Speedrunning is finishing a game as fast as possible, turning even single-player experiences into competitive clashes. Research, repetition, and rivalries constantly evolve the community.

Viable strategies become insufficient over time and the impossible becomes more and more attainable as second after second is shaven off the best runs.

Whether players race to reach the credits through glitches or complete a certain percentage of the game as intended, speedrunning brings together another side of gaming.

Both the casual and the hardcore can relish in the excitement of just one more jump, one more hit, and one last level.

The Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of Speedrunning

YouTuber Retro takes his time thoroughly explaining the history of speedrunning in this compelling documentary.

How to Start Speedrunning

Speedrunning can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. The same diligence required to excel in competitive gaming is crucial to consistency and results. Start with one of your favorite titles, consider their length, and use a timer to ease into the community. 

Players start with different strengths and improve at their own pace. Take notes, watch speedruns, start with easy skips, practice, read guides, and realize the steps you take don’t have to be big, they just need to take you in the right direction.

Traditional Speedrun Formats

• 100% run: Pick up every collectible in the game. In some instances, the community will decide what items and actions are required to reach 100%.
• 100% No Source Requirement: Players must collect every item in the game. However, items do not have to be obtained at their source, meaning players can use glitches to get everything.
• Any%: Finish the game regardless of % completion. Glitches may or may not be allowed.
• Low %: Complete the game with the lowest possible % completion. This format doesn’t work with every game.

Discover tactics, tricks, and tips at Games Done Quick. The semiannual speedrun charity marathon features every format and a variety of personalities. It’s a must-watch event for people with any% interest in gaming.

Alternative Speedrun Formats

The following can be combined with traditional formats to spice things up.

• Race: Two or more players compete to finish a game first.
• Randomizer: Players must randomly complete every section of the game.

• Crowd Control: Enables viewers to help or hinder speedruns by introducing items and enemies.
• Relay: Players cooperate to complete a game. Players take turns tackling specific sections or play together. There are also relay races.
• Warpless: Prevents skipping specific sections of the game

Tool-Assisted Speedrun (TAS)

Players use tools to execute frame perfect inputs and optimal actions. TAS help players find ways to improve their personal bests and provide excellent entertainment. Despite the assistance, these runs still require a lot of time and effort.

Cheating in Speedruns: Who was Caught and How?

Glory is great when won the right way. Retro explores the history of cheaters and tests how easy it is to get away with it.

YouTuber Apollo Legend examines 10 of the most infamous cheaters in speedrun history.

Speedrun World Record Progression Examples

YouTuber Summoning Salt produces excellent world run progressions and historical analysis. Enjoy in-depth looks at some of the most significant speedruns and learn more than just ways to improve your times.

This speedrun is not a lie, although the cake might be in Portal’s world record progression.

Join the Half-Life 2 community and witness the speedrun story behind one of the most beloved first-person shooters.

Mario Kart Wii features one of the craziest shortcuts. The world record shifted nearly twenty times in one day after its discovery.

Gotta go fast if you want to stay on top of the competition in one of the blue blur’s classic outings.

Top Ten Unluckiest Moments in Speedrunning

Speedrunning primarily relies on skill, but that doesn’t mean a little bit of luck isn’t required to ace the race against time.

Apollo Legend explains the significance and scenarios surrounding some of the unluckiest moments in speedrunning.

Top Ten Luckiest Moments in Speedrunning

Many viewers take great pleasure in the misfortunate of major runs, although good luck often brings spurs some of the best moments in speedrunning.

Top Ten Worst Chokes in Speedrunning

Remember that even the most successful speedrunners still make mistakes. Don’t feel discouraged if you’re struggling, since everyone does at one point or another.