Ever wondered what it feels like to beat your favourite game in record time? Welcome to the world of speedrunning, where the challenge isn’t just about finishing the game—it’s about finishing it faster than anyone else. Speedrunning has taken the gaming community by storm, turning your favourite titles into adrenaline-pumping races against the clock. Whether you’re looking to shave seconds off your personal best or dreaming of setting a new world record, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into the art of speedrunning, breaking down the essential techniques, strategies, and tips that’ll help you level up your skills and hit those insane times. So, grab your controller, and let’s get started—because in the world of speedrunning, every second counts.
What is Speedrunning?
Speedrunning is more than just a race against time—it’s a full-on gaming culture. At its core, speedrunning is all about completing a game as quickly as possible, often pushing both the game and the player to their absolute limits. The thrill comes from mastering every aspect of the game, from the smallest mechanics to the biggest skips, all in the pursuit of shaving off precious seconds. Whether you’re aiming to just finish the game faster than before or trying to make it to the top of the leaderboard, speedrunning turns every playthrough into an exhilarating challenge.
Different Categories of Speedrunning
Not all speedruns are created equal. Depending on how you want to tackle a game, there are different categories you can run. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Any%: This is the go-to category for many speedrunners. The goal? Finish the game as fast as possible, with no restrictions. If you can skip levels, break the game, or find a shortcut, it’s all fair game.
- 100%: For those who want a real challenge, 100% runs require you to complete everything the game has to offer. That means collecting all items, unlocking all secrets, and leaving no stone unturned. It’s not just about speed; it’s about thoroughness, too.
- Glitchless: Want to keep things pure? Glitchless runs require you to finish the game without using any unintended exploits or glitches. It’s all about skill and precision here.
- Glitched Runs: On the flip side, glitched runs embrace the chaos. These runs often involve breaking the game in creative ways to skip large portions of it, leading to some truly wild and unpredictable outcomes.
- Tool-Assisted Speedruns (TAS): TAS runs are a different beast altogether. These involve using emulators and special tools to create a “perfect” run. It’s more of a showcase of what’s theoretically possible rather than a test of human skill, but it’s still incredibly fascinating to watch.
Essential Techniques for Speedrunning
Route Optimization
When it comes to speedrunning, efficiency is everything. Route optimization is the art of figuring out the most effective path through a game, cutting out unnecessary detours, and maximizing every second. To start, you’ll want to study the game’s layout—learn the maps, memorize key objectives, and identify shortcuts that can save you time. The best speedrunners know exactly where they’re going at every moment, leaving no room for second-guessing. Practice makes perfect here, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different routes until you find the one that works best for you.
Glitch Exploitation
Sometimes, breaking the game is the key to breaking records. Glitch exploitation involves using unintended game mechanics to your advantage, like skipping entire levels or bypassing tough sections. Common glitches include “out of bounds” tricks, where you manoeuvre your character outside the normal playable area, or “zip” glitches, where you can move your character faster than normal. Finding these glitches can be half the fun, but mastering them is what will set your runs apart. Keep in mind, though, that using glitches can require precision and timing, so it’s important to practice until you’ve got them down cold.
Skill-Based Techniques
Beyond knowing the game inside and out, your actual gaming skills will play a huge role in your speedrunning success. Techniques like frame-perfect inputs—where you execute a command at the exact moment needed—can be the difference between a new personal best and a run-ending mistake. Sequence breaking is another advanced technique, where you complete objectives out of the intended order to save time. To hone these skills, focus on drills that improve your reaction time, such as practicing precise jumps or mastering enemy patterns. Remember, speedrunning isn’t just about going fast—it’s about playing smart.
The Role of Practice and Consistency
Building Muscle Memory
In speedrunning, repetition is your best friend. Building muscle memory means training your brain and hands to execute complex sequences without conscious thought. The more you practice, the more automatic your movements become, allowing you to perform even the most challenging sections of a game with ease. Whether it’s nailing that tricky jump or perfecting a boss fight, muscle memory is what will keep your runs smooth and consistent. Dedicate time to practice the most challenging parts of your run until they become second nature—you’ll be amazed at how much this can improve your overall time.
Consistency Over Speed
It might seem counterintuitive, but focusing on consistency rather than speed can actually lead to faster runs. Speedrunning is a marathon, not a sprint, and making it through a run without mistakes is often more valuable than shaving off a second here or there. Instead of trying to go all-out every time, aim for consistent, reliable performance. Over time, as you master the game and build your confidence, the speed will naturally come. Remember, even the fastest speedrunners started by mastering the basics before pushing for those record-breaking times.
Daily Practice Routine
Like any skill, speedrunning requires regular practice. Establishing a daily practice routine can help you steadily improve your times and keep your skills sharp. Start with a warm-up by running through key sections of the game, focusing on areas where you struggle the most. Set aside time for full runs, but also break down the game into smaller segments to focus on individual challenges. Balancing your practice with breaks is crucial, too—overtraining can lead to burnout, so make sure you’re pacing yourself. Consistent, focused practice will set you on the path to success in the speedrunning world.
Community and Resources
Importance of the Speedrunning Community
Speedrunning isn’t just a solo adventure—it’s a vibrant, supportive community that’s always ready to welcome new runners. Whether you’re looking for advice, tips, or just some encouragement, the speedrunning community is one of the best places to find it. From forums to Discord servers, there are countless spaces where speedrunners of all levels come together to share strategies, discuss new games, and celebrate each other’s achievements. Events like Games Done Quick (GDQ) bring the community together on a global scale, raising money for charity while showcasing the incredible skill and creativity of speedrunners. Getting involved in the community can give you access to a wealth of knowledge and help you stay motivated on your speedrunning journey.
Online Resources for Learning
The internet is full of resources to boost your speedrunning game. Forums like Speedrun.com offer guides, leaderboards, and discussions on almost any game. YouTube and Twitch are invaluable too, with top speedrunners streaming their practice sessions, providing real-time insights into their techniques. Watching these pros can teach you new strategies and inspire you to improve. Essential tools like LiveSplit for timing and OBS for recording are crucial for serious speedrunners. These resources not only help you learn but also connect you with other runners for feedback and support.
How to Connect with Other Speedrunners
Connecting with other speedrunners is a great way to improve your skills. Joining a community Discord server or forum lets you ask questions, share progress, and get feedback from experienced runners. Many communities host races and friendly competitions, perfect for testing your skills and learning from others. Don’t hesitate to reach out to runners you admire—most are happy to share tips. Networking can also lead to fun collaborations, like co-op speedruns or relay races, adding a social element to your practice.
By tapping into the speedrunning community and utilizing online resources, you’ll gain the knowledge and support needed to take your runs to the next level. The journey to mastering speedrunning is a lot easier—and more fun—when you’re part of a community that’s just as passionate about gaming as you are.
Setting and Achieving Speedrunning Goals
Importance of Goal Setting
Setting clear, achievable goals is a game-changer in speedrunning. Whether you’re aiming to finish your first complete run, beat a personal best, or challenge a world record, having specific targets gives your practice sessions purpose and direction. Goals help break down the daunting task of speedrunning into manageable milestones, making the journey more enjoyable and less overwhelming. Plus, each goal you achieve, no matter how small, builds your confidence and keeps you motivated to push even further.
Tracking Progress
One of the best ways to stay motivated is by tracking your progress. Keep a record of your run times, noting improvements and identifying areas where you can shave off seconds. Tools like spreadsheets, speedrunning software (e.g., LiveSplit), or even just a simple notebook can help you visualize your journey from novice to expert. Analyzing your runs not only helps you spot mistakes but also highlights your strengths, giving you a clearer idea of where to focus your efforts. Over time, you’ll be able to look back and see just how far you’ve come, which is incredibly rewarding.
Adjusting Goals and Learning from Failures
Speedrunning is a dynamic process, and sometimes you’ll hit roadblocks or fall short of your goals. That’s perfectly normal. The key is to be flexible—adjust your goals based on your progress and the challenges you encounter. If a particular strategy isn’t working, try a different approach. Learning from your failures is just as important as celebrating your successes. Every run, even the ones that don’t go as planned, teaches you something new and brings you one step closer to mastering the game.
Celebrating Milestones
Don’t forget to celebrate your milestones along the way. Whether it’s beating a tough section of the game for the first time or setting a new personal best, these victories deserve recognition. Celebrating your progress keeps you motivated and reminds you why you started speedrunning in the first place. Share your achievements with the community—there’s nothing like getting a virtual high-five from fellow runners who know just how much work went into that win.
Conclusion
Speedrunning is a thrilling blend of skill, strategy, and determination. From understanding the basics to mastering advanced techniques, building consistency, and connecting with the community, every aspect of speedrunning offers a unique challenge and reward. By setting clear goals, practicing regularly, and tapping into the wealth of resources and support available, you can take your speedrunning skills to the next level.
Remember, every runner started where you are now—each second shaved off, each goal achieved, brings you closer to those record-breaking times. So, dive in, experiment, and most importantly, have fun. The world of speedrunning is waiting for you, and there’s no better time to start chasing those dreams of finishing games in record time.
