Are you a video game enthusiast looking to take your skills to the next level? Do you want to beat your favorite game in record time? If so, then speedrunning might be the perfect challenge for you! In this article, we will go over some tips and tricks that will help you master the art of speedrun.
What is Speedrunning?
Speedrunning is the art of completing a video game as quickly as possible. It's a popular activity among gamers who want to challenge themselves and compete against others. There are many different types of speedruns, including any%, which involves completing the game as quickly as possible, and 100%, which involves completing the game with all objectives and collectibles.
Tip #1: Study the Game
The first step to mastering the art of speedrun is to study the game you want to run. You need to know everything about the game, including the mechanics, the glitches, and the shortcuts. Watch other players' speedruns, read guides, and practice the game until you know it inside and out.
For example, if you're speedrunning Super Mario Bros., you need to know all the different types of jumps, how to perform wall jumps, and how to use the warp zones to skip levels. Knowing the game inside and out will help you find the fastest route through the game and help you avoid mistakes.
Tip #2: Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice makes perfect, and this is especially true for speedrunning. You need to practice the game over and over again until you can complete it flawlessly. Start by practicing individual sections of the game and then move on to full runs. Keep track of your times and try to beat them every time you play.
For example, if you're speedrunning The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, you need to practice each dungeon individually until you can complete them quickly and efficiently. Then you can start practicing the full run, making sure to optimize your route and use glitches and shortcuts.
Tip #3: Use Glitches and Shortcuts
One of the keys to speedrunning is using glitches and shortcuts to skip parts of the game. Glitches are unintended bugs in the game that can be exploited to gain an advantage. Shortcuts are paths through the game that are faster than the normal route. Learn as many glitches and shortcuts as possible and use them to your advantage.
For example, in the speedrun of Super Mario 64, there is a glitch called the "BLJ" (Backwards Long Jump) that allows you to skip entire sections of the game. Learning this glitch is essential to completing the game quickly.
Tip #4: Optimize Your Route
In addition to using glitches and shortcuts, you need to optimize your route through the game. This means finding the fastest path through the game that includes all the objectives and collectibles. You may need to experiment with different routes and strategies to find the most efficient one.
For example, in the speedrun of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, there are many different routes you can take to complete the game quickly. Some routes involve completing the main story objectives as quickly as possible, while others involve collecting all the necessary items and completing all the side quests.
Tip #5: Stay Focused
Speedrunning requires intense focus and concentration. You need to be able to perform the same actions over and over again without making mistakes. This means staying focused and avoiding distractions. Turn off your phone, close your door, and eliminate any other distractions that might interfere with your concentration.
For example, if you're speedrunning a game like Dark Souls, you need to be able to dodge enemy attacks and perform complex maneuvers without making mistakes. Any distraction can cause you to make a mistake and lose valuable time.
Tip #6: Take Breaks
While staying focused is important, it's also important to take breaks. Speedrunning can be mentally and physically exhausting, and taking breaks can help you stay fresh and focused. Take a short break every hour or so to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, or grab a snack.
For example, if you're speedrunning a game like Final Fantasy VII, which can take several hours to complete, taking breaks can help you stay focused and avoid burnout.
Tip #7: Don't Give Up
Speedrunning can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to beat your personal best time. Don't give up! Keep practicing, keep studying the game, and keep trying new strategies and routes. With enough dedication and hard work, you can become a master speedrunner.
For example, if you're speedrunning a game like Mega Man X, which requires precise timing and execution, it can be easy to get discouraged when you make mistakes. But with enough practice and determination, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your goals.
Final Thoughts
Speedrunning is a challenging and rewarding activity that requires a lot of dedication and hard work. By studying the game, practicing, using glitches and shortcuts, optimizing your route, staying focused, taking breaks, and not giving up, you can master the art of speedrun. So what are you waiting for? Grab your controller and start practicing!
Remember, the key to success in speedrunning is to have fun and enjoy the challenge. With enough practice and determination, you can achieve your goals and become a master speedrunner.