Speedrunning has become one of the most captivating subcultures in the gaming world, drawing in legions of players and viewers who marvel at the sheer skill, precision, and creativity of the speedrun community. But what exactly is speedrunning, and how do gamers achieve such astounding times while completing their favorite titles? This blog will introduce you to the speedrunning phenomenon, explore the techniques behind it, and shed light on the vibrant, passionate community that brings it all together.
What Is Speedrunning?
At its core, speedrunning is the art of completing a video game—or a specific part of it—as quickly as possible. Unlike casual gaming or competitive multiplayer matches, speedrunning focuses on strategy, execution, and the optimization of every action to shave seconds (or even milliseconds) off a player’s time.
From the outside, a speedrun might look like pure reflexes, but it’s much more than that. It’s about problem-solving, mastery of mechanics, and even exploiting quirks in the game’s code. Speedrunning isn’t just about “beating the game fast”; it’s about understanding and deconstructing every element of the game, from enemy behavior to level designs.
Why Do Gamers Speedrun?
For many players, speedrunning a game they love is the ultimate way to connect with it. It offers a unique challenge, one that demands both mechanical skill and intimate knowledge of every pixel and frame. For others, speedrunning is a competitive outlet. Gamers vie to claim the world record for the fastest time in specific games, becoming legends within the speedrunning community.
Beyond the competition, many speedrunners simply love the sense of exploration and discovery that speedrunning offers. Hunting for glitches, finding optimal paths, and testing new strategies are exhilarating experiences that keep the practice fresh and exciting.
The Speedrunning Community
One of the most remarkable aspects of speedrunning is its thriving, collaborative community. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Discord have created hubs where speedrunners share their runs, tips, and techniques. Unlike other competitive spaces, the speedrunning community emphasizes cooperation. Players collectively search for ways to improve times and discover new tricks, regardless of who holds the current records.
Events such as Games Done Quick (GDQ) showcase this spirit of camaraderie while raising millions of dollars for charity. These live marathons feature speedruns of classic and modern games, offering viewers a mix of nostalgia, excitement, and awe-inspiring feats of skill.
Key Speedrunning Techniques
To achieve record-breaking times, speedrunners rely on a diverse toolkit of techniques. Here are some of the most popular and widely used strategies:
1. Glitch Exploitation
Many speedruns wouldn’t be possible without glitches. By analyzing game code and mechanics, speedrunners find and exploit unintended errors to bypass sections of the game or achieve abnormal behavior. Examples include:
- Wall clipping: Moving through walls by manipulating the character’s hitbox.
- Out-of-bounds glitches: Escaping the intended play area to skip significant portions of the game.
- Wrong warping: Exploiting level transitions to “warp” to unintended locations.
2. Sequence Breaking
This technique involves completing game objectives in a different order than intended. By bypassing standard progression paths, players can reach advanced parts of the game early. For example, obtaining powerful weapons or abilities sooner than designed can drastically shorten a playthrough.
3. Perfect Execution
Every moment matters in a speedrun, and perfect execution can make or break a run. This involves:
- Frame-perfect inputs: Executing inputs with precise timing, often within fractions of a second.
- Pixel-perfect movement: Navigating a character or object to the exact spot needed without wasting any steps or frames.
4. RNG Manipulation
Random Number Generation (RNG) adds an element of chance to many games, influencing enemy patterns, item drops, and more. Speedrunners often find ways to manipulate RNG to their advantage, ensuring more consistent outcomes during their runs.
5. Route Optimization
Planning is key to a successful speedrun, and route optimization involves finding the fastest, most efficient path to complete a game. This includes choosing the best order in which to tackle objectives, selecting the right tools or weapons, and exploiting any shortcuts.
6. Save and Reload Strategies
Some games allow manipulation of save files to skip certain scenarios or restart at advantageous points in the game. This is especially common in games with frequent checkpoints.
Popular Games in the Speedrunning Scene
There are certain games that have cemented their place in speedrunning history, thanks to their unique mechanics and engaging glitches. Here are some fan favorites:
- “Super Mario 64”: Known for its versatile movement options and game-breaking glitches, this platformer is a staple in the speedrunning world.
- “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time”: Packed with glitches and sequence breaks, it remains a highly competitive and celebrated game among speedrunners.
- “Celeste”: With its tight controls and rewarding mechanics, “Celeste” has become a popular choice for runners seeking both precision and accessibility.
- “Minecraft”: Players race to defeat the Ender Dragon while relying heavily on RNG manipulation and route optimization.
- “Dark Souls”: Speedrunners love finding creative ways to conquer one of gaming’s toughest challenges as quickly as possible.
How to Get Started with Speedrunning
If you’re intrigued by the phenomenon and want to try speedrunning for yourself, here’s how to begin:
1. Choose Your Game
Start with a game you already love or one with an active speedrunning community. A supportive community can provide valuable resources, including guides and tips.
2. Research and Watch Runs
Spend time watching speedruns of your chosen game. Platforms like YouTube and Twitch host countless recordings, and websites like Speedrun.com provide leaderboards and resources.
3. Learn the Basics
Before rushing to advanced glitches, focus on mastering the game’s movement and controls. Consistency is key, so practice makes perfect.
4. Set Goals
Start small! Aim for personal best times before chasing world records.
5. Join the Community
Connect with other runners through Discord channels, forums, and events. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—seasoned speedrunners are often happy to help newcomers.
Why the Speedrunning Community Is Special
Beyond the skills and techniques, speedrunning is defined by its people. The community thrives on a shared passion for innovation and mastery. It’s not just about competition; it’s a collaborative effort to push the boundaries of what’s possible in games we love.
Additionally, speedrunning offers inclusivity. With games spanning every genre and generation, there’s a space for everyone in this unique corner of the gaming world.
Take Your Speedrunning Journey to the Next Level
Speedrunning is more than a hobby; it’s an art form and a science rolled into one. By mastering key techniques and engaging with the speedrunning community, you’re stepping into a world that combines creativity, skill, and innovation.
Whether you’re an aspiring runner or a fan eagerly watching from the sidelines, speedrunning proves one thing above all else—there’s always a faster, smarter way to play.