Author: johlits

Welcome to this week’s speedrunning recap! From record-breaking feats to community-driven initiatives, here are the biggest highlights from the past seven days in the world of speedrunning.

Preserving Speedrunning History Amid Twitch ToS Changes

With Twitch’s recent ToS updates, many speedrunners have been concerned about losing archived runs that were submitted using Twitch highlights. In response, Matse007 and the community have developed the SpeedrunRescueScript, a tool designed to archive speedrun submissions from speedrun.com that use Twitch highlights. This robust and customizable script allows runners to download videos, track at-risk runs, and maintain a historical record of speedrunning achievements. You can check out the tool here.

World Record Breakthroughs

This week saw several impressive world record (WR) achievements across various games:

• Super Mario 64 (70 Star, Blindfolded) – Bubzia set a new WR with a time of 1:22:10, demonstrating an astonishing level of memorization and execution.
• Final Fantasy VII (Any% PSX) – Zheal completed the run in 5:15:55, pushing the limits of optimization in the category.
• Returnal (Any% Glitchless NG+) – A new WR was set for PC speedruns of Returnal.
• Mortal Kombat Trilogy (Sub-Zero) – Dark_Tenka achieved a WR time of 7:52.
• Batman: Arkham Anthology (100%) – ShikenNuggets completed all four Arkham games in an incredible 19:02:10.

Blindfolded Super Mario 64 – A Feat of Unbelievable Skill

Bubzia’s WR run in blindfolded Super Mario 64 (70 Star) left the community in awe. But what’s even more mind-blowing? Bubzia has previously completed a 120-star blindfolded run! Players experimenting with blindfolded gaming shared their frustrations, with one user struggling to complete even the first level of Doom despite knowing the maps by heart. Bubzia continues to redefine what’s possible in speedrunning.

Documenting Speedrunning History: Donkey Kong 64 & Hollow Knight

For those interested in the rich history of speedrunning, two must-watch videos surfaced this week:

• The King of Donkey Kong 64 – 101% World Record History (Part 2) – Bismuth dives deep into the evolution of WRs in DK64.
• World Record History of Hollow Knight (Any% NMG) – A fascinating breakdown of how speedrunners have optimized Hollow Knight over time.

The Art of TAS – Wind Waker’s Barrier Skip

A new Tool-Assisted Speedrun (TAS) of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker showcases an astonishing No Barrier Skip in just two pauses, breaking expectations of what’s humanly possible. The community remains eager to see if this technique will lead to new real-time speedrunning strategies.

Speedrunning Events: SpeeDons & BSG Plus 2025

• SpeeDons 5: The largest French speedrunning marathon kicks off this week, running non-stop from Thursday to Sunday.
• BSG Plus 2025: The Benelux Speedrunner Gathering is underway in Utrecht, raising money for mental health charity MIND. The event runs until March 1st.

Both events are featuring an array of top-tier speedruns, charity fundraising, and community gatherings!

Perfect Speedruns – Are Some WRs Unbeatable?

A thought-provoking discussion surfaced this week: How many WRs exist that will likely never be broken unless a new strategy is discovered? Community members pointed to legendary runs such as the 5.57s in Dragster and 4:54 in Super Mario Bros., questioning if they represent the absolute limits of human capability.

Upcoming Challenges – Speedrun & Win €800!

For those looking to test their skills competitively, the ChromaGun 2 Demo: Speedrun Challenge Any% has launched, offering prizes up to €800 for the fastest completions. If you’re interested, check out speedrun.pixel-maniacs.com for more details.

Final Thoughts

From major WRs to community initiatives, this week has been packed with excitement in the speedrunning world. If you’re passionate about preserving speedrun history, consider using the SpeedrunRescueScript to archive your runs. And if you’re looking for inspiration, Bubzia’s blindfolded runs and the latest WR histories are must-sees!

Stay fast, stay optimized, and see you next week for more speedrunning highlights!

Source: reddit.com

Welcome to this week’s speedrunning roundup! From record-breaking performances to exciting community projects, there’s a lot to cover. Let’s dive in!

NBA Skills Challenge: CP3 and Wemby Unveil a New Route

In a surprising turn of events, the NBA Skills Challenge has become the latest frontier for speedrunners. Chris Paul (CP3) and Victor Wembanyama (Wemby) debuted a new route that shaved crucial seconds off the previous record. The refined path prioritizes efficiency and optimal movement through the drill’s obstacles. While speedrunning isn’t traditionally associated with basketball, this highlights how the mindset of optimization can be applied to anything!

Super Mario 64 Blindfolded 1-Star WR: 11:24

Bubzia, a well-known blindfolded speedrunner, has done it again! This time, they achieved an 11:24 run in Super Mario 64’s 1-Star category while completely blindfolded. The level of memorization and execution required is staggering, proving once again that the human brain can be just as powerful as any tool-assisted speedrun (TAS) when trained properly.

Twitch Storage Changes Coming in 2025

Big news for speedrun content creators: Twitch announced a 100-hour storage limit for Highlights and Uploads starting April 19, 2025. Any channel exceeding this cap will have their least-viewed videos deleted automatically. This could pose challenges for the speedrunning community, as many old and historic runs may be at risk of being lost. If you have valuable runs stored, consider backing them up to YouTube or another platform!

Zelda: Twilight Princess Decompilation Needs You!

A call for help has gone out from the Zelda: Twilight Princess decompilation project. The team is working on fully breaking down the game’s code, which could lead to major discoveries in the speedrunning scene. Any potential sequence breaks or unintended mechanics found in the game’s internals could drastically shorten the current Any% time of 2 hours and 48 minutes. If you know C++ and have an interest in breaking the game open, now is the perfect time to contribute!

Breath of the Wild Any% WR: 23:01

Player 5 has achieved yet another world record in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, bringing the Any% time down to 23:01. The run showcases masterful execution of movement glitches, combat strategies, and advanced routing. With this milestone reached, many are wondering if a sub-23-minute run is possible.

Elden Ring TAS: 2:26 Any% Run

A new TAS (Tool-Assisted Speedrun) of Elden Ring using zips and other exploits has clocked in at an astonishing 2 minutes and 26 seconds. While TAS runs are optimized beyond human capabilities, they often inspire real-time strategies that can push the boundaries of what’s possible in live speedrunning.

Best Hypermovement Glitches? A Deep Dive

A discussion has emerged about the best hypermovement glitches in gaming history. From Half-Life 2’s Accelerated Backwards Hopping (ABH) to Trackmania’s insane physics exploits, speedrunners have always found ways to push games to their limits. The conversation also highlighted famous glitches like Super Mario 64’s Backwards Long Jump (BLJ) and Doom’s railboosting.

Harvest Moon Speedrunning Marathon is Live

For the ninth consecutive year, the Harvest Moon speedrunning community is hosting its annual marathon! While not as fast-paced as other categories, these runs showcase incredible routing and optimization in farming mechanics. If you’re looking for a relaxing yet engaging speedrun event, this one is worth checking out.

Diablo Speedrun Debunked by Hackers

In a wild turn of events, a group of Diablo hackers helped uncover a fraudulent speedrun claim. After analyzing the footage and game mechanics, they proved that the supposed record was manipulated. This serves as a reminder that speedrunning is built on trust and verification, and the community remains vigilant in preserving the integrity of the leaderboards.

That’s it for this week’s speedrunning highlights! Whether you’re setting records, optimizing routes, or just watching incredible runs, the speedrunning community continues to push the limits of what’s possible in gaming. Until next time, happy running!

Source: reddit.com

Welcome to another weekly roundup of the biggest and most exciting moments from the speedrunning community! From groundbreaking world records to fascinating discussions, here’s what made waves this week.

A Historic First: Sub-2 Minute Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! Fight

The legendary Summoning Salt has done it again! This week, the first-ever sub-2-minute Mike Tyson fight in Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! was achieved with a stunning time of 1:59.97. This milestone, breaking the two-minute barrier, cements Summoning Salt’s place in speedrunning history. If you haven’t seen the run yet, it’s a must-watch!

Cheating in Speedrunning: A Master’s Thesis?

A fascinating discussion emerged when a criminal justice student stumbled upon a thesis from Christopher Brewer—written in 2017—about cheating in speedrunning. The discovery sparked conversation about how speedrunning intersects with topics like trust and rule enforcement, making it a unique academic subject. If you’re curious, Brewer’s work is available through Google Scholar for further reading.

TAS Madness: Balatro’s “Maximum Score” Run in Under 6 Minutes

Tool-Assisted Speedruns (TAS) continue to push the limits of what’s possible. This week, Balatro saw a mind-blowing TAS run achieving a “maximum score” in just 5 minutes and 48.23 seconds. If you love the precision and strategy of a well-executed TAS, this run is a technical marvel.

$500 Bounty for The Ascent Any% WR

If you’ve ever wanted to get into speedrunning The Ascent, now is the perfect time! A $500 bounty has been put up for the world record holder of The Ascent Any% by March 31st. The game’s current speedrunning scene is still developing, so this bounty serves as an excellent incentive for new players to get involved and push the meta forward.

Blindfolded Speedrunning Spotlight: Bubzia Documentary

Blindfolded speedrunning continues to amaze audiences, and this week a new documentary by The Great Big Story highlights Bubzia, a blindfolded speedrunner who has pulled off some of the most impressive no-vision feats in gaming. His dedication and skill make for an inspiring story worth checking out.

More Records: Final Fantasy VII, Super Mario World, and More!

World records continue to be broken at an astonishing pace. Some standout runs from this week include:

• Final Fantasy VII – Snowboarding Cool% WR at 1:07.018
• Super Mario World 95 Exit No Cape WR at 1:24:58.833
• Pole Vault WR at 1:49, set by a developer who decided to speedrun their own game!

Anime Speedrun Festival 2025 Announced

Attention anime game fans! The Anime Speedrun Festival 2025 is officially open for submissions until March 23rd. The event, happening in May, showcases speedruns of games based on anime properties like Bleach, One Piece, and Demon Slayer. If you’ve got a favorite anime game, now’s your chance to submit a run and be part of this unique event.

Why Does NTSC and PAL Run Differently?

A discussion post this week revisited an age-old question: Why do NTSC and PAL versions of games run at different speeds? The short answer is that PAL consoles operate at 50Hz, making games run at 5/6th the speed of their NTSC counterparts, which run at 60Hz. This difference has led to fascinating speedrun category splits and debates over which versions of games are optimal for speedrunning.

That’s all for this week’s speedrunning highlights! From record-breaking feats to deep discussions, the community never stops pushing the boundaries of gaming. See you next week for more updates from the speedrunning world!

Source: reddit.com

Welcome back to another edition of the Weekly Speedrun Roundup! This week has been packed with groundbreaking discoveries, insane world records, and important updates for the speedrunning community. Let’s dive in!

Breaking the Donkey Kong Kill Screen

After 44 years, it turns out that the infamous Donkey Kong kill screen isn’t actually the end of the game! A player has discovered a way to bypass the long-assumed limit, opening up new possibilities for high-score attempts and potential speedrun strategies. This revelation has sparked discussions across the community, with players and historians alike re-examining the classic arcade title.

Kosmic also covered this breakthrough in a video, diving into what this means for Donkey Kong’s competitive scene. The discovery has already reignited interest in high-score attempts, and we may see a resurgence in DK runs as people attempt to push the game beyond its perceived limits.

Super Metroid Speedruns Hit New Heights

Super Metroid continues to dominate the speedrunning scene with two incredible new records:

• ShinyZeni achieved an Any% world record of 40:22, pushing the classic run to new levels of optimization.
• Zoast set a new Any% in-game time record of 0:26, proving once again why they are one of the top Super Metroid runners in the world.

These runs showcase the ongoing refinement of movement, routing, and execution in one of speedrunning’s most revered titles.

Splits.io Shutting Down

In a major loss for the community, Splits.io will be shutting down on March 31, 2025. The site has been an essential tool for tracking and analyzing speedrun splits, and its absence will leave a void for many runners. If you haven’t already, make sure to back up your splits and explore alternative tools before the shutdown.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Speedrunning Scene Explodes

Baldur’s Gate 3 speedrunners have been setting records left and right, with multiple new WRs posted this week:

• Honour Mode (No Major Glitches): 37:54.45 by Kinslayer817
• Explorer Mode (No Major Glitches): 35:34.39 by Kinslayer817
• Honour Mode (No Major Glitches) WR Updated: 35:05.79 by Kinslayer817 (just hours before this post!)

The BG3 speedrunning scene is rapidly evolving, and it’s exciting to see new strategies emerge in this deep RPG.

Crash Team Racing 101% World Record: First Sub-2 Hour Run

Hypnoshark has made history by achieving the first-ever sub-2 hour run in Crash Team Racing 101% with a time of 1:59:42. This incredible feat improved the previous record by nearly 50 seconds, setting a new standard for CTR runners.

Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers 2 and Mortal Kombat II WRs

• Chip ‘n Dale 2 Any%: 14:15 WR by One-Personality4854
• Mortal Kombat II (Arcade) – Sub-Zero: 7:30 WR by Dark_Tenka
• Mortal Kombat II (Arcade) – Johnny Cage: 7:43 WR by Dark_Tenka

New Time-Saving Glitch in Watch Dogs: Legion

A brand-new glitch called Fabere’s Call has been discovered in Watch Dogs: Legion, saving a full minute in certain categories. This has the potential to shake up the game’s speedrunning scene, and runners are already testing new routes to maximize its efficiency.

Upcoming Events & Community Highlights

• No Glitches Allowed 2025: Submissions are open! If you have a glitchless speedrun you’d like to showcase, now’s your chance to apply.
• Little Nightmares Speedrun Race: A group of runners is organizing a friendly race for Little Nightmares 1 in mid-February. All skill levels are welcome!
• GDQ Couch Commentary Requests: A thread is gaining traction discussing the best GDQ runs featuring JHobz and SpikeVegeta on commentary. If you’re a fan of insightful and entertaining commentary, be sure to check out the recommendations.

Security Alert: Oengus Password Reset Recommended

Oengus, a site used for speedrun event scheduling, has issued a critical security alert. All users are strongly advised to change their passwords and reset 2FA to protect their accounts.

Conclusion

This week has been filled with historic moments and rapid developments across multiple games. Whether it’s breaking decade-old barriers in Donkey Kong, optimizing RPG runs, or discovering new glitches, the speedrunning community continues to push gaming to its absolute limits.

Stay tuned for more updates next week, and as always—happy running!

Source: reddit.com

Welcome to this week’s speedrunning recap, where we cover the biggest news, milestones, and records from the speedrunning community. Let’s dive into the highlights!

Summoning Salt Hits 2 Million Subscribers

A huge congratulations to Summoning Salt, one of the most beloved content creators in the speedrunning scene, for reaching 2 million subscribers on YouTube! His in-depth speedrun history videos have introduced countless people to the world of speedrunning, breaking down world record progressions with exceptional storytelling and analysis. It’s a well-deserved milestone, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!

Can a Human Ever Truly Tie a TAS?

A discussion this week explored whether any game allows a human to match a Tool-Assisted Speedrun (TAS) perfectly. While Super Mario Bros. has been inching closer, a true tie remains elusive. Games with deterministic movement and simple mechanics, like early arcade games, might come closest, but the conversation remains open—are there any games where humans can match a TAS from start to finish?

40 Hours of Zelda Speedruns

This past weekend, a massive Zelda marathon took place on Twitch, featuring back-to-back 100% glitchless runs of seven Zelda titles. While not an attempt at world records, the event was a celebration of The Legend of Zelda’s legacy and the endurance required for long-form speedrunning. Hats off to the runner for tackling such an ambitious challenge!

F-ZERO’s 10-Year-Old World Record

An incredible milestone was reached in F-ZERO history as the Mute City 1 world record, set a decade ago, remains unbroken. This achievement highlights how optimized and difficult this particular speedrun has become. Will someone eventually dethrone this record, or is it truly at its peak?

Mario Kart 8 Wii U – Another WR for the GOAT

Alberto, a dominant force in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe time trials, secured yet another world record—this time in the Wii U version on SNES Donut Plains 3 with a time of 1:13.365. This further cements his reputation as one of the greatest time trial players in the game’s history.

Speed4 TLC Marathon for Trans Rights

The upcoming Speed4 TLC marathon (Feb 28 – Mar 2) aims to raise funds for the Transgender Law Center. Runner and volunteer applications are currently open, so if you’re interested in supporting a great cause through speedrunning, now’s your chance to get involved!

Might & Magic VII Any% WR by Xenoras

Xenoras secured their first major world record in Might & Magic VII’s Any% No Major Glitches category, finishing in 39:04. This was achieved through an entirely new riskier route, shaving 29 seconds off the previous best time. Xenoras aims to push for a sub-38-minute run—best of luck!

Balatro Set Seed WR: Sub-1:20 Achieved!

A new milestone was reached in Balatro, with a Set Seed Plasma deck run clocking in at 1:19.699. This record may not last long if a better seed emerges, but for now, it’s a testament to skill, precision, and a bit of luck!

Are Games Designed for Speedrunning Missing the Point?

A thought-provoking discussion emerged about games explicitly made for speedrunning. Some feel these games remove the organic, unintended exploits that define the spirit of speedrunning, making them more akin to challenge runners. Others argue they offer a different but equally rewarding skill set. What do you think?

UKSG Red & Other Weekend Speedrunning Events

UKSG Red was another highlight this past weekend, raising funds for Crisis charity while showcasing incredible speedrunning talent. Meanwhile, the community also tuned into various other streams, including new PBs in Celeste, Super Monkey Ball records, and a Star Wars Battlefront 2 speedrun.

Looking Ahead

As February approaches, speedrunning continues to push boundaries. With upcoming marathons, record grinds, and milestone celebrations, there’s always something exciting happening. Keep an eye on new strategies, record attempts, and major events in the coming weeks!

That’s it for this week’s recap—see you next time!

Source: reddit.com

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

This past week, Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) 2025 wrapped up its 15th annual event, leaving a profound impact on the gaming and charity communities alike. Raising a staggering $2,556,305 for the Prevent Cancer Foundation (PCF), the event continues to showcase the power of speedrunning for good. Here’s a recap of the highlights that defined the week.

A Historic Milestone

AGDQ 2025 not only smashed its own records but also pushed the total raised by Games Done Quick events to over $54 million for various charities. This includes more than $26 million for PCF since the organization’s inception. It’s a testament to the dedication of the runners, organizers, and community that this milestone was achieved.

Unforgettable Runs

From nail-biting races to unique performances, AGDQ 2025 delivered countless memorable moments. Here are just a few highlights:

1. Super Metroid Map Randomizer Race
   A thrilling 4-way race featuring runners Andy, Oatsngoats, Eddie, and Imyt captivated viewers, ending with less than a one-second difference between first and second place. The iconic “Save the Animals” moment added to the excitement.
2. Crazy Taxi with a Live Band
   The run by Chuckles825, backed by the energetic live music of Limiter Cut, brought an electric atmosphere to the marathon. This innovative combination of gameplay and live performance became a fan-favorite.
3. Elden Ring Lockout Bingo
   The Adef vs. Captain_Domo race, complemented by commentary from Mitchriz and Xendir, delivered edge-of-your-seat action. A close encounter with the Red Bear boss made this a standout run.
4. Kaizo Mario Bros 3
   Pure skill and creativity defined this awe-inspiring showcase, reminding viewers why Kaizo runs remain a staple of the event.
5. Super Mario World 96 Exit Race
   DrMechaKitten’s record-breaking individual donation of $43,690 during this run exemplified the generosity that fuels GDQ.
6. The Music Block
   Innovative runs featuring music-controlled gameplay, like the Saxophone Elden Ring Boss Rush and the piano-run New Super Mario Bros Wii, wowed audiences with creativity and talent.

Community Love

From the runners to the production team, and the viewers to the donors, everyone played a crucial role in making AGDQ 2025 a success. Special shoutouts include:

• Sent, stepping into his new role as Director of Programming after years as the “prize wizard.”
• ZFG1, whose The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time No Logic Randomizer run raised over $350,000 and cemented his legacy as a GDQ icon.
• The Viewers, whose enthusiasm and generosity made every milestone possible.

Room for Improvement

While AGDQ 2025 was a triumph, some areas sparked discussions:

• Item Trackers in Randomizer Races
  A lack of on-screen item trackers in the Super Metroid Map Randomizer Race made it challenging to follow the action. Suggestions for improved UI could enhance the viewing experience in future events.

Looking Ahead

The speedrunning community doesn’t rest for long. Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:

• Back to Black (Feb 6–9, 2025)
• Frost Fatales (March 9–16, 2025)
• Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ 2025) (July 6–12, 2025) in Minneapolis, MN, raising funds for Doctors Without Borders.

Missed a Run? Catch the VODs!

Whether you’re reliving the hype or catching up on what you missed, the AGDQ 2025 VOD list is your portal to a week of unforgettable speedrunning. Check out your favorite runs or explore new ones today!

AGDQ 2025 proved once again that speedrunning is more than just a hobby—it’s a force for good. To everyone involved: thank you for your passion, your generosity, and your drive to make a difference. See you at the next GDQ!

Source: reddit.com

Welcome to this week’s speedrunning recap! It’s been a massive week for the speedrunning community, with Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) 2025 taking center stage. From record-breaking donations to jaw-dropping performances, here’s everything you need to know.

AGDQ 2025: Over $1 Million Raised for Charity

AGDQ 2025 kicked off in style, quickly smashing through the $1,000,000 milestone for the Prevent Cancer Foundation. The final push came during the Chunithm Luminos Plus Arcade Showcase, where the energy in both the venue and the chat was electric. With more runs to come, the community is now aiming for $1.5 million and beyond.

Thorebane, our beloved GDQ stats enthusiast, summed it up best: “Nice one, all! Let’s go for our next target!” If you missed it live, catch the replay for all the hype moments.

World Records and Iconic Runs

This week also saw some incredible world records and unforgettable performances:

• Niftski claimed the Super Mario Bros. Any% world record with an astounding 4:54.565. The precision and skill on display were breathtaking, further cementing his place as one of the best in the scene.
• WES delivered a mind-blowing run of New Super Mario Bros. Any%—while playing piano! The combination of gameplay and live music earned a standing ovation, capped off with a blindfolded 1-1 level run.

Must-Watch Runs from AGDQ 2025

This year’s event has already featured some legendary performances:

• Linkus7 showcased The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, bringing a decade of expertise to the table. His commentary and banter with EJ125 and Pippyinatophat kept viewers entertained throughout.
• Spikevegeta made waves with his Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze run. With his charisma and top-tier gameplay, Spike proved why he’s a GDQ icon.
• Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando by Xem92 was a perfect blend of skill and humor, complete with an opera performance by Xem that left everyone in stitches.

If you’re short on time, these runs are essential viewing.

Discussions in the Community

The speedrunning community has also been abuzz with debates and insights:

• Incentives Controversy: Some fans are voicing frustration over “all or nothing” donation incentives, where runs or extra content are only unlocked if a target amount is met. While these incentives drive donations, missing the mark can leave viewers disappointed.
• Two Hosts Dynamic: Many praised the addition of dual hosts this year, allowing for smoother commentary and better audience engagement.

Lighter Moments at AGDQ

Of course, no AGDQ is complete without its share of quirky and hilarious moments:

• “Stop Grandma, NO, WRONG HOLE GRANDMA!!” became an instant meme thanks to the chaotic Golf With Your Grandmother Awful Block run.
• The Batman Forever Arcade run left viewers more confused than ever, with the runner opting for pure chaos over explanation—a decision that paid off with nonstop laughter.

Looking Ahead

With the week far from over, there’s still plenty to look forward to at AGDQ 2025. Whether you’re watching for the world records, the community vibes, or the sheer joy of speedrunning, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to check out the AGDQ 2025 VoD Thread for links to all the amazing runs you might have missed.

Let’s keep the momentum going—here’s to another incredible week in speedrunning!

Source: reddit.com

As the speedrunning community gears up for an exciting year, here’s a look at the top highlights from this week, spanning world records, breakthroughs, and events!

Countdown to AGDQ 2025

The most anticipated event in speedrunning is almost here! Awesome Games Done Quick 2025 kicks off January 5th and runs until January 12th. This year promises a fantastic lineup of games and runners showcasing incredible skills—all for a good cause. Don’t miss it!

World Records of the Week

1. Super Smash Bros. Melee Home-Run Contest
   • A groundbreaking WR featuring a phantom double bat drop combo in real-time! Truly a historic moment for SSBM fans.
2. Mario Kart Wii – Rainbow Road
   • Owen Smith sets an electrifying time of 0:57.688, further pushing the limits of this iconic track.
3. Unity’s bhop_arcane Map
   • After six years, the bhop_arcane WR has been beaten legitimately, reigniting interest in this classic.
4. Mortal Kombat II (Arcade)
   • A 6:34 Liu Kang WR showcases how speedrunners continue to innovate even in the classics.
5. Victoria 2 – Form Scandinavia Any%
   • A quick 9:11 WR by MChainsaw demonstrates peak efficiency in this grand strategy game.

Community Discoveries & Discussions

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Ice Ice Outpost Strategy
  A new motion glider technique was discovered, offering exciting routing possibilities.
• Super Mario Bros. TAS Tie
  • Niftski achieves a back-to-back TAS tie in 8-2 for Any%, showcasing incredible consistency.
• Big Jon Tribute
  • The community mourns the loss of Big Jon’s father. Big Jon is a cherished figure in speedrunning, and the outpouring of support has been heartwarming.
• Super Mario 64 Historical Run Search
  • A 2005 SM64 speedrun featuring The Princess’s Secret Slide is being sought out by fans. Do you remember this gem?

Video Spotlights

• “OoT Speedruns are INSANELY Lucky”
  • DannyB dives into how RNG shapes Ocarina of Time runs.
• “How a Door Kills Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Speedruns”
  • Mythrigon breaks down a bizarre obstacle in XC2.
• Quake Done Quickest 2
  • A nostalgic look at speedrunning’s roots.
• Majora’s Mask – All Dungeons Low% LOTAD
  • A creative showcase of a meticulous run.

Tips & Questions

• Splits.io for N64
  • New WR holder for Star Wars Episode 1 Racer seeks guidance on using Splits.io for hardware verification.
• Sonic Adventure 2 Metal Harbor Tips
  • A runner seeks advice to perfect their Metal Harbor speedrun.

Runner Spotlight

Bezzles smashed their own record in The Ascent with a time of 2:58:04, cutting down from an earlier 4.5-hour mark. Talk about dedication and improvement!

See You Next Week

That’s it for this week’s speedrun highlights! Don’t forget to tune in to AGDQ 2025 and keep an eye out for the amazing runs and new WRs sure to emerge.

Happy speedrunning!

Source: reddit.com

Welcome to this week’s speedrunning blogpost! Let’s dive into the most exciting updates, records, and discussions that have been buzzing in the speedrunning community over the past week.

Video Highlights

• [Summoning Salt] The History of Super Mario’s Hidden Ending
  A captivating new video by Summoning Salt dives deep into the history and mystery surrounding Super Mario’s hidden ending. With meticulous storytelling and research, this production has captured the attention of speedrunning fans and casual gamers alike. Check it out here for a nostalgic trip through one of gaming’s most beloved franchises.
• The Greatest Quake Record of All Time
  If you’re a fan of FPS speedruns, don’t miss this deep dive into Quake’s legendary records. The video explains why these records stand out in a game already known for its precision and high skill ceiling.
• Darksouls Speedrun Race: Noob vs Speedrunner
  A fun twist on the Dark Souls speedrunning formula pits a newcomer against a veteran—with the veteran restricted from using weapons. The creativity of the challenge adds a layer of entertainment to an already intense game.

World Records to Celebrate

• NES Tetris: Earliest Maxout at 167 Lines
  TheDengler sets a groundbreaking record, achieving the earliest possible maxout. A milestone for NES Tetris enthusiasts!
• Batman: Arkham Trilogy 100% in 13:33:25
  Completing this trilogy 100% in just over 13 hours is no small feat. This run combines skill, endurance, and deep game knowledge.
• Diddy Kong Racing: All Trophy Races in 22:51
  Leah speeds through one of the most beloved N64 racing games with precision and speed.
• Crash Team Racing: 101% No Major Glitches WR
  Hypnoshark secures their third WR this month, solidifying their dominance in CTR speedrunning.
• The Impossible Quiz: Epic 10% in 1:11.883
  Mini-danger06 achieves a lightning-fast run on this quirky and unforgiving game, showing that even “impossible” games can be conquered.

Discussions and Community Insights

• Speedrunning and Literary Analysis
  A unique perspective from a PhD candidate in English compares speedrunning to analyzing literature. This thought-provoking piece explores the parallels between interpreting texts and mastering games through trial and iteration.
• Runs Like UFO 50
  Are you into runs that require mastery over multiple subgames? This discussion highlights similar runs, like Yakuza 100% categories and more.
• Meta Updates on r/speedrun
  Moderator Amyrlinn overhauled the subreddit’s FAQ and info pages, making them more accessible to newcomers. Check out the updates here and here.

Tips and Tools

• Getting Started with Speedrunning Timers
  For aspiring speedrunners, this thread breaks down the basics of setting up timers and segments. It’s a great starting point for newcomers looking to track their runs.
• Recording Controller Inputs
  A discussion on capturing controller inputs for consoles like NES or N64 provides useful tips on hardware and software to enhance your setup.

Personal Bests Worth Mentioning

• Dark Souls 1 Any% Glitchless in 1:07:23
  Crawdadio shares their journey into speedrunning addiction with a stellar PB in Dark Souls.
• Pac-Man World 2 – 152 Tokens in 55:19
  A nostalgic yet thrilling PB that showcases the depth of Pac-Man World 2’s gameplay mechanics.

This week has been packed with achievements, inspiring discussions, and community growth. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting started, there’s something here for everyone. Keep running, keep refining, and we’ll see you next week for more speedrunning highlights!

Source: reddit.com