Hey there, speedrunning enthusiasts and Hello Neighbor fans! Are you ready to dive headfirst into the world of stealth, puzzle-solving, and good old-fashioned neighborly evasion? Well, buckle up, because we're about to explore the thrilling world of Hello Neighbor speedruns, specifically focusing on Acts 1, 2, and 3. This isn't just about playing the game; it's about mastering it, shaving off precious seconds, and optimizing your every move to achieve those lightning-fast completion times. Whether you're a seasoned speedrunner looking to refine your strategies or a curious newcomer eager to learn the ropes, this guide will provide you with the essential knowledge and techniques needed to conquer the speedrunning challenges of Hello Neighbor.

So, what exactly is speedrunning, you ask? In essence, it's the art of completing a game as quickly as possible. Speedrunners meticulously analyze games, identify the most efficient routes, and execute complex maneuvers with pinpoint precision. It's a blend of skill, strategy, and a little bit of luck. The ultimate goal is to beat the clock, pushing the boundaries of what's possible within the game's framework. The Hello Neighbor speedrunning community is vibrant and competitive, constantly striving to find new ways to optimize runs and push the limits of speed.

Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty of each act, let's lay down some fundamental principles that apply across the board. First and foremost, understanding the game's mechanics is crucial. Know how the Neighbor thinks, anticipate his movements, and learn to exploit any weaknesses in his AI. Second, practice makes perfect. Speedrunning requires repetition. Expect to replay sections multiple times until you can execute your chosen strategies flawlessly. Third, route optimization is key. Plan your path in advance, identifying the most direct routes to your objectives and avoiding unnecessary detours. Fourth, resource management is critical. Keep an eye on your inventory, make the most of the items you find, and know when to use them. Finally, stay calm under pressure. Speedruns can be intense, so it's important to keep your cool and avoid making hasty decisions. Okay, with those fundamentals in mind, let's start with Act 1!

Act 1 Speedrun: The Foundation of Speed

Act 1 serves as the tutorial for Hello Neighbor, but don't let its introductory nature fool you. Speedrunning Act 1 still requires skill and precision. The main objective is to sneak into the Neighbor's house, find the key to the basement, and unlock the door. While it may seem simple, several strategies can significantly reduce your completion time. Let's dive into some of the most effective strategies for speedrunning Act 1.

One of the most crucial elements in Act 1 speedruns is mastering the art of efficient movement. This means learning how to navigate the environment quickly while minimizing the risk of detection. Avoid unnecessary walking; instead, utilize running whenever possible. Also, become familiar with the game's stealth mechanics. Crouch to reduce noise and stay hidden from the Neighbor's view. Learn the layout of the environment and identify hiding spots such as closets, bushes, and behind furniture. Know where the Neighbor's patrol routes are and utilize these facts to avoid him.

Another significant element is item management. Act 1 provides limited resources, so use them wisely. The most important items to grab are the key to the front door, the key to the basement, and any items that can help you with stealth or distractions. Know the locations of these items and the most efficient way to acquire them. Instead of getting stuck in a situation where you don't have the key, memorize the best path to get them.

Exploiting the Neighbor's AI is another key to speedrunning. The Neighbor has predictable behaviors and patrol routes. Learn to anticipate his movements and use them to your advantage. For example, if you know he's going to check a certain area, use that opportunity to sneak past him or grab an item. Use distractions like throwing objects or creating noise to draw his attention away from your path.

Additionally, there are some advanced techniques used by experienced speedrunners. For example, some runners utilize the physics engine to glitch through objects or access areas earlier than intended. However, such techniques can be risky and may require a lot of practice to execute consistently. If you're new to speedrunning, it's best to start with the more straightforward strategies mentioned above. As you gain more experience, you can experiment with more advanced techniques. Remember, Act 1 sets the stage for the rest of the game, so mastering it will be a big step in becoming a Hello Neighbor speedrunning expert.

Act 2 Speedrun: Navigating the Neighbor's Labyrinth

Act 2 of Hello Neighbor significantly increases the difficulty, introducing a more complex environment and more challenging puzzles. The goal remains the same – break into the basement – but the path is filled with traps, obstacles, and a constantly vigilant Neighbor. This act requires a more sophisticated approach, combining stealth, puzzle-solving, and efficient route planning. Let's discuss key strategies to conquer Act 2 speedruns.

Efficient Route Planning becomes even more crucial in Act 2. The Neighbor's house has expanded, creating a labyrinth of rooms, hallways, and obstacles. Before you even begin a speedrun, study the layout of the house. Identify the most efficient path to the basement key, considering the Neighbor's patrol routes and the locations of various traps and obstacles. Plan your route in advance, breaking it down into smaller, manageable segments.

Stealth is absolutely critical in Act 2. The Neighbor is more aggressive and has a wider range of detection. Use all available stealth techniques to avoid him. Crouch to move quietly, utilize hiding spots, and time your movements carefully. Learn to predict the Neighbor's movements and use this knowledge to your advantage. For example, if you know he's going to check a certain room, sneak past him while his back is turned. Utilize the environment to create distractions, such as throwing objects to lead him away from your path.

Puzzle-solving is a major component of Act 2. You will encounter several puzzles that require you to find and use specific items. Familiarize yourself with these puzzles and the solutions. Practice solving them quickly and efficiently during your speedrun attempts. Memorize the locations of important items and their uses. Avoid wasting time trying to figure out puzzles during the run. The more puzzles you solve, the faster you will complete this act.

Item Management becomes increasingly important. You'll encounter new items in Act 2, each with its purpose. Know what each item does, where to find it, and when to use it. Be especially mindful of items that can help you with stealth, such as the spray paint that temporarily hides you from the Neighbor. Additionally, learn how to use these items strategically. For example, you can use the glue gun to fix objects that can help you to escape or create a shortcut. Effective item management can save you a ton of time during your run. Finally, consider advanced techniques such as door manipulation or exploiting certain glitches. These techniques can help you to skip certain steps or access areas earlier than intended, resulting in significant time savings. However, these techniques are often difficult to execute and can be risky. Only use them if you've practiced them and are confident in your ability to perform them consistently. Remember, Act 2 demands strategy, skill, and careful planning. By mastering the core principles of route planning, stealth, and puzzle-solving, you'll be well on your way to becoming a Hello Neighbor speedrunning pro!

Act 3 Speedrun: The Final Challenge

Act 3 is the culmination of Hello Neighbor's gameplay, presenting the most complex environment and challenging gameplay. The stakes are higher, the puzzles are more difficult, and the Neighbor's vigilance is at its peak. This act will put all your speedrunning skills to the ultimate test. Let's explore the key strategies for conquering Act 3 speedruns.

Comprehensive Route Planning is the foundation of a successful Act 3 speedrun. The environment has become incredibly complex, with multiple floors, hidden passages, and interconnected areas. Study the layout of the house. Identify the most efficient path to the basement, and consider every obstacle in your way. Divide the run into segments, focusing on one area at a time. This will help you to optimize your strategy and minimize potential errors. Create a written or mental checklist to ensure you don't miss any critical steps or items.

Stealth becomes even more demanding in Act 3. The Neighbor is constantly on the lookout, equipped with new abilities and patrolling an expanded area. Maximize the use of stealth techniques. Crouch, utilize hiding spots, and time your movements carefully. Learn the Neighbor's patrol routes, and anticipate his behavior. Use distractions and throw objects to divert his attention. Watch out for traps and other hazards; learn how to avoid them without slowing down. Practice these techniques until they become second nature.

Mastering the puzzles of Act 3 is essential. The puzzles are complex and require careful observation, item usage, and spatial reasoning. Familiarize yourself with each puzzle. Memorize the solutions and practice them until you can solve them quickly and efficiently. Keep a mental note of where items are located. The better you understand the puzzles, the faster you will be able to complete Act 3.

Resource Management is critical. You will encounter various items that can help you complete Act 3. Know what each item does, how to use it, and where to find it. Make the most of every item, using them to your advantage. Avoid wasting time searching for items. Be resourceful in your use of items, for example, using a particular item to get through a specific trap. Efficient resource management can significantly impact your completion time.

Finally, advanced techniques can play a significant role in an Act 3 speedrun. These may include exploiting glitches or using advanced movement techniques. Be careful when experimenting with these techniques. They can be risky and may require a lot of practice. The more you know about the game, the more you can consider these tactics to your run. Remember, Act 3 is the ultimate test of your skills and knowledge. By mastering route planning, stealth, puzzle-solving, and item management, you can conquer this act and achieve a record-breaking speedrun. Good luck, speedrunners!