Introduction
Speedrunning is the art of completing a game as quickly as possible, often using expert-level strategies, precise execution, and game-breaking glitches. What started as a niche hobby has grown into a competitive and highly engaging global community, with players constantly pushing the limits of what’s possible in gaming. Whether you’re a newcomer or an aspiring speedrunner, this guide will teach you the essential skills and techniques needed to improve your times and compete at a higher level.
Understanding Speedrunning Categories
Speedruns come in different categories, each with its own set of rules and objectives. Here are some of the most common types:
- Any% – The goal is to finish the game as fast as possible with no restrictions, often using glitches and exploits.
- 100% – Completing all objectives, collecting all items, and finishing every challenge the game offers.
- Glitchless – Completing the game quickly but without using unintended glitches or exploits.
- Low% – Completing the game with the minimal amount of items, power-ups, or upgrades.
- Tool-Assisted Speedrun (TAS) – A run performed using special tools, frame-by-frame analysis, and input manipulation to create a theoretically perfect run.
Understanding the category you want to focus on will help you develop the best strategies for optimizing your gameplay.
Essential Speedrunning Techniques
To master speedrunning, you need to learn and perfect various techniques that can help shave precious seconds off your time. Here are some key methods:
1. Routing and Planning
Every good speedrun starts with a well-thought-out route. Routing involves deciding the most efficient path to complete the game, including what areas to visit, which enemies to avoid, and which power-ups to collect. Many runners analyze existing speedrun routes and modify them based on their strengths.
2. Movement Optimization
Every game has movement mechanics that can be optimized. Some techniques include:
- Bunny Hopping (BHOP) – Continuous jumping to maintain momentum.
- Strafing – Side-to-side movement to increase speed.
- Wall Kicks – Using walls to gain additional height or speed.
- Fast Ladders – Climbing ladders more efficiently by manipulating movement inputs.
3. Glitches and Exploits
Many speedruns rely on exploiting unintended mechanics to skip large sections of a game. Some well-known glitches include:
- Out-of-Bounds (OOB) – Moving outside the game’s intended boundaries.
- Clipping – Passing through walls or floors due to collision detection errors.
- Wrong Warp – Manipulating the game’s loading zones to teleport to different areas.
- Inventory Overload – Causing unintended effects by overloading the game’s memory.
4. Frame-Perfect Inputs
Speedruns often require precise inputs at specific frames to trigger skips, glitches, or optimized movements. Practicing frame-perfect jumps, attacks, or item usages can save critical time.
5. Manipulating RNG (Random Number Generation)
Some games have unpredictable elements like enemy behavior, item drops, or encounter rates. Learning how to manipulate RNG can help ensure better outcomes and minimize time loss.
The Importance of Practice and Consistency
Speedrunning is about repetition, muscle memory, and continuous improvement. Here are some tips to help refine your skills:
- Practice Individual Segments – Focus on mastering each part of a run separately before attempting full runs.
- Record and Review Runs – Watching your previous runs can help identify areas for improvement.
- Use Save States (Where Allowed) – Some emulators allow saving progress at any point to practice tricky sections.
- Stay Calm Under Pressure – Mental resilience is key, as speedrunning often involves trial and error.
Tools and Resources for Speedrunners
Several tools and communities can help you refine your speedrunning skills:
- Speedrun.com – The main hub for speedrunning leaderboards, guides, and discussions.
- TASVideos.org – A resource for tool-assisted speedruns and strategies.
- Twitch & YouTube – Watching top runners can provide valuable insights and techniques.
- LiveSplit – A real-time timer to track progress and segment splits.
- Discord & Forums – Many games have dedicated speedrunning communities where players share strategies.
Participating in Speedrunning Events
Once you’ve mastered a game, you might want to compete in speedrunning events. Some major events include:
- Games Done Quick (GDQ) – A charity event featuring top-tier speedruns.
- SpeedGaming Tournaments – Competitive speedrunning challenges across different games.
- Community Races – Casual or competitive races against other runners to improve skills.
Conclusion
Speedrunning is a challenging yet rewarding pursuit that requires dedication, practice, and a passion for pushing the limits of gaming. Whether you aim to set world records or just improve your personal best, mastering the strategies outlined in this guide will set you on the right path. Happy running, and may your times always improve!
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