Typing Speed Challenge
The Chopping minigame (also known as VIN Scratch) is used for scratching vehicle identification numbers during car theft operations. It's a timing-based minigame where you need to stop a moving indicator within target zones to successfully remove VIN characters.
This is generally considered one of the easiest minigames in NoPixel 4.0, making it perfect for players new to hacking. However, don't underestimate it—failed attempts mean wasted tools and time. Mastering the timing ensures you never fail a chop again.
A progress bar appears with one or more target zones highlighted. A marker moves across the bar at a consistent speed. Your job is to click (or press the action key) when the marker is within a target zone. Each successful hit removes part of the VIN.
Unlike other minigames, Chopping has generous target zones and consistent marker speed. The timing window is forgiving, and the marker moves predictably. This makes it ideal for learning timing fundamentals.
The target zone is usually quite wide, giving you a comfortable window to hit. However, aiming for the center of the zone ensures you have maximum margin for error. Think of the center as your bullseye.
Too Early
Miss - wasted attempt
In Zone
Success!
Too Late
Miss - wasted attempt
Watch the marker complete one full pass to learn its speed. Develop a mental rhythm—count "one, two, three, click" or whatever timing works for you. The marker speed is consistent, so once you find the rhythm, you can repeat it reliably.
Pro Tip: The marker often bounces back after reaching the end. Use the first pass to calibrate, then hit on the second pass if needed.
Instead of watching the marker, watch the left edge of the target zone. When the marker crosses that edge, you know you're in the safe window. This reduces the mental load of tracking two things simultaneously.
Don't click as soon as you enter the zone—wait until the marker is roughly centered. This gives you maximum room for error and accounts for any input lag or reaction time variance.
Pro Tip: If the zone is wide, you have time to be patient. Don't rush the click—a deliberate, centered hit is better than a panicked edge hit.
Anticipation leading to premature clicks. Wait until you can visually confirm the marker has entered the zone before pressing.
Network or input lag can delay your click by 50-100ms. If you're consistently missing late, click slightly earlier than feels natural.
When there are multiple target zones, players sometimes rush to hit them all. Each zone is its own challenge—treat them independently.
Because it's "easy," some players don't focus properly. Overconfidence leads to careless mistakes. Treat every attempt seriously.
Rest your clicking hand comfortably. A stable hand reduces unintentional movement and accidental clicks.
If the minigame supports keyboard input, it's often more consistent than mouse clicking.
Play in fullscreen or windowed fullscreen. Borderless lets you see the minigame clearly without distractions.
Higher frame rates make the marker movement smoother and easier to track. Aim for at least 60 FPS.
Don't worry about speed—focus on never missing. Speed comes naturally with practice.
Do a few practice rounds before actual chop jobs to get in the zone.
You've mastered Chopping when you can complete 20+ consecutive attempts without a single miss. At this point, the minigame becomes almost automatic and you can focus on the actual job at hand.
Perfect your timing with unlimited practice. Never fail another VIN scratch and become the most reliable chopper in the city.
Practice Chopping Now