recently started playing, and was curious about an any%, E4, round 1, whatever you want to call it run. (2.4.3) As for my questions: 1. when does timing start? 2. do you need 8 or 16 badges? 3. is there anything else to be aware of?

Start from New Game.

Run ends upon closing the last textbox of the Mt. Silver Challenger after defeating them.

From the Any% rules.

do the credits not roll after beating the E4?

Defeating "Red" is the traditional end point for Gen 2 Any%, and has been the case since the board was created.

fair enough. gonna spend some time routing, then get some attempts in. TY.