawns in quickly an if you have damage and rapid fire percs up, destroy the enemy boats with the assault rifle. The final phase ends after the final HELO is destroyed

5.3 ADDITIONAL NOTES -You will die on this level. The key is reducing that amount either by hotswapping or digging into a good position when on the rig. Check the skies above you regularly as enemies are likely to parachute in on the rig directly above you and slaughter you quickly -If your troops on the rig are all eliminated in phase 1 or 3, it is not a mission failure. Eliminate the targets on the rig from the island using the assault rifle. Occasionally look away to trigger friendly reinforcements spawning over the rig.

[6 Heavy Tonnage] TARGET ~ 3:00

6.1 LEVEL PHASES -Destroy the 4 boats -Fly over the cargo ship -Set the two charges -Destroy the two cargo bay

6.2 OPTIMIZATIONS -Lift off and hotswap to friendly HELO. From this position, the first two boats can be quickly eliminated. Eliminate the final two boats in order of the right one first (near the light house) and the final one usually ends up near the cargo ship if done correctly -Once over head of the cargo bays, jump and parachute out on to the first node placing a charge. Clear a few enemies to the second charge. -Start damaging the first cargo bay while friendly HELO comes in hotswap range from the lighthouse area. Hotswap to it to quickly destroy the cargo

6.3 ADDITIONAL NOTES -Though it doesn't fully follow the mission briefing, the elimination of the 4 boats is mandatory to get to phase 2

[7 Air Traffic Control] TARGET ~ 3:30 (There are multiple dynamic spawns which don't always proceed immediately. I suggest practicing this level a few times to understand the phases before doing a full speed run. At the time writing this, it is generally assumed that the phases are NOT based on killing a set number of enemies, but rather the order in which you eliminate the vehicles.

7.1 LEVEL PHASES -Eliminate 6 fast movers -2 Spawn in front gate (where you enter) -2 Spawn in side gate behind the control tower -2 Spawn in forest from Rolling Thunder -Eliminate the HELOs which were spawned in from the start (only one if you take one at the beginning) -Eliminate 3 HELOs -Eliminate 3 Tanks

7.2 OPTIMIZATIONS -Hotswap to the fast mover at your 5 o'clock, drive into the base and take the HELO on the furthest helipad -Quickly eliminate each group of fast movers BEFORE eliminating the enemy HELO. -Destroy the HELO either with yours if you're a skilled pilot, if not, down it with a 50 cal on a tank -Destroy the 3 HELOs that spawn in. It is a fresh campaign so you don't have laser guided. Same as above, if you're a skilled pilot, fly over side gate and elim the 2 there, then RTB for the 3rd HELO. If not, hotswap to 50 cal and elim from base. -Destroy the 3 tanks with the same flight path (HELO is definitely advised for this) 2 past the side gate, 1 in the forest)

7.3 ADDITIONAL NOTES -Destroying enemy HELO in phase 1 (fast mover phase) can cause phase two to not advance properly. Kill the 6 fast movers before dropping the HELO -If one of the phases do not advance properly, hotswap to some one out of the base then hotswap in. It is also possible that you are looking at a spawn point for a dynamic enemy spawn. Look and watch the tac map to see if an enemy spawned in. -Flying to the Spawn area of the 2 HELOs (side gate direction) too early can cause one of them to not lift off. The HELO is well out of bounds and will become a tricky kill. Wait until both are in the air and advancing before engaging.

[8 Catching Flak] TARGET - 3:45

8.1 LEVEL PHASES (Can be completed in any order. This my suggested path.) -Recon Village -Recon Valley -Recon Refinery -Recon Mid Ground -Clear enemy forces at HQ -Land

8.2 OPTIMIZATIONS -Quickly exit, look away, then at 0:03 look up and right to hotswap to minibird. Fly it to Village -Make one pass to clear some enemies and hotswap to Recon HELO. Recon Valley -Quickly egress into valley dodging mounted rockets. -Quickly egress towards Mid Ground and hotswap to minibird that spawns in over it (look away) -Approach Refinery low and fast, looking away and overflying the two tanks that spawn in. Eliminate them and the majority of ground troops. -Hotswap back and recon refinery. Hotswap to minibird closest to Mid Ground. Clear all enemies (if Recon HELO has plenty of health, skip the fast movers) Recon it. -Flying the Recon HELO back to base, once enemies spawn, then hot swap to minibird. Eliminate all enemies which will take 2 or 3 passes as there are multiple waves. -Once they stop spawning in, hotswap to Recon HELO and land safely

8.3 ADDITIONAL NOTES

-Village enemies are dynamic spawns including the HELO overhead. Flying a minibird over village then Hotswapping to Recon HELO despawns enemy HELO
-If you are stationary in the Valley, you will get killed by mounted rockets. Vary your altitude to easily dodge but stay below the ceiling of the recon zone, about the height of the valley
-Refinery recon zone is very small, don't vary altitude or direction too much or it will abort
-Clear all waves of enemies at home base before landing or mission will not complete. Enemy waves are finite.

[9 Rolling Thunder] TARGET ~ 7:00

9.1 LEVEL PHASES

9.2 OPTIMIZATIONS

9.3 ADDITIONAL NOTES

[10 Burning Bridges] TARGET ~2:45

10.1 LEVEL PHASES

10.2 OPTIMIZATIONS

10.3 ADDITIONAL NOTES

[11 Beach Party] TARGET ~ 1:00

11.1 LEVEL PHASES -Land -Eliminate 2 tanks

11.2 OPTIMIZATIONS

11.3 ADDITIONAL NOTES

[12 Big Bang] TARGET 4:00 (Can be completed in any order. This is the suggested path.)

12.1 LEVEL PHASES -Reach Refinery -Plant each explosive (any order) -Reach safety

12.2 OPTIMIZATIONS -Hotswap to tank at 11oclock -Drive to the right of the road avoiding the fence. Kill the tank on the Bridge (this can be skipped but is advised as it can kill you while planting explosve on node nearest the bridge) -Plant 1st explosive on furthest right node, reaching it by driving tank between large drums -Climb the large structure to your 12oclock as you plant the 1st explosive, elim the three enemies to your right as you climb. -Hotswap to friendly if alive below you and plant the 3rd explosive atop the oil drum with a ramp -Hotswap to friendly behind and below you (usually and enginer) Climb the Ramp -Hotswap to friendly tank and drive it near the bridge you entered through. Plant 5th explosive nearest the bridge -Plant 6th explosive on final node near the broken fence, along the same fence line - Jump off and walk through the broken fence. Elim as you exit as necessary

12.3 ADDITIONAL NOTES -There are multiple orders that work for speed run, the most important thing is to end on the -IMPORTANT Hotswapping to spec op in the objective area after planting the 6th explosive is known to crashing the game

[13 Hotel Alpha] TARGET 4:00 (Can be completed in any order. This is the suggested path.)

13.1 LEVEL PHASES -Recon all four sites -Recon the secondary site -RTB

13.2 OPTIMIZATIONS -Recon the villages in a counter clockwise motion -On the second recon site, over pass it slightly and take the walkway over the ledge (the one you go up in Top Man) Drop down, recon the site and C4 yourself to spawn in again with a fast mover to get the 3rd site

13.3 ADDITIONAL NOTES -This is a simple peddle to the medal recon mission, you can complete with no kills, just keep your fast mover alive or be prepared to hotswap/respawn in one with a better position than you if you die

[14 Top Man] TARGET ~4:30

14.1 LEVEL PHASES

14.2 OPTIMIZATIONS

14.3 ADDITIONAL NOTES

[15 DMZ] TARGET ~7:00 (Can be completed in any order. This is the suggested path.)

15.1 LEVEL PHASES -Clear the Village with enemy helicopters (in game split target 2:30) -Clear village with the snipers (in game split target 5:20) -Clear the final village

15.2 OPTIMIZATIONS -The first village you should clear is the village with the helicopters. Kill them with the GTAMs or if you can kill faster, snipe the pilots. This is not suggested for optimized run. -Kill the fast movers with the mounted 50 cal, NOT laser guided missiles as they take too long.
-Hotswap to friendly fastmover and go to the second village, the one on the right. -Hotswap between the two snipers on the skinny towers, occasionally the third sniper will have a necessary shot. Some enemies won't spawn until you hotswap, it is necessary. -Once the second phase of the village happens, switch to an assault, take cover behind where they spawn and kill the set number of enemies to trigger the final phase -Hotswap to the fast mover and head to the final village. Take the second right through the canyon which will temporarily take you out of bounds and straight to the final objective point saving several minutes of clearing. -Get on top of the arch bridge and clear the set number of enemies, remembering to frequently look away from spawn areas to ensure waves spawn in correctly

15.3 ADDITIONAL NOTES -See the TW33N SW4G's Level Leaderboard run if you have a hard time finding the right turn to get to the final village

[16 End of the Line] TARGET - 7:10

16.1 LEVEL PHASES -Survive for the duration of the timer -Eliminate the train

16.2 OPTIMIZATIONS -Ammo management, not dying and keeping your percs are the only thing to pay attention to -As the timer expires, there will still be some enemies remaining. Kill one every few seconds to maintain your percs and multiplyer -Hotswap once the friendlies on the tracks become available and get on teh furthest mounted 50 cal

16.3 ADDITIONAL NOTES -With the right timing of killing a remaining enemy and hotswapping, you an down the train with the Rapid Fire perc which helps eliminate time -This level is hard to lose time on. Just stay alive, and kill during first phase and elim the train from teh far gun nest

[17 End Game CHINA] TARGET ~ 5:00 (NATO path presents likelihood of more deaths)

17.1 LEVEL PHASES

17.2 OPTIMIZATIONS

17.3 ADDITIONAL NOTES

[18 Flying the Flag CHINA] TARGET ~ 5:45

18.1 LEVEL PHASES

18.2 OPTIMIZATIONS

18.3 ADDITIONAL NOTES -IMPORTANT This level is laggy, prone to glitching and crashing. Do everything you can to mitigate this such as not excessive hot swapping inside the silos -Crash reports: Engaging enemy tank with tank between silo and bunker. Mitigate by skipping this fight; get to the bunker. // laser guided missile hitting Commander 31's bunker. Not sure how to mitigate this. Possible cause was multiple HELOs on screen inbound to the sniper squad as missile hit. Wait until they pass and look away from the explosion.