In the world of gaming, there is a niche community that takes gaming to an entirely different level — speedrunning. Speedrunners aim to complete games as quickly as possible, often using complex strategies, glitches, and precise execution to shave off every possible second. But what drives someone to spend hundreds of hours perfecting a single run, and what makes speedrunning so captivating?

What is Speedrunning?

Speedrunning is the act of completing a video game as quickly as possible, often competing for world record times. While most players enjoy exploring games at their own pace, speedrunners are laser-focused on optimizing every aspect of the game to achieve the fastest time. There are different categories of speedruns, ranging from “any%” runs, where the goal is to simply beat the game as fast as possible, to “100%” runs, which require completing every objective in the game.

The Appeal of Speedrunning

For many speedrunners, the appeal lies in the challenge. Speedrunning requires an incredible level of precision, memorization, and quick decision-making. Players must learn the game inside and out, discovering new techniques, shortcuts, and glitches that can give them an edge.

There’s also a deep sense of accomplishment that comes with setting a new personal best or world record. Speedrunning isn’t just about playing games fast — it’s about mastering them. The process of perfecting a run, learning new strategies, and overcoming difficult sections of the game can be incredibly rewarding.

Popular Games in the Speedrunning Community

Some games lend themselves particularly well to speedrunning due to their mechanics or the presence of exploitable glitches. Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Dark Souls are just a few examples of games that have large speedrunning communities. These games are popular because they offer a variety of techniques and routes that speedrunners can use to optimize their runs.

Glitches and Tricks

One of the most fascinating aspects of speedrunning is the use of glitches and exploits. Speedrunners often discover ways to “break” the game, bypassing intended obstacles or skipping large portions of the game. For example, in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, a glitch called “Wrong Warp” allows players to skip straight to the final boss battle, saving hours of gameplay.

These glitches aren’t always easy to execute. Many require precise inputs and timing, adding an extra layer of complexity to the speedrun. The discovery and refinement of these techniques are part of what makes the speedrunning community so dynamic.

The Speedrunning Community

Speedrunning isn’t just a solo pursuit — it’s also a highly collaborative activity. Players share strategies, routes, and techniques with one another, often helping others improve their times. Online platforms like Twitch and YouTube have become popular places for speedrunners to showcase their runs and interact with their communities.

Events like Games Done Quick (GDQ), a bi-annual charity event, bring speedrunners together to perform live runs in front of thousands of viewers. These events not only raise millions of dollars for charity but also celebrate the skill and dedication of speedrunners.

Conclusion

Speedrunning is a unique and fascinating subculture within gaming. It combines precision, strategy, and a deep understanding of game mechanics to create something entirely different from traditional play. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a competitive player, there’s something mesmerizing about watching a speedrunner complete a game in record time — it’s a true art form in the world of gaming.