Master Speedrunning: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Speedrunning Games

Speedrunning games is an exhilarating and competitive activity that combines the thrill of gaming with the challenge of completing a game as quickly as possible. 

For those just getting started, this Beginners guide to Speedrunning Games will help you understand the fundamentals of speedrunning, from the basic concepts to advanced techniques. 

Whether you’re a casual gamer or a seasoned player, this guide will provide you with the tools, strategies, and insights you need to start your speedrunning journey.

Speedrunning isn’t just about finishing a game quickly; it’s about mastering the mechanics, learning tricks, and executing flawless runs. 

With this Beginners guide to Speedrunning Games, you’ll find everything you need to dive into the world of speedrunning, from choosing the right game to understanding key terminology and techniques. Ready to join the world of speedrunning? Let’s begin!

What is Speedrunning and Why Should You Try It?

In its simplest form, speedrunning is the act of completing a video game in the fastest time possible. 

This can involve using specific strategies, exploiting glitches, and optimizing every movement to shave seconds off the total playtime. Speedrunning often takes place within highly competitive communities, where players race against each other for world records. However, it also appeals to those who enjoy mastering every aspect of a game.

A Beginners guide to Speedrunning Games isn’t complete without understanding the different categories within speedrunning. From “Any%” runs, which aim to complete the game as fast as possible using any means necessary, to “100%” runs, which require players to complete every single objective in a game, there are multiple paths you can take on your journey.

Each category presents its own challenges, making speedrunning an exciting way to approach your favorite games.

Why Speedrunning is a Great Choice for Beginners?

If you’re new to speedrunning, it’s important to know why it’s such an appealing hobby for so many gamers. Here are a few reasons to consider:

• Improves Cognitive and Gaming Skills: Speedrunning requires quick thinking, precise movements, and a deep understanding of game mechanics. By practicing and optimizing your speedruns, you’ll naturally become a better gamer overall.
• Sense of Achievement: Every time you complete a game in a faster time, it’s an achievement. Progressing through speedrunning challenges and improving your personal best can provide a fulfilling sense of accomplishment.
• Join a Supportive Community: The speedrunning community is one of the most welcoming in the gaming world. With forums, Twitch streams, and events like Games Done Quick (GDQ), you’ll find endless opportunities to learn from others, share strategies, and be a part of an active, enthusiastic group.
• Competitive Edge: Even as a beginner, you’ll be part of a global competition. Watching other speedrunners and competing against them can ignite a drive for excellence and improvement.

How Speedrunning Works: Key Concepts Every Beginner Should Know?

Understanding how speedruns are timed is essential for tracking progress and measuring success. There are two primary types of speedrun timing:

• In-Game Time (IGT): This measures the actual time spent playing the game, excluding load times and cutscenes. It’s used primarily for shorter games where the focus is on how efficiently you can complete specific objectives.
• Real-Time Attack (RTA): This timing method accounts for the total time from the start of the game to the finish, including loading screens, cutscenes, and other interruptions. RTA is typically used for longer games or when the goal is to complete the entire game.

In your Beginners guide to Speedrunning Games, understanding these timing methods will help you set realistic goals and track your performance accurately. Some speedruns will focus on IGT for precise gameplay comparisons, while others, particularly RPGs or open-world games, will use RTA to account for the entire experience.

Types of Speedruns You Can Participate In

When starting out with speedrunning, it’s essential to understand the categories available, each with its own level of complexity. Here are the most common categories you’ll encounter:

• Any%: This category aims to finish the game as fast as possible, using any method or glitch that shortens the playtime. It’s often the most competitive category, allowing for a wide range of strategies and tricks.
• 100%: In this category, players are required to complete every aspect of the game, whether that means collecting all items, completing side quests, or defeating every boss. This category takes more time but offers a satisfying challenge for completionists.
• Glitchless: This category forbids the use of any glitches or exploits, allowing only legitimate gameplay techniques. It’s an excellent choice for beginners looking to practice basic strategies without relying on bugs.
• No Major Glitches (NMG): This allows minor glitches but restricts major game-breaking bugs. It strikes a balance between the purity of glitchless runs and the efficiency of more advanced techniques.

Getting Started with Speedrunning Games

Choosing the right game is a crucial first step. Consider these tips to help you pick your starting game:

• Familiarity: Pick a game you already enjoy or are familiar with. This will make the learning process smoother, as you won’t need to spend time understanding the game mechanics from scratch.
• Length: It’s best to start with shorter games. These can be completed in under an hour, which is ideal for beginners who want to focus on perfecting their speedrun without committing to longer playthroughs.
• Community Support: Opt for games that have a strong speedrunning community. Established communities offer tons of resources, from detailed guides to helpful forums, where you can find tips, tricks, and support as you improve your speedrun.

Here’s a table of beginner-friendly games and their characteristics:

Essential Tools for Speedrunners

As a beginner, having the right tools will significantly enhance your experience. Here are some essential tools you’ll need:

• Timer Software: Tools like LiveSplit are essential for timing your runs. They help you track your progress and compare your runs to your previous best times. LiveSplit also has built-in features like automatic split tracking for different levels or segments.
• Recording Software: OBS Studio is widely used by speedrunners for recording and streaming their runs. It’s a free, reliable option that allows you to review your performance and share your speedruns with others.
• Hardware: Speedrunning doesn’t require a high-end gaming setup, but comfort and precision are key. Whether you use a controller or a keyboard, make sure you have equipment that feels comfortable for long runs.

Speedrunning Techniques: Mastering the Basics

To become proficient at speedrunning, you need to optimize your gameplay. Here’s how to improve your speedrunning strategies:

• Optimal Pathing: Learn the most efficient route for completing the game. Skip unnecessary sections of the game to save time. As a beginner, focusing on optimizing the main objectives can help you improve your time quickly.
• Movement Techniques: Speedrunning requires precision. Mastering advanced movement techniques such as quick jumps, boosts, and dashes will significantly reduce your overall time.

Common Glitches and Tricks in Speedruns

Mastering glitches and tricks is a key part of speedrunning. Here are some of the most common techniques:

• Sequence Breaks: Skip parts of the game to save time, often by exploiting unintended bugs.
• Clipping: Move through walls or barriers to bypass large sections of the game.
• Fast Travel: Use fast travel glitches to skip long distances and reduce time spent traveling in open-world games.

Takeaways

Now that you’ve explored this Beginners guide to Speedrunning Games, you’re well-equipped to start your own speedrunning adventure. Whether you’re tackling short, easy-to-learn games or jumping into more complex titles, there’s always room for improvement.

Keep practicing, engage with the community, and above all, have fun as you master the art of speedrunning.

Remember, every great speedrunner started as a beginner. With patience, determination, and the right strategies, you’ll be well on your way to achieving impressive times and possibly even setting new world records. Happy running!