How to Speedrun Your Favorite Game and Break Records

Speedrunning is a unique way to experience video games, pushing the limits of skill, strategy, and dedication. It involves completing a game as quickly as possible, often using glitches, precise movements, and deep knowledge of game mechanics. If you’ve ever wanted to try speedrunning your favorite game and aim for a record, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to get started.

Choose the Right Game and Category

Not every game is equally suited for speedrunning, so start by picking one you enjoy and know well. Familiarity with the game’s mechanics, levels, and potential shortcuts will give you a strong foundation. Research the speedrunning community for your chosen game on platforms like Speedrun.com to see if it has an active scene. Look at the different categories available—such as Any% (completing the game as fast as possible by any means) or 100% (completing all content)—and decide which one interests you most. Some categories may be more accessible for beginners, while others require advanced techniques.

Once you’ve chosen a game and category, watch top runs to understand the strategies and routes used by the best players. Take notes on their approaches and identify areas where you can practice specific skills.

Master the Mechanics and Learn the Route

Speedrunning is about efficiency, so you need to master the game’s core mechanics. This could mean perfecting jumps, optimizing movement, or learning how to exploit glitches if they’re allowed in your category. Spend time practicing individual sections of the game to build muscle memory and consistency.

Next, study the optimal route for your chosen category. A route is the planned path through the game, including which items to collect, enemies to avoid, and shortcuts to take. Many speedrunning communities share detailed guides or videos breaking down routes. Follow these at first, but don’t be afraid to experiment as you gain experience—you might discover a new trick or time-saving method.

Use Tools and Resources

To track your progress and improve, use tools designed for speedrunning. A timer, such as LiveSplit, is essential for measuring your runs and comparing them to personal bests or world records. Set up splits—checkpoints within the game—to see where you’re losing or gaining time. Recording your runs is also important, both for submission to leaderboards and for reviewing your mistakes. Simple software like OBS Studio can help with this.

Join online communities on Discord, Reddit, or forums specific to your game. These spaces are invaluable for asking questions, sharing tips, and staying updated on the latest strategies. Many experienced runners are happy to help newcomers, so don’t hesitate to engage.

Practice with Patience and Analyze Your Runs

Speedrunning is a long-term commitment that requires patience. Your first attempts will likely be far from perfect, and that’s normal. Focus on small improvements with each run, whether it’s shaving off a few seconds or nailing a tricky section. Consistency is more important than speed at the start—build a solid foundation before pushing for record times.

After each run, review your footage to identify mistakes or inefficiencies. Did you miss a jump? Take a suboptimal path? Lose time to a random enemy? Pinpointing these issues helps you know what to work on next. Keep a log of your times and notes to track progress over weeks or months.

Submit Your Record and Keep Improving

Once you’ve achieved a competitive time, consider submitting it to a leaderboard like Speedrun.com. Follow the submission guidelines for your game, which often include providing video evidence and details about your run. Even if your time isn’t a world record, getting on the leaderboard is a rewarding milestone and motivates you to keep pushing.

Remember that speedrunning is an evolving pursuit. New tricks and strategies are discovered all the time, so stay connected with the community and adapt to changes. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or a world record, the journey of refining your skills and deepening your understanding of a game is what makes speedrunning so engaging. Keep practicing, stay curious, and enjoy the process.