Level Up Your Skills: The Art of Speedrunning in 2025

4 minutes Games24 Team

Are you ready to push the limits of your favorite games and shatter records? Speedrunning, the art of completing a game as quickly as possible, has taken the gaming world by storm in recent years. From taking down Bowser in record time in "Super Mario Odyssey" to achieving incredibly fast runs in "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom," speedrunners continue to amaze audiences with their skill, precision, and dedication. Whether you're an aspiring speedrunner or just fascinated by this thrilling niche of gaming, 2025 holds new challenges and opportunities in the speedrunning community.

The Evolution of Speedrunning

Speedrunning has come a long way since its early days. What started as an obscure hobby has blossomed into a vibrant and competitive community, complete with marathons, dedicated online platforms, and even charity events like Games Done Quick (GDQ). As technology advances, speedrunners have gained access to new tools and techniques that allow them to optimize their runs further.

Tools of the Trade

The key to successful speedrunning lies in understanding both the game and the tools at your disposal. Modern speedrunners often use emulators, which allow for frame-by-frame analysis and practice. This precision helps runners master glitches and techniques necessary to achieve the fastest times. Additionally, software like LiveSplit provides real-time tracking of split times, enabling runners to pinpoint exactly where they can improve during a run.

Learning the Glitches

One of the most fascinating aspects of speedrunning is the discovery and exploitation of glitches. These glitches can vary greatly from game to game, providing shortcuts that save valuable time. For example, players have developed complex techniques such as "Backwards Long Jump" in "Super Mario 64" and "Bomb Jumping" in the Metroid series to bypass obstacles intended by developers. While learning these tricks requires time and patience, the payoff can lead to substantial leaps in speed and efficiency.

Speedrunning in 2025: New Games, New Challenges

The gaming landscape is ever-changing, and each new release presents a unique playground for speedrunners. In 2025, several games have captured the community's attention for their potential as speedrunning gold mines.

Rising Stars

"Tears of the Kingdom," the latest installment in the "Legend of Zelda" series, has become a favorite among speedrunners due to its intricate open-world mechanics and countless possibilities for creative problem-solving. Meanwhile, indie gems like "Hollow Night: Silksong" continue to captivate runners with their precision-based platforming challenges.

Community and Competition

The speedrunning community thrives on collaboration and friendly competition. Online forums and Discord channels are bustling with exchanges of new discoveries, strategies, and support. As new records are set, they inspire others to take up the challenge, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape.

Getting Started: Your First Speedrun

Intrigued about diving into the world of speedrunning? Here's how you can get started:

  1. Choose Your Game: Start with a game you love and know well. Understanding the mechanics will give you an edge.

  2. Watch and Learn: Platforms like Twitch and YouTube are teeming with speedrun content. Watching top runners can provide valuable insight into strategies and techniques.

  3. Practice and Patience: Speedrunning isn't a race against others but a personal journey to improve. Start small, aim for consistent progress, and remember that patience is your best ally.

  4. Join the Community: Engage with other runners. Whether it's sharing tips or participating in race events, the community is a fantastic resource and motivation booster.

Speedrunning continues to grow and evolve, offering endless thrills and challenges for those brave enough to take the plunge. Whether you're in it for the community, the competition, or the personal achievement, speedrunning offers a unique way to experience your favorite games from a whole new perspective. Happy running!