(This technically can apply to NG+ as well but is usually redundant in that category.)

Considering that Steam makes starting a new file a hassle, combined with the fact that the PC version is the optimal version to run for full game runs, I've edited the rules so that old saves can be used in NG runs without giving what would otherwise be an unfair advantage to users of old files; as a matter of fact, a full New Game will still be optimal, but as I've said, starting new saves is very inaccessible on PC.

For those familiar with the separation of timing methods in Super Mario Sunshine, the new rule works in a similar manner: in Sunshine, if you use a glitch to skip certain cutscenes, it saves time irl but the time saved is added back so as not to punish players who don’t mind sitting through them, as they’re not normally able to be skipped. Similarly, we will add back a rounded-up time to the run for old save files, which will differ depending on the category. For the new games on every category, this is how much time will be added back:

55 Levels: 3m 8sec 80 Levels: 4m 33sec 105 Levels: 6m 0sec All Levels and All Stars: 8m 42sec

Those starting on a new save will take longer irl, but will be at an advantage to old files, as the time added back for each is assuming that (1) every IL received 3 stars (which is a timeloss of about 3.233 seconds per level), and (2) the time taken to get back on track after getting the new world unlocked notifications is about ten seconds for each notification, which is relatively slow. This is rounded down to fifteen seconds total for 80 Levels (instead of twenty), as transitioning to the new worlds is necessary for this category alone. On that note, it should be known that levels still have to be played in order. 80 Levels is currently the only category where levels can be skipped, as it literally requires it. This will be changed if the need arises.

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns!

Additional information:

All Stars NG runs that use an old save must also add an additional 3.233 seconds to reattempts of any level, so long as the level was completed. This applies to redoes in all categories, but no other category requires a redo (and doing so would only harm a run).

If a consistent and timely manner is found to reset saves on PC, this whole rule may possibly be removed. Runs that abide by it will not be affected if this were to happen, but it would mean no others could be done in this manner from then on. Keep in mind it’s not set in stone either way, so it may stay forever or it may not.

Keep in mind that added time will be added in addition to any time lost from the game notifying you of a new PB in a level. If you want to run NG on an old save, I suggest making your ILs relatively optimal.

I should also clarify that when I say levels need to be played in order, that’s solely for NG. I figured most would know that, but I just wanted to clarify.

All of this said, I’d like to find a way to make an automated timer to make full game runs exclude load times. This is relevant because it’s easier to remove saves on Switch (and presumably other consoles), but it was not particularly well optimized for Switch so the load times are exceedingly long. Doing that would at least ensure that Switch users would be able to do NG on an actually new file without worrying about lost time. I kinda want to learn code and already have an idea of how this sort of thing could work, though I think code exists already that could facilitate this kind of timer.