Speedrunning is the art of completing a video game as quickly as possible, often using advanced techniques, glitches, and strategies to shave off precious seconds or even minutes from the clock. Whether you’re a casual gamer looking to improve your skills or an aspiring speedrunner aiming for world records, this guide will provide you with the tools, tips, and tricks to get started and excel in the world of speedrunning.
- Understanding Speedrunning
Before diving into specific strategies, it’s important to understand the different types of speedrunning and the mindset required to succeed.
Types of Speedrunning
Any%: The most common category, where the goal is to finish the game as fast as possible, often using glitches and skips.
100%: Completing the game with all collectibles, objectives, or achievements.
Glitchless: Completing the game without using any glitches or exploits.
Low%: Finishing the game with the fewest possible items or upgrades.
Segmented Runs: Completing the game in sections, with each segment optimized individually.
The Speedrunning Mindset
Patience and Persistence: Speedrunning requires countless attempts and a willingness to fail repeatedly.
Attention to Detail: Every frame, input, and movement matters.
Adaptability: Be prepared to adjust strategies based on new discoveries or changes in the game.
- Choosing Your Game
Not all games are created equal when it comes to speedrunning. Here’s how to pick the right one for you:
Factors to Consider
Personal Interest: Choose a game you genuinely enjoy, as you’ll be spending a lot of time with it.
Community Support: Games with active speedrunning communities (e.g., Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Celeste) often have extensive resources and guides.
Complexity: Some games are easier to speedrun than others. Beginners might prefer shorter, linear games like Super Metroid or Portal.
Glitches and Skips: Research whether the game has interesting glitches or skips that make speedrunning more engaging.
- Learning the Basics
Once you’ve chosen your game, it’s time to learn the fundamentals.
Study the Game
Watch Record Runs: Analyze world record runs on platforms like YouTube or Speedrun.com. Pay attention to routes, glitches, and movement techniques.
Read Guides: Many games have detailed written guides or tutorials created by the speedrunning community.
Join Communities: Discord servers, forums, and subreddits dedicated to your game are invaluable for learning tips and connecting with other runners.
Master the Controls
Practice Movement: Efficient movement is key. Learn how to navigate the game world quickly and precisely.
Optimize Inputs: Practice frame-perfect inputs and techniques like button buffering or precise timing.
Understand Game Mechanics
Learn Glitches: Study how glitches work and how to execute them consistently.
Know the Rules: Familiarize yourself with the specific rules and categories for your game.
- Developing a Strategy
A successful speedrun requires a well-planned strategy. Here’s how to create one:
Route Planning
Optimize Pathing: Plan the most efficient route through the game, minimizing backtracking and unnecessary actions.
Incorporate Glitches: Use glitches or skips to bypass sections of the game.
Plan for RNG: Account for random elements (e.g., enemy behavior, item drops) and have backup plans.
Segment Practice
Break the Game into Sections: Practice individual sections repeatedly until you can complete them consistently.
Set Goals: Aim for specific time targets for each segment.
Resource Management
Manage Health and Items: Know when to use healing items or save resources for later.
Optimize Upgrades: Decide which upgrades or items are worth collecting and which can be skipped.
- Advanced Techniques
To truly excel at speedrunning, you’ll need to master advanced techniques specific to your game.
Movement Tech
Bunny Hopping: A technique used in many first-person games to maintain momentum.
Wave Dashing: A movement tech in platformers like Super Smash Bros. Melee or Celeste.
Wall Clipping: Exploiting collision detection to pass through walls or obstacles.
Glitch Execution
Save Warping: Manipulating save files to teleport to different areas.
Wrong Warping: Using glitches to warp to unintended locations.
Out-of-Bounds (OOB): Navigating outside the game’s intended play area to skip sections.
Frame-Perfect Inputs
Button Buffering: Inputting commands in advance to ensure they execute at the right moment.
Pause Buffering: Using the pause menu to time inputs more precisely.
- Tools and Resources
Speedrunning often requires specialized tools to track progress, analyze runs, and improve performance.
Timing Software
LiveSplit: A popular timer used by speedrunners to track splits and compare them to previous runs.
WSplit: Another timing tool with customizable features.
Emulators and Save States
Emulators: Useful for practicing specific sections of a game without starting over.
Save States: Allow you to save and reload at any point, making practice more efficient.
Community Resources
Speedrun.com: The central hub for speedrunning leaderboards, guides, and resources.
Discord Servers: Join servers dedicated to your game for real-time advice and support.
- Practicing Effectively
Practice is the backbone of speedrunning. Here’s how to make the most of your time:
Set Realistic Goals
Start Small: Focus on completing the game before optimizing for time.
Gradual Improvement: Aim to shave off a few seconds at a time rather than minutes.
Analyze Your Runs
Watch Replays: Identify mistakes and areas for improvement.
Compare Splits: Use timing software to compare your performance to your personal best or world records.
Stay Consistent
Daily Practice: Even short practice sessions can lead to significant improvement over time.
Stay Motivated: Celebrate small victories and don’t get discouraged by setbacks.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced speedrunners make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
Overlooking Basics: Don’t neglect fundamentals like movement and controls in favor of advanced techniques.
Rushing Practice: Take the time to master each section before attempting full runs.
Ignoring RNG: Be prepared for random elements and have contingency plans.
Burning Out: Avoid over-practicing to the point of frustration. Take breaks when needed.
- Popular Games and Their Speedrunning Strategies
Here are some tips for speedrunning popular games:
Super Mario 64
Backwards Long Jump (BLJ): Use this glitch to gain infinite speed and skip levels.
Cannonless: Skip the cannon in certain levels to save time.
Optimal Star Route: Collect only the stars required to unlock the final boss.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Wrong Warp: Use glitches to warp directly to the final boss.
Bomb Hover: A technique to skip large sections of the game.
Door of Time Skip: Skip the need to collect the Spiritual Stones.
Celeste
Wave Dashing: Master this movement tech to maintain momentum.
Screen Transitions: Optimize transitions between screens to save time.
Death Abuse: Use intentional deaths to reset positions and save time.
Dark Souls
Quitouts: Use the quit-and-reload trick to skip animations.
Wrong Warp: Manipulate warping to reach late-game areas early.
Boss Strategies: Learn specific strategies for each boss to minimize fight time.
- Staying Motivated and Improving
Speedrunning is a marathon, not a sprint. Here’s how to stay motivated and continue improving:
Set Milestones: Break your goals into smaller, achievable milestones.
Join Races: Participate in races or competitions to test your skills against others.
Collaborate: Work with other runners to share tips and strategies.
Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge your improvements, no matter how small.
Conclusion
Speedrunning is a challenging but rewarding pursuit that combines skill, strategy, and creativity. By choosing the right game, mastering its mechanics, and practicing effectively, you can join the ranks of elite speedrunners and maybe even set a world record. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, so enjoy the process and have fun pushing your favorite games to their limits. Happy running!