I'm going to try this run out, and I don't know if I need RTA or in-game time. Also, is it after Chapter 8 or after the Epilogue?

A RTA is preferred due to the ig-timer only showing the tItalian time in the save. The final split ends when you manage to solve the last miracle (all mysteries have a "solved" icon). Or as soon as the credits start playing.

Well, the only problem I have with stopping the timer on credits/all mysteries solved is that there is literally no real gameplay after chapter 8, only mashing and cutscenes. I've been stopping the timer when the epilogue starts. (And I have now gotten the time there sub 3hrs yay)

Totally understand that, I think stopping the timer when solving the final puzzle would be a good way to end too, since it's the last piece of actual game play.

Seeing as you would be the first person to post a run, it pretty much is up to you, when you start and end timing. As it is different from game to game in the series and more important, that the runners have the same start and end point, so that it is possible to compare the times.

I've been timing my runs until the OK on the last mystery, ie before the cutscene that can't be skipped, since movement and mashing is important in this sort of game (where there are very few actual skips). Just my thoughts, but I'll try and record my runs in the future, maybe stream as well. Also, what are people's PB's? I've homebrewed my route and get sub 3:40 regularly, and I can't really find anywhere to cut time to get sub 3 like tyan did.

Another thing, should there be a distinction in category between getting all puzzles in a game, getting all puzzles and side quests, and getting all puzzles, side quests and hint coins?