Harvest Moon: Back to Nature 98% FAQ

Q: What is the goal of this speedrun?

A: To achieve 98% completion according to the in-game completion meter.

Q: Why not just go for the full 100?

A: Due to a programming oversight, the percentage added to the completion meter for obtaining in-game recipes is miscalculated. That is, while the other objectives account for 90%, and 1% is added for every 8 recipes obtained, there are only 64 recipes to be collected in the game, making for only an additional 8%, not 10%. As such, 98% completion in BtN is the functional equivalent of a 100% category, but as the game's own meter still only reads 98%, that's what I've decided to call it.

Q: What is the world record for this category?

A: Currently none, as I am the only runner who has attempted to route it or run it.

Q: What is your goal time?

A: As a first run, I'd like to see somewhere around 10 hours. However, as time goes on, I believe sub-9 is easily possible, and sub-8 would be preferable. Anything below that is pure speculation.

Q: What counts towards the completion percentage?

A: The breakdown of the completion percentage is as follows:

10% for Power Berries (1% x 10 berries)
10% dog's hearts (1% x 10 hearts)
10% horse's hearts (1% x 10 hearts)
10% house expansions (2% x 5 expansions)
10% chickens owned (1% x 10 chickens)
20% cows/sheep owned (2% x 10 animals)
10% wife's hearts (1% x 10 hearts)
10% baby's hearts (1% x 10 hearts)
8% recipes (1/8% x 64 recipes)
------------------------------------------
= 98%

Q: My copy only counts up to 88%! What gives?

A: Certain copies of the game have an additional programming error that causes the game to fail to count power berries towards the completion meter, resulting in an additional 10% deficit. I am playing on a 98% copy of the game.

Q: Who do you marry?

A: I will be marrying Popuri, as she can be found within the shortest distance of the farm with the most reliability and likes gifts that are readily available.

Q: Why did you skip [festival]?

A: In general I will be skipping every single festival that I can, except where my attendance is required to fulfill some other objective.