Mask Balloon Boy at either vent entrance, clear Fredsweeper immediately, choose between a Death Coin or two Golden Cupcakes, then farm AR Mask, Laser Doors, and time skips.
Balloon Boy counter
Balloon Boy travels through the vent grid toward either entrance. The lure has no effect. When he reaches the office, put on the mask. If he enters, the flashlight is disabled until he leaves; there is also a small chance he performs a lethal jumpscare instead.
Balloon Boy must be answered with the mask, not the audio lure.
Economy loop for later nights
Clear Fredsweeper immediately for 30 tokens. If one enemy ruins the roster, save for a Death Coin. Otherwise buy two Golden Cupcakes for the long return. The strongest survival plan is to farm AR Mask and Laser Doors, activate them together, and use that hour to earn the Distortion Clocks.
On an easy night, do not automatically skip. Unspent tokens increase the performance bonus and fund permanent upgrades. Skip only when the roster is dangerous enough that continued farming risks the run.
Salvage warning
Do not judge a salvage by payout alone. A high-value choice such as Withered Freddy remains active for the rest of the run and can return during route bosses. Salvage a difficult character once if you need its gallery unlock, but choose low-maintenance rosters for ending and trophy attempts.
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