Speedrunning, the art of completing a video game as quickly as possible, has grown from a niche pastime into a global phenomenon. With thousands of players pushing the limits of their favorite games and millions of viewers cheering them on, speedrunning is both an exciting sport and a tight-knit community. This article dives into the fascinating world of speedrunning, offering tips for newcomers and highlighting some of the top communities that keep the scene alive.
What is Speedrunning?
At its core, speedrunning is a challenge to complete a video game or a specific portion of it in the shortest time possible. Players, known as speedrunners, use skill, strategy, and sometimes glitches or unintended mechanics to shave seconds—or even milliseconds—off their times. Speedruns are often categorized into different formats, such as:
- Any% Runs: Completing a game as fast as possible, with no requirement to achieve 100% completion.
- 100% Runs: Finishing the game entirely, including all side quests, collectibles, and secrets.
- Glitchless Runs: Completing a game without using any glitches or exploits.
- Category Extensions: Fun or unusual challenges, like finishing a game blindfolded.
Speedrunning combines creativity, dedication, and a deep understanding of game mechanics, making it a thrilling pursuit for both players and fans.
Why Speedrunning is Popular
Speedrunning attracts gamers for several reasons. For some, it’s the adrenaline rush of beating the clock. For others, it’s the appeal of mastering a favorite game and showing off their skills. Speedrunning also fosters a sense of community. Players share strategies, celebrate milestones, and learn from each other.
Streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube have further fueled the popularity of speedrunning. Many players broadcast their runs live, allowing viewers to follow their progress, cheer them on, and celebrate record-breaking moments in real-time.
How to Get Started with Speedrunning
If you’re intrigued by speedrunning but unsure where to begin, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start your journey:
1. Choose Your Game
Pick a game you love and know well. Familiarity with the game’s mechanics, levels, and challenges will give you an edge. Games with active speedrunning communities, such as The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros., or Minecraft, are great options, as they offer plenty of guides and resources.
2. Learn the Basics
Before attempting a speedrun, play through the game normally to understand its structure. Familiarize yourself with its mechanics, shortcuts, and potential challenges. Watching speedruns of your chosen game can also give you insights into routes and strategies.
3. Start with Simple Goals
Rather than aiming for a world record right away, set achievable goals. Try completing a specific level quickly or beating your personal best time. Incremental progress keeps the process enjoyable and motivating.
4. Research Strategies and Glitches
Speedrunning often involves using glitches or exploits to save time. Online forums, YouTube tutorials, and speedrunning wikis are valuable resources for learning these tricks. Practice them consistently to master their execution.
5. Record Your Runs
Recording your runs allows you to track your progress and analyze areas for improvement. Many speedrunners use software like OBS Studio for recording and streaming their gameplay.
6. Practice Consistently
Speedrunning requires patience and dedication. Practice regularly to refine your techniques, memorize routes, and improve your reaction times. Even small improvements can lead to significant time savings.
7. Join a Community
Engaging with a speedrunning community can enhance your experience. Communities provide support, share strategies, and celebrate each other’s achievements. They’re also a great place to find tips and advice from experienced players.
Advanced Speedrunning Tips
Once you’ve mastered the basics, these advanced tips can help you take your speedrunning skills to the next level:
- Experiment with Routes: Don’t be afraid to try new routes or strategies. Sometimes, unconventional approaches can yield surprising results.
- Optimize Your Setup: Invest in a comfortable gaming setup, including a responsive controller or keyboard, a high-quality monitor, and a stable internet connection for streaming.
- Analyze World Records: Study record-breaking runs to learn from top players. Pay attention to their movement, timing, and use of glitches.
- Stay Calm Under Pressure: Speedrunning can be intense, especially during a great run. Practice staying focused and composed, even when the pressure is on.
- Participate in Races: Many communities organize speedrunning races where players compete in real-time. These events are a fun way to test your skills and connect with other runners.
Top Speedrunning Communities
The speedrunning world thrives on its communities, which provide a welcoming and supportive environment for players of all skill levels. Here are some of the top speedrunning communities to explore:
1. Speedrun.com
As the largest hub for speedrunning, Speedrun.com hosts leaderboards, forums, and guides for countless games. It’s an excellent starting point for finding resources and connecting with other runners.
2. Games Done Quick (GDQ)
Games Done Quick organizes charity marathons that showcase incredible speedruns. Their events are a highlight of the speedrunning calendar and a great way to discover new games and categories.
3. Discord Communities
Many speedrunning groups use Discord to communicate, share tips, and plan events. Search for Discord servers dedicated to your favorite games to find like-minded players.
4. Reddit’s r/speedrun
This subreddit is a hub for news, discussions, and highlights from the speedrunning world. It’s a good place to ask questions and stay updated on the latest developments.
5. Twitch and YouTube
Many speedrunners stream their gameplay on Twitch or upload runs to YouTube. Following these players can inspire you and help you learn advanced techniques.
The Future of Speedrunning
As technology advances and gaming continues to evolve, the future of speedrunning looks bright. New games, innovative strategies, and improved tools for recording and sharing runs will keep the scene vibrant. Additionally, events like GDQ and the rise of online communities ensure that speedrunning remains accessible and inclusive.
Speedrunning isn’t just about finishing games quickly—it’s about passion, persistence, and the joy of pushing boundaries. Whether you’re aiming for a world record or simply looking to have fun with your favorite games, the speedrunning world has something for everyone.
Speedrunning offers a unique blend of challenge, creativity, and camaraderie. By following the tips in this article and connecting with top communities, you can dive into this exciting world and start your journey as a speedrunner. So grab your controller, set your timer, and see how fast you can go!
