Welcome to the world of speedrunning, where the goal is to complete games as quickly as possible! If you’re a seasoned speedrunner or just starting out, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and resources to take your skills to the next level. From technique analysis to optimized routing, we’ll dive into the strategies that separate the elite from the rest. Whether you’re a fan of classic platformers or modern open-world adventures, this comprehensive guide has you covered.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Game
Before you start planning your speedrunning strategy, it’s crucial to select the right game. Not all games are created equal when it comes to speedrunning. Some factors to consider include game complexity, glitch potential, and speedrunning community size. The more intricate a game’s mechanics and levels are, the more opportunities there might be to leverage interesting shortcuts or sequence breaks. Additionally, games with dedicated speedrunning communities often have well-documented discoveries and strategies, making it easier for newcomers to get started. Remember, the popularity of a game can lead to a more vibrant and collaborative speedrunning community, providing access to valuable insights and innovative new techniques.
Essential Techniques and Tools
Now that you’ve selected your speedrunning game, it’s time to familiarize yourself with the techniques and tools that can give you a competitive edge. Mastering foundational speedrunning skills such as glitching, frame-perfect inputs, and routing efficiency is essential. Glitching involves finding and exploiting game bugs or inconsistencies to bypass sections or improve timing. Frame-perfect inputs require precise controller manipulation to execute actions with millisecond precision. Routing efficiency focuses on optimizing the path and sequence of events to achieve the fastest possible completion time. Explore resources like YouTube tutorials, forums, and dedicated speedrunning websites to absorb the knowledge and techniques of experienced speedrunners. Study their strategies, learn from their shortcuts, and discover new routing options.
The Importance of Practice and Iteration
Practice makes perfect in speedrunning just as much as in any other skill. Repeatedly running through levels or segments of the game helps you internalize the timing, movements, and decisions needed for a smooth and efficient run. Try to consistently improve your times through iteration. Develop a feeling for the game’s rhythm and anticipate challenges before they arise. Analyze every mistake, failure, or unintended deviation from your planned route to identify areas for improvement. Consider experimenting with different playstyles, tools, and even genres to enhance your overall gaming competence.
Community Collaboration and Resources
The speedrunning community is a treasure trove of knowledge, ideas, and support. Engage with other speedrunners on forums, discord servers, and speedrunning-dedicated websites to share insights, discoveries, and strategies. Collaborating with others can lead to new innovative routes and styles, helping to keep the community vibrant and competitive. Additionally, many communities offer resources such as speedrun tutorials, tool-assisted speedruns (TAS), and timing databases that can further elevate your understanding and performance.
Choosing the Right Speedrunning Category
Imagine hosting a speedrunning event and welcoming participants from all around the world. To ensure a fair and organized competition, you need to define appropriate categories and rules. When it comes to speedrunning guides, understanding the various categories is crucial. Speedrunning categories can include any of the following:
- Any percent (Any%): Completing the game or reaching the credits as fast as possible, regardless of the route or optional content.
- 100% or Full game: Completing the game with all optional content and collectibles obtained, often requiring additional routes and techniques.
- Low percent or segmented runs: These runs focus on completing specific segments of the game as quickly as possible, emphasizing a different set of skills and strategies.
When running a speedrunning event, consider the diverse categories to offer a more inclusive and exciting competition. This way, you can cater to different levels of experience, encourage a friendly environment, and ensure that each runner has an opportunity to shine.
Optimizing Routing and Glitch Usage
The key to a stellar speedrun lies in optimizing the route and efficiently employing glitches. Study the game’s level design, look for potential shortcuts, and analyze the movement mechanics thoroughly. Consider ways to bypass sections of the game or manipulate sequences in your favor. Efficient routing often involves anticipating upcoming challenges and preparing accordingly. For example, having the right equipment or upgrades can help you overcome obstacles faster, reducing unnecessary backtracking or grinding.
When it comes to glitch usage, consider the impact and risk involved. Glitches can be game-breaking or might get patched out over time. Ensure you understand the glitch mechanics and the required timing to execute them successfully. Diligently follow the speedrunning community’s discussions and resources to stay updated on the latest discoveries, patches, and optimal ways to leverage glitches.
Timing and Execution
Millisecond precision is often the difference between an excellent speedrun and a flawless one. Mastering frame-perfect inputs is crucial for executing actions at the correct moment. Learn to anticipate animation frames and adapt your inputs to coincide with them. Consistency in execution takes practice, but with dedication, you can achieve stunning results. Explore tools like input planners and timers to refine your timing and gain a competitive edge.
Staying Up to Date and Adapting to Change
Speedrunning is a dynamic community, with constant updates, patches, and new discoveries. Stay informed about the latest developments in the games you specialize in. A sudden patch might close a valuable glitch, or a new discovery can open up an even faster route. Be prepared to adapt your strategies and learn new techniques to maintain your edge. Even if you specialize in a particular speedrunning category, staying informed about general speedrunning news and trends can help expand your knowledge and skills.
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