Rules Contra

## Contra: Rules for Submitting Valid Runs

***These rules apply to all categories for Contra.*** If you have further questions, feel to ask a mod or head to the Discord and ask there. We're happy to assist you and make sure your questions are answered so you don't have an invalid run.
##### **Submission rules**

* Submissions must include a video - "No Vid, No Did"
* Turbo is not allowed.
* The Konami code is not allowed
* Save states may not be used to start a run (for example, to skip a long intro) or loaded at any point during a run. Doing so can unfairly manipulate RNG, knowingly or not.
* If doing runs from a flash cart, include which one is used in submission notes, i.e. Everdrive or Powerpak.
* No ROM hacks or translated ROMs of any kind. Simply the US version.

##### **Timing**

* Timer starts on the frame when your blue life medals appear.
* Timer ends when you lose control after destroying final boss (The Heart). Pro tip: hold up or down after killing the heart. When Bill stands up or pointing his gun horizontally on his own, that's the frame to stop the timer.

##### **Emulator specific rules**

* Include the *emulator* and version used in submission notes.
* *FCEUX, Nestopia, Mesen, and Bizhawk/NEShawk* are acceptable emulators. Most of the others (like Jnes) are banned, being known for their inaccuracy.
* It is preferred that the entire emulator window is captured to help prove the emulator being used.
* It is recommended to use input display, frame counter, and have “No Movie” showing to help prove legitimacy (provided that chosen emulator has such features).
* RAM and memory watch, as well as rewind features, are not allowed, as they provide an unfair advantage that is not possible on console.
* Mapping multiple buttons to one key or remapping buttons during a run is not allowed.
* Submitting a movie file or a recording of a movie file playing not allowed.

### **Category Specific Rules**

* Any%/J/2p
* Low%/J/2P
* High Score
* Pacifist
* M/F/L/R Only
#### Any%/J Version/2P Co-Op

* Anything goes here. You are free to use any weapons you wish and use any exploits or glitches.
* Please use milliseconds only for times below 10 minutes.

**For 2 Player Mode:**

* Two players must be present throughout the duration of the whole run. If one of the players game overs, then he must be immediately brought into back to the game by stealing a life from the other player, otherwise the run is invalid.
* You CANNOT use a Continue in this category (A co-op mode with allowed game overs is on the category extensions board).

**For 2 Player (Continues Allowed) Mode:**

* One of the players can game over and the second can one continue the run.
#### Low%/J Version/2 Player Co-Op

- No powerups are allowed. Base Gun only. Barrier, Rapid, and Mass Destruction are NOT allowed.

- You are free use any exploits or glitches.
#### High Score

- Timer ends when you see the High Score of "6,553,500" on the level screen.

- Same restrictions (or lack thereof) as Any%.
#### Pacifist

- Only bosses and unavoidable barriers are permitted to be destroyed (this includes *NOT* destroying any projectile/barrier during boss fights).

- You are free to use any exploits or glitches.

- You are free to use any powerup(s) you wish ***IF*** you can find a way to get one without destroying it's container.
#### One Weapon Only

- This is a *Weapon Only* category, so a runner must take the *FIRST* possible weapon powerup for the category in level 1 without taking *ANY* powerups prior. You *CANNOT* change to a different base weapon at any point.

- Runner must keep the weapon throughout the duration of entire run. Dying and continuing to run with the base gun makes the run *INVALID*. It's *PASSABLE* to die, thus losing the weapon, and getting it back immediately within around 10 seconds. As well, it's allowed to die *DURING* final boss fight with the heart (Stage 8 Final Boss) and finishing it off with basic gun without the category weapon. Runner must start damaging the heart with the weapon of the category. Dying right before it and doing the whole fight with basic gun without the category weapon makes run *INVALID* as well.

- You are *ALLOWED* to take power ups that don't change base weapon, that is: "B", "R", and Mass Destruction.