Individual Level (IL) runs in UnMetal are quite interesting and aren't typical of ILs in other games of the series. Due to the way the game is presented in stages, and that equipment and XP can be gained and carried over into future stages, optimal times for ILs can't come during full game runs and instead come from specific IL runs. That isn't to say IL submissions can't come from full runs, this is permitted, but a well-optimized stand-alone IL will always beat one from a full run.

This page will list the considered setup requirements for each stage as well as differences in the run that would differ from a normal Any% run. Whilst every stage is unique, there are four basic setup principles that apply to each:

• Optimal ammo/equipment count
  This may not need to be the maximum ammo count, just a good enough amount. In Stage 3-10 this will often include using Molotovs crafted in Stage 2. Molotovs do the same amount of damage as grenades but are obtained earlier, throw faster and don't count towards your grenade ammo count.
  
• Optimal level upgrades
  Levelling up as much as possible to get more upgrades, but also any level that doesn't use the pistol may favour Die Hard over Lethal Weapon at Level 6.
  
• Optimal XP
  Being the highest level possible, but at an XP level that won't cause you to level up, as levelling up will lose you about five seconds.
  
• Having every secret
  Grabbing every secret from every prior stage will obviously give Jesse better stats.

This does therefore mean that proper setup will require playing through all previous stages almost perfectly to be properly prepared. Having one of the three save slots dedicated to IL running is probably wise if you're looking to put in a serious effort to IL running, as full run saves will overwrite stages you've previously optimised. Preparing hotkeys ahead of time will also save you time.

Setup

• None

Run

• Ignore the first three guards and save scum as normal after grabbing the bandages.
• As long as it won't cause an Alert, most other guards can be ignored, unless they have an item you need (Radios, Eyepatch, Stick).
• Don't take out the guard next to Grenade Guy's room straight away. Deal with the two joking guards first and the other guard will come to you upon hearing the gunfire. You will need to dodge his gunfire as you break the two boxes.
• Don't take damage or pick up any Medkits, as both will trigger dialogue to skip.
• Minimise XP gains so you don't level up after beating Grenade Guy.

Setup

• Don't Perfect Stage 1, get enough XP so that you hit Level 2 from beating Grenade Guy (you can't hit Level 3 just from Stage 1). Having too much more XP will mean you level up after beating Sg. Rosco or Sewerjunk.
• Grab the Stage 1 secret.
• Have some Depleted Uranium Balls in case you need them for Sewerjunk after the Flamethrower breaks (though ideally, you'll get the Flamewthrower skip).
• Take damage and pick up at least one Medkit to avoid triggering those dialogues. Having extra Medkits can be handy whilst fighting Sewerjunk.

Run

• This IL is run pretty much the same as a full run except you don't grab either secret or go out of your way to grab extra items. The two Medkits in Sg. Rosco's room are still free to grab.
• Having extra health kits means you can afford to take the rodent Flamethrower section a lot riskier. You can heal afterwards with Medkits whilst Sewerjunk is diving during his boss fight.
• Heal often whilst Sewerjunk is diving so you can tank his shots whilst getting the most damage in.
• Learning Flamethrower skip and knowing when it is optimal to go for it will save you time.
• If you don't get the Flamethrower skip, position yourself as close to the exit for Sewerjunk as possible whilst being able to shoot it with Depleted Uranium Balls.