In this guide, I'll try to go over the strategies, techniques, and general knowledge for getting into the Any% category and improving your time. In other words, it's a guide. This guide will mostly be based around my knowledge of the console (Xbox/PS3) versions as I have more experience with them, but if anything is different between a version, I'll bring it up (Also, I know next to zero about PSP, may as well mention that here). Anyway, let's start off with a couple basic questions.
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- How do I play this category?
In theory, this one is easy. Just make a new save file or profile, right? Well, usually that's the case. However, there's Master Unlock DLC on consoles that gives you every car when you start a new file. Keeping the Master Unlock DLC/any other DLC works fine for the Any% NG+ category (which I'll go over some other time), but for a fresh save with only the Brawler, 455 GT, and Tornado available, you need to clear them. Here's how:
- Xbox (General): When the game is loading up, press B on one of the splash screens. It should skip checking from DLC and you'll have no DLC content. However, if you want your save file to be completely pure, there's a different option depending on your console. -- Xbox 360: Go to "Storage" on the home menu, then to your games, then Split/Second. Either move your DLC to a flash drive and remove it, or delete it. You can redownload it from the store if/when you need to. Then delete your save file. -- Xbox One: Press the Home button, then navigate down to Split/Second. Press the Start button (the one with 3 lines), and select downloadable content, something with a similar name at least. Once you're there, delete your DLC. Enter the game, then press both Start and Select (the two middle buttons that aren't Home) to bring up the Xbox 360 game menu. Go to "Storage", and delete your save file.
- PS3: This one is a lot trickier. You need to delete your game data entirely to remove your DLC. Bring up the home menu, scroll up under "Game" to "Game Data Utility", press the triangle button, and delete. Load up the game once it is complete, then reinstall. It takes a little while
- PC: Just make a new profile. It's that simple!
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- Are there differences between versions?
Yes. Okay, I should actually explain. There are noticeable differences in load times between versions, with PC being the fastest, Xbox One being second fastest (unsure about 360, though I'd say a bit slower), and PS3 being the slowest. A couple shortcuts do not work/work the same on PC however, such as the Ferry Wharf glitch used multiple times in the WR run. The PC version seems to require a different jump that I haven't been able to make work. The Airplane Graveyard glitch is only possible in a couple cars, only one of which is used in the run. Not only does it not work on PC or the Japanese PS3 release, it's brutally tough to do. So don't fret if you can't do it. I'll list out meaningful differences between versions here:
-PC (v1.0) +Faster loading times -Ferry Wharf glitch is more difficult if not impossible in slower cars. -Airplane Graveyard shortcut does not work at all. -The credit counting animation at the end of events takes a few seconds longer than on console. -Arrows above Air Strike missiles do not appear, making the events more difficult. The points system also punishes you for being too slow.
-PS3 (US/EU - v1.04, JP - v1.02) +Larger veteran community of players. -Worst loading times -More annoying to set up for Any% runs if you have DLC content. -Airplane Graveyard glitch does not seem to work on JP. -Master Unlock doesn't exist on JP. Not sure if that's a plus or minus, but good to be aware of.
-Xbox One (v1.05) +Second best loading times, though still blown away by PC. +Simple to delete/reinstall DLC. -Bit expensive, wouldn't you say
ANY%
Note: Episodes and events aren't exactly linear in order, so you can bounce around throughout an episode and even switch up the order of a couple of them. The order listed here is the order the WR uses, with the "default" (faster because no scrolling) episode choices and optimized event choices. So, take the event order as a framework you can adjust if something is more comfortable to you.
RIGGED TO BLOW - EPISODE 1 Goal: 20 wrecks
- Construction Site Elimination
- Downtown Central Eliminator Car choice: Ryback Brawler
These two events are very similar. Focus on getting wrecks here, as Elimination events are 3 free minutes to wreck AI opponents to unlock the bonus events, something you'll need to do for the best possible time. You'll need 20, so try to get at least 10 in each. If you get the bonus event unlocked here, you won't have to spend any time in Race trying to wreck AI, and just drive all-out. Remember: losing an event costs you over 3 minutes. Staying safe is more important than being risky to trying to get one more wreck, and that becomes exponentially more important the farther you get into the run.
How to drive the car: The Brawler needs to be drifted in sharp turns to fill up your power play meter, but loses speed if you drift at a slower speed. Drafting is very important for gaining meter in early-game cars, try to effectively use drafts and drifts as much as possible.
- Airport Terminal Race Car choice: Cobretti Iridium
Congrats, you've unlocked your first new car! The Iridium is the first car with its own special tech, and you'll rely on it for a little while. The car is head and shoulders over the next couple vehicles you'll unlock, so learning this car can save a good amount of time.
This is the first car in the game that has a burnout (also known as fast start). When the black bars move away and you gain control over your car, tap the gas and steer in a direction for a brief moment. Once the car's tires start to leave black marks on the road, repeat the process, tapping gas again and steering the opposite direction of your first steering input. This is how most cars perform a fast start, with some minor differences.
However, the Iridium is faster if you're doing that fast start often. When you aren't in a corner, do the same gas tap and lightly steer in a direction. The car should enter that state again, and you'll have a small speed boost. Repeat this as much as possible, adding in more of them as you feel confident. You'll want to drift in sharper corners as well, as you want to switch all 3 route changers on Airport Terminal.
- Airport Terminal Detonator (20 wrecks) Car choice: Hanzo GT
It's now time for your first bonus event and Detonator! In Detonator, your car choice is set in stone, and the world is blowing up around you. This car comes up a LOT later on, so get used to how it drives. It LOVES to drift in sharp corners, gaining a ton of speed in them. However, it becomes tricky to drive when drifting at narrower angles, so try to drift only in sharp corner, those being the first hairpin and the s turns near the finish. This car is tough to learn, but a beast in the middle of the game, so it's good to learn how it drives.
-Construction Site Elite Car choice: Cobretti Iridium
Here's your first Elite race. You've unlocked the Indus, but it's slower than the Iridium. The AI are tougher now, and throw more power plays. With the Iridium, the Elites aren't too hard to deal with, although they do rubberband a bit. Try to blow up the construction building around 25 seconds in 3 times, a shortcut opens up on the right once you do. It saves a few seconds, so try to get it set off if you can, whether by firing it yourself or the AI using it on you. You can see it in use at this timestamp:
SPLASHDOWN - EPISODE 2
Ferry Wharf Race Car choice: Cobretti Iridium
Here's the first track with a glitch shortcut on it. Build up a full meter on lap 1 to switch routes before the finish line, and use the aircraft carrier route change lap 2 (or 3). This is where the shortcut is. Slow down before you jump off the carrier (I use a square marking on the flight deck as a cue to slow down), then turn left and jump into the ocean but try to land behind the crane, while staying close as possible to the ship. There's an invisible wall here that can ruin the shortcut, so try to stay close and land behind the crane, that's why I recommend doing it lap 2, so you have a full lap to catch up. Going into the ocean directly means you miss the respawn point. You should land on some out of bounds ground. Keep driving away from the track into the water, and you'll respawn before the finish. Do it too slowly and the respawn point will change, so time is still somewhat of the essence. Here's the shortcut in action: It does not work on lap 3 if you shoot it lap 2, as you'll be going through the carrier, keep that in mind.
Airport Terminal Air Strike Car choice: Hanzo Indus V8R (recommended), Cobretti Iridium, Ryback Mohawk
Air Strike is a new mode to play, and a brutal one. Crashing to one of the missiles will cost you a lot of time, as your score multiplier will reset. Above all, focus on surviving and dodging missiles. Dying once costs a bunch of time, so stay alive.
[Advanced strategy - You can slow down a bit and try to manipulate where the missile waves will end, to make the most of each one. However, the missiles will get closer to you as you do this, making waves substantially tougher. Only try it if a few seconds of time save are absolutely necessary, and I don't think it works on PC as the scoring system is different and punishes this kind of behavior.]
Ferry Wharf Elimination Car choice: Whatever car you picked in Air Strike
This event is simple, just drive for 3 minutes and beat the AI. Use the shortcut if you're desperate, but otherwise there's nothing special to report.
Airport Terminal Elite Car choice: Cobretti Iridium
This event is surprisingly tough for early-game. Top speed preservation is crucial here, so use the Iridium's high speed burnouts to your advantage. It's at least 10 seconds faster than any other car you've unlocked so far, when driven well.
BIG RIG BOOM - EPISODE 3
Port Bridge Race Car choice: Cobretti Iridium
Port Bridge is a wide open track like Terminal, and the AI like to rubberband here. Yet again, rely on the Iridium's high speed burnouts to stay ahead. All shortcuts and route changers here are faster here, so keep that in mind and use it to your advantage. Try to close shortcut doors on opponents if you can.
Storm Drain Speedway Survival Car choice: Cobretti GT RS
Yet another game mode! This time, trucks are trying to drop barrels into your path. Blue barrels are simple shockwaves, red barrels kill you. Sounds tough, right? Well, yes. But there's a useful pattern to keep in mind. Barrels always get thrown from right to left across the track, blue barrels first, followed by red barrels tracing the same path. While there's a bit of RNG (luck) to it, above all is having quick reflexes, which the Cobretti GT RS excels at. It has the best grip of any car, and Air Strike events at WR level (in IL form) use it. SDS is open too, so this event shouldn't be too hard, just try to stay alive and keep your multiplier high!
Airplane Graveyard Detonator Car choice: Ryback Thunder
Ah yes, an event people seem to loathe. This truck seems difficult to drive and not unlike a yacht in handling, but it's got a trick up its sleeve. Not only does it have a fast start, but in almost any turn, tap gas to get the back end out slightly, and keep tapping gas to keep the drift as narrow as you can. Double tapping gas will make the Thunder make a noticeably different engine sound, that means you've done it correctly. This technique is called pump drifting and it will come up later in the run and in IL runs. Here's the technique in action in the WR:
Ferry Wharf Elite Car choice: Cobretti GT RS, Cobretti Iridium
The Iridium is finally starting to get outclassed by the GT RS. In this event, either car is fine, but as the GT RS was last used, it's slightly faster to pick it. Remember the shortcut!
SUNSET FIRE - EPISODE 4
Dry Docks Elimination Car choice: Cobretti Nero GT400
You just unlocked a new car! This car doesn't like being drifted at full power, try to repeat the pump drifting you did with the Ryback Thunder. All routes here are faster (with an exception later on), so try to keep your meter full!
Port Bridge Detonator Car choice: Ryback Coyote
Another car that comes up a lot in runs is the Coyote. Port Bridge is a terrible track to highlight its strengths, but think of it as similar to the Hanzo GT but with a slightly weaker drift boost. Drift the last turn and you'll see what I mean. Anyway, to avoid wasting time when resetting, when the crane swings around, release gas for a brief moment to dodge it.
Ferry Wharf Race Car choice: Cobretti Nero GT400
The Nero is 2 seconds faster than any other car you have on this event. Just do the glitch again, everything is the same, just a different car.
Port Bridge Elite Car choice: Cobretti Vortex
Another new car, jeez. Don't worry, this one is pretty simple. Just do your best to drive it straight, it's a grip car. Avoid drifting unless you need power and rely on your high speed. It's likely best to skip switching the route here as drifting to get it wastes a lot of time.
HIT THE SKIDS - EPISODE 5
Expressway Race Car choice: Cobretti Vortex
Just try to keep the car out of trouble, for example, don't go through the gas station unless you KNOW the AI are nowhere to be seen (around 5 sec ahead), or you're desperate for time. The route change is faster.
Downtown Circuit Survival Car choice: Cobretti Vortex
Good thing the fastest car you have is a grip car, huh? Stay cautious, this map is tricky. Release gas in the hairpin to make sure you don't get yourself in trouble.
Airplane Graveyard Air Strike Car choice: Cobretti Vortex
This is quite the narrow track for Air Strike, best I can say is stay out of trouble and don't die.
Downtown Central Elite Car choice: Hanzo GT
Remember what you learned back in the Airport Terminal detonator? It comes in handy here, as you'll be driving this car for a while. For most races coming up, the goal is to be aggressive and try to break away from the AI as soon as possible. This car can go brutally quick when drifting, but it needs to be left alone to do so. Break away and once you do, go all out (while not dying of course!) The route changer here is slower by a few seconds. Release gas in the tight s turn near the finish (you know the one).
MIDWAY PASS - EPISODE 6
Power Plant Race Car choice: Hanzo GT
Yet again, just try to run. This track is a paradise for the GT, with lots of hairpin turns to power through. Try not to fire the cooling towers, going under them is faster!
Port Bridge Air Revenge Car choice: Hanzo GT
Here it is, the last game mode to master. In this mode, you need to dodge missiles while building up your meter, firing back at the chopper. Try to make long drifts whenever you can to build up faster, and only fire the Level 2 shots. You get a lot of meter for having clean waves, so if you aren't comfortable drifting a lot, just try to stay safe in straighter sections of the track.
Construction Site Race Car choice: Hanzo GT
Not much to say here. Just try to break away, use the shortcut if it opens. Try to get the taxis near the end fired if you can, the turn is much easier if they are. Unless you're an expert in the car and can stick close to the taxis when they haven't been fired, just drive straight through here.
Warehouse Strip Survival Car choice: Hanzo Bayonet R
A typical grip car. On the last turn, stick to the inside line, the left side is a death trap of barrels.
Dry Docks Elite Car choice: Hanzo GT
Just go fast.
THRESHOLD BREAK - EPISODE 7
Storm Drain Race Car choice: Hanzo GT
Downtown Central Air Revenge Car choice: Hanzo GT
This one is tough, but the track opens up later on. Just stay safe unless you need to go fast, wrecking resets your meter!
Airplane Graveyard Race Car choice: Hanzo GT
Heaven for the GT. The GT can do a shortcut here, albeit very difficult to do at all, not to mention in a run. example:
Construction Site Detonator Car choice: Cobretti Pursuit
Try to only drift this car in sharp turns. Its fast but very finicky, keep it off the walls at all costs. The shortcut opens up, don't forget to take it!
Expressway Elite Car choice: Hanzo GT
Be careful at the gas station.
CLEANING UP - EPISODE 8 Goal: 30 wrecks
Port Bridge Elimination Car choice: Hanzo GT
Now this is where the run gets tricky. We need to get wrecks again, and we have 3 minutes of time to do it. Get as many as you dare.
Storm Drain Race Car choice: Hanzo GT
Power Plant Race Car choice: Hanzo GT
These two events share a similar principle: get to 30 wrecks as soon as you can. Keep a mental note of how many you have, then once you hit that number, gun it. [Advanced strategy - If you have around 25 or so going into Power Plant, you can try to build up a full meter and shoot the warehouse lap 1. It saves a lot of time to wreck them all in one go and drive full speed the rest of the race.]
Airport Terminal Air Revenge Car choice: Hanzo GT
Storm Drain Detonator Car choice: Cobretti 530 GTS
This is a pure grip car. Keep control and don't die: dying once is a reset. Wall hits are okay but don't do it too hard, of course.
Power Plant Elite Car choice: Ryback Coyote
We finally switch cars for good here. Remember the advice I gave on Port Bridge detonator, and drift in sharper corners. It's a less chaotic GT that can recover easier. Note: if you were short on wrecks, you can collect the ones you missed here, then go back. It costs a few seconds but its better than repeating an event, for sure.
SCORCHED RUBBER - EPISODE 9
Dry Docks Race Car choice: Ryback Coyote
Try to break free as fast as you can.
Storm Drain Air Revenge Car choice: Ryback Coyote
Fill your meter quickly. If you don't beat the helicopter before the end of the sewer section, you'll waste a bit of time with the jump and straightaway. Not a big deal though.
Expressway Race Car choice: Ryback Coyote
Warehouse Strip Survival Car choice: Cobretti Slipstream
The new best grip car. Try not to die, as always.
Airplane Graveyard Elite Car choice: Ryback Coyote
The Hanzo GT is technically faster here, but the AI will shoot at you too much for it to be better.
BONEYARD RUSH - EPISODE 10
Canyon Race Car choice: Ryback Coyote
Try to shoot the dam early and kill the entire field of AI, it makes the rest of the race a breeze.
Power Plant Elimination Car choice: Ryback Coyote
Desert Run Survival Car choice: Cobretti Slipstream
Downtown Central Detonator Car choice: Hanzo FX350
This car is probably the trickiest in the game to learn from scratch. It's a psychotic little beast at high level, but the most important thing right now is to keep the car under control. Pump drift in the turns and stay out of trouble.
Storm Drain Elite Car choice: Ryback Coyote
ONE LAST PUSH - EPISODE 11 Goal: 30 wrecks
Storm Drain Elimination Car choice: Ryback Coyote
Airplane Graveyard Elimination Car choice: Ryback Coyote
Get as many wrecks as you can here. Graveyard is a great track to get wrecks on, with many killing power plays.
Airport Terminal Race Car choice: Elite Goliath (advanced), Cobretti Pursuit, Ryback Coyote (recommended)
The big Goliath truck is fastest here, however, you won't be getting any wrecks in this thing, you have to go flat-out for it to be worth it. If you need wrecks or aren't comfortable with getting meter in a high speed truck, stick with the Coyote or Pursuit.
Downtown Circuit Survival Car choice: Cobretti 530 GTS
Desert Run Survival Car choice: Cobretti 530 GTS
Survival again. Just stay alive.
Canyon Elite Car choice: Cobretti Pursuit, Ryback Coyote
Either car works. The Pursuit is a few seconds faster, but suboptimal driving easily puts the Coyote on top. Use whatever car you feel more comfortable with, this applies for the next couple race/elimination events.
OUT WITH A BANG - EPISODE 12
Expressway Eliminator Car choice: Cobretti Pursuit, Ryback Coyote
Canyon Race Car choice: Cobretti Pursuit, Ryback Coyote
Same as the Canyon Elite race.
Storm Drain Speedway Survival Car choice: Cobretti 530 GTS
Canyon Detonator Car choice: Ryback Firestorm
It's hard to summarize the Firestorm in a simple paragraph, but try to drift the car as much as you can, keeping the angle of your drift as narrow as you can. There's a shortcut here where you can clip through the falling dam, do one long drift when the dam falls and you should be able to get there in time. When you exit the glitchy area, stay far to the left, almost off of the dam. You have a 2-car width area to work with, be precise. It saves 4 seconds, but if you fail, it's not a big deal. Example:
Downtown Central Elite Car choice: Ryback Cyclone RS
Time to end the run on the event lamented by most players. This race is 3 laps, unique for a race to change length. The AI are pretty tough but stay safe and don't drift. The Cyclone is not a drift car, keep it tightly stuck to the road. Don't switch the route and don't die and you should be home safe. Run complete.
Thank you for reading my guide. I know I missed a lot of minor details, but this should cover most of what you need to know. I'd like to thank Lucky77 for his critical work in routing the game, which I used with only minor adjustments. You can see his original document here, along with the requirements for unlocking each Elite race and car. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k2h9QkKIkJA6klfj_pmPFYHckep7jxeN49TBEXnHOCE/edit?usp=sharing
