Welcome back to the speedrunning roundup! This week’s highlights showcase incredible records, new talent, and events worth checking out. Let’s dive into what’s been buzzing on r/speedrun.
Records That Shook the Leaderboards
- Super Mario Bros. (Any%): The legendary Niftski continues to dominate with a 4:54.565 RTA world record, rivaling tool-assisted perfection. If you haven’t watched this historic run yet, check it out—it’s a masterclass in precision and skill.
- Ghosts ‘n Goblins NES (Any%, 2 Loops): Jay_cee crushed their previous time by 27 seconds, completing the grueling two loops in 16:32! This classic NES game isn’t for the faint of heart, making this achievement all the more impressive.
- Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions DS (Full Arsenal): User m1chael_b swung into the spotlight with a 21:22 world record, showcasing expert web-slinging and tight combat mechanics.
- Returnal (Any%): Cavecavecave posted a jaw-dropping 3:28.5 world record run, redefining the limits of this atmospheric roguelike.
- Neopets: The Darkest Faerie (Any%, Cloak): Cheyennehenderson1 celebrated their second world record with a stunning 36:20 run. Relive the nostalgia with this retro favorite.
Rising Stars to Watch
User fairlane35 sparked a great discussion about up-and-coming speedrunners to follow. If you’re looking for some inspiring grind sessions, here are a few notable mentions from the thread:
- Pidgey, who recently took the New Super Mario Bros. Wii 100% WR with a 2:54:27, shaving 28 seconds off the previous record.
- Dryxs, with a blazing 2:58 dashless Celeste run, proving you don’t need dashes to go fast.
Know a speedrunner who deserves recognition? Drop their name in the comments—your new favorite streamer might be grinding as we speak!
Community Events and Competitions
- Katanaut Speedrun Competition: If you’re a fan of fast-paced roguelites, check out the Katanaut Any% speedrun challenge. With a $500 prize and the chance to be immortalized as an in-game NPC or statue, this competition is too good to miss. Runs are open until February 2nd, so fire up the game and start slicing through those leaderboards!
- SpeeDons 5 Broadcast: Speedrunning fans worldwide can catch SpeeDons 5 on GamesDoneQuick (English), Germench (German), and Japanese_Restream (Japanese). A fantastic way to enjoy international speedrunning talent!
- NYC Metro IRL Marathon: Speedrunners from NY, NJ, and PA, take note! Yellowelevator815 is planning an in-person speedrun marathon in April 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting started, this is your chance to connect with like-minded gamers and showcase your favorite runs.
Must-Watch Content
- Super Mario Bros. TAS vs. RTA: Meester_Tweester produced an incredible video comparing Niftski’s RTA WR with TAS benchmarks. It’s a fascinating look at how human skill and tools converge in speedrunning.
- Peggle Extreme 100% Speedrun History: PoetryStud’s deep dive into this quirky Valve-themed crossover game is as entertaining as the runs themselves.
- The Best Blindfolded Speedruns of 2024: Bubzia, the blindfolded speedrunning legend, highlights jaw-dropping runs that redefine the concept of gaming mastery.
Curious Questions and Discussions
- Sockfolder’s Legacy: One user reflected on the contributions of Sockfolder, a speedrunning pioneer known for groundbreaking tricks in Ocarina of Time and Super Mario Sunshine. While inactive for years, their impact on the community remains monumental.
- RNG Cheating Theories: A thought-provoking discussion on whether “dummy runs” could disguise RNG manipulation. The consensus? While theoretically possible, the community’s scrutiny ensures cheaters rarely prosper.
- Perfect Score in SM64: Another user asked how the “perfect score” in Super Mario 64 is calculated. The thread dives into the complexities of optimizing runs while considering undiscovered glitches.
Final Thoughts
From jaw-dropping world records to grassroots community events, the speedrunning scene is as vibrant as ever. Whether you’re grinding for your next PB, tuning in to Twitch streams, or joining a speedrun competition, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Got a run you’re proud of or an event you want to promote? Share it in the comments, and let’s keep celebrating this amazing community. Until next week—keep going fast! 
Source: reddit.com