A Guide to Speedrun Games
Speedrunning. The very term evokes images of frantic button-mashing, pixel-perfect jumps, and a relentless pursuit of shaving milliseconds off a playthrough. But what exactly is speedrunning, and how can you get involved in this exhilarating community? This guide will delve into the world of speedrunning, exploring everything from the basics to advanced techniques and offering advice for aspiring runners.
What is Speedrunning?
At its core, speedrunning is the act of completing a video game as quickly as possible. This isn't simply rushing through the game; it involves meticulous planning, precise execution, and often, exploiting glitches and game mechanics to achieve the fastest possible time. Speedrunners dedicate countless hours to mastering their chosen game, learning its intricacies and identifying optimal strategies.
There's a diverse range of speedrunning categories, each adding its own layer of complexity and challenge. Some common categories include:
Any%: This is often the most common category, where the goal is to complete the game as quickly as possible, regardless of the content experienced. This might involve skipping entire sections of the game.
100%: In this category, the runner must complete every objective, collect every item, and essentially "beat" the game completely. This often involves significant backtracking and can be much longer than an Any% run.
Low%: A variation of Any%, this category challenges players to complete the game with the fewest possible items or actions.
Glitchless: This category restricts the runner from using glitches or exploits, focusing solely on skillful play and strategic route planning.
Choosing Your First Speedrun
Picking the right game for your first speedrun is crucial. Don't jump into a notoriously difficult game immediately! Start with something you're familiar with and enjoy. Consider these factors:
Game Length: Shorter games offer quicker feedback loops, allowing you to learn and improve faster.
Complexity: Choose a game with relatively straightforward mechanics to avoid being overwhelmed.
Community Support: A vibrant community can offer valuable resources, such as tutorials, route guides, and tips from experienced runners.
Games like Celeste, Portal 2, Super Mario Odyssey, and various Pokémon games are popular choices for beginners due to their relatively accessible mechanics and active communities.
Essential Tools and Techniques
Speedrunning often involves utilizing specific tools and techniques to optimize performance:
Timer: An accurate timer is essential for tracking your progress and comparing your times with others. Many speedrunning communities use specialized timers like Livesplit, which can automatically split times based on in-game events.
Route Planning: Developing a carefully planned route is vital. This involves identifying the most efficient path through the game, minimizing unnecessary actions and maximizing opportunities for time saving.
Optimization: This involves refining every aspect of your gameplay, from movement techniques to combat strategies. Even minor improvements can accumulate significant time savings.
Glitches and Exploits: In certain categories, the strategic use of glitches and exploits can drastically reduce playtime. These often involve manipulating game mechanics in unexpected ways. Learning about these requires dedicated research and practice.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Consistency is key. Regular practice is essential for refining techniques and mastering the nuances of your chosen game.
Building a Speedrun Community
The speedrunning community is incredibly supportive and welcoming. Engaging with this community can significantly enhance your speedrunning journey. Here are some ways to get involved:
Join Discord Servers: Most games have dedicated speedrunning Discord servers where runners share tips, strategies, and support each other.
Watch Speedruns on Twitch and YouTube: Watching other runners can provide valuable insights into techniques and routes.
Share Your Runs: Don't be afraid to share your own runs, even if they aren't perfect. The community is often eager to provide feedback and encouragement.
Beyond the Leaderboard: The Joy of Improvement
Speedrunning isn't just about achieving the fastest time; it's about the process of constant improvement. The thrill of shaving off seconds, even milliseconds, is incredibly rewarding. As you progress, you'll discover a deeper appreciation for the game's mechanics and your own capabilities.
The learning curve can be steep, but the sense of accomplishment is unmatched. The satisfaction of mastering a difficult section, or finally executing a complex technique, is a testament to your dedication and perseverance. Moreover, speedrunning fosters problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of your chosen game.
Advanced Techniques and Concepts
As you become more experienced, you might explore advanced techniques like:
Tool-Assisted Speedruns (TAS): TAS uses external programs to automate actions with perfect precision, enabling runners to achieve theoretically optimal times.
Randomizer Runs: These involve modifying the game to randomize items, locations, or other aspects, creating unique challenges each playthrough.
Cooperative Speedruns: Some games allow for cooperative speedruns, where multiple players work together to achieve a fast time.
Resources for Aspiring Runners
Several resources can help you begin your speedrunning journey:
Speedrun.com: This website serves as a central hub for speedrunning information, including leaderboards, rules, and community forums.
Twitch and YouTube: Many speedrunners stream their runs on Twitch and upload them to YouTube, providing excellent opportunities for learning.
Game-Specific Communities: Dedicated forums, Discord servers, and wikis often exist for popular speedrunning games, offering valuable resources and support.
This journey will challenge you, push your limits, and reward you with a deeper understanding of games and yourself. Embrace the challenge, enjoy the community, and most importantly, have fun! Remember, speedrunning is a marathon, not a sprint (unless it's a speedrun, in which case it very much is a sprint!). So pick your game, set your goals, and dive into the world of competitive gaming.