Mastering the Art of Speedrunning: From Novice to Pro

3 minutes Games24 Team

Have you ever watched a speedrun and felt the adrenaline rush of watching someone zip through levels at lightning speed? Speedrunning is a thrilling way to enjoy games in a way that's completely different from your typical playthrough. Whether you're a casual gamer looking to understand the basics, or an aspiring pro searching for advanced tips, this guide is here to help you master the art of speedrunning. Strap in, press start, and get ready to race through the virtual landscapes like never before.

The Basics of Speedrunning

Before diving headfirst into the competitive world of speedrunning, it's essential to understand the basics. Speedrunning involves completing a game or a specific part of a game as quickly as possible. There are different categories, including Any%, where you complete the game with any completion percentage, and 100%, where you achieve full completion. Each game presents a unique challenge, and knowing the ins and outs is crucial.

Key Terms:

  • Glitch: An unexpected behavior in software that can be exploited to save time.
  • RNG (Random Number Generation): Refers to the random elements in a game that can affect a speedrun.
  • Split: A segment of the game whose completion time you track during a run.

By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you'll be better prepared to dive into the speedrunning community.

Training for Speed

The key to becoming a proficient speedrunner is practice, practice, and more practice. Here’s a breakdown of how you can start:

  1. Choose Your Game: Start with a game you already know. Many choose classics like "Super Mario 64" or "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" due to their established communities and wealth of available resources.

  2. Learn the Tricks: Use online communities, forums, and video guides to learn the various glitches and tricks for your chosen game. Websites like Speedrun.com host a plethora of resources and leaderboards.

  3. Set Realistic Goals: Begin by aiming for consistent completion rather than record-breaking attempts. This approach helps avoid frustration and allows you to hone your skills slowly.

Community and Competition

Joining the speedrunning community is as rewarding as the practice itself. Interacting with fellow gamers can provide motivation, support, and tips you might not have considered.

  • Participate in Events: Marathons like Games Done Quick provide opportunities to showcase your skills and learn from the best.
  • Stream Your Runs: Platforms like Twitch allow you to broadcast your attempts, gain followers, and receive real-time feedback.
  • Join Discord Servers or Reddit: These platforms offer spaces where you can ask questions, share discoveries, and support other speedrunners.

Beyond the Finish Line

Remember, speedrunning isn’t just about racing to the end of the game—it's about community, skill mastery, and personal growth. As you continue your journey, consider branching into multiple games, experimenting with different categories, and even innovating new strategies.

Whether you aim for world records or personal bests, speedrunning is a thrilling endeavor that redefines how you experience video games. Good luck, and may your runs be swift and your glitches ever in your favor!