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

The speedrunning community had another action-packed week filled with incredible records, insightful discussions, and creative contributions. Here’s a recap of the highlights from r/speedrun that showcase why the scene continues to captivate players and spectators alike.

World Record Highlights

1. Mario Kart 64 – 22:41 by Beck Abney
   • Beck Abney set a new World Record with an incredible 22:41 run on Mario Kart 64. His precision and mastery of the game’s mechanics demonstrate why he’s one of the best in the field. Watch it here!
2. Blindfolded SM64 – 50 Star in 53:56 by Bubzia
   • Bubzia’s record-breaking Super Mario 64 blindfolded run (sub-1 hour!) amazed the community. This achievement required unparalleled skill and memory, proving once again that the blindfolded speedrunning niche is as impressive as it is challenging. Check out his incredible run.
3. Persona 5 Royal – True Ending in 10:46:11 by Sprayz
   • Sprayz pushed the limits with a True Ending Hard Mode run of Persona 5 Royal, clocking in at 10:46:11 after back-to-back personal bests. This marks a milestone for long-form RPG speedruns.
4. Goldeneye 007 – Runway 00 Agent 0:29 by Irie Butler
   • Irie Butler joined an elite group of runners who have completed the double R-Lean strat on Runway 00 Agent. This marks only the fifth successful completion in nearly a decade.
5. Claymates Warpless – 34:54 by McLepke
   • After weeks of grinding, McLepke improved an 8-year-old record for Claymates Warpless, shaving the time down to 34:54.

Community Creations and Memorable Moments

1. “We Didn’t Save the Framerule” Parody Song
   • Deet0109 delivered a hilarious and creative parody of Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire”, chronicling the history of Super Mario Bros. any% world records. It’s a treat for speedrunning history buffs and music fans alike.
2. Squeex Wins Best Speedrun Streamer
   • Squeex, known for his engaging personality and top-tier gameplay, reflected on winning Best Speedrun Streamer. His gratitude and humor continue to make him a beloved figure in the community.
3. No Holidays Allowed Marathon
   • The No Glitches Allowed team hosted the final No Holidays Allowed marathon, raising money for a no-kill animal shelter. The event featured a diverse lineup of speedruns, from glitchless showcases to wild, creative categories. Catch the replays and support their cause.
4. Worst Final Fantasy 1 Speedrun?
   • DoctorSwellman tackled FF1 PSP’s Full Bestiary category in his video, exposing the absurdity of this niche run. It’s a love letter to the quirks of speedrunning unconventional categories.

Discussions and Community Questions

1. Speedrun-Friendly Game Design
   • A developer asked the community for input on how to make their game speedrun-friendly. Suggestions included customizable timers, skippable cutscenes, and consistent in-game physics. The community also highlighted games that serve as great examples, such as Axiom Verge.
2. 2024 Speedrun Games of the Year
   • A thread debated the best speedrun games of 2024, with contenders like Volgarr the Viking II, Echo Point Nova, and Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom. These games combine fluid movement, strategic depth, and minimal downtime—key traits for great speedruns.

Tips and Insights

1. Streaming GameCube Speedruns
   • A veteran Sonic Heroes speedrunner sought advice on streaming original GameCube hardware runs. The community offered practical solutions, like using capture cards and OBS setups, ensuring smooth integration of splits and overlays.
2. Tool-Assisted Non-Speedruns
   • A unique thread explored TAS content focused more on creativity and entertainment rather than raw speed, with recommendations for TASes that slow down the action for a more digestible viewing experience.

From jaw-dropping records to thought-provoking discussions, this week reminded us of the speedrunning community’s passion and innovation. Whether you’re chasing records or watching from the sidelines, there’s always something to inspire. What was your favorite moment from this week? Let us know in the comments!

Source: reddit.com

World Record Mania: New Heights in Speedrunning

This week was buzzing with incredible achievements in the speedrunning community. Here are some standout performances that had everyone talking:

1. Blindfolded Mastery: Bubzia set a mind-blowing blindfolded Super Mario 64 – 50 Star record at 1:03:35. The precision and memorization required for such feats continue to amaze fans.
2. Classic RPG Speedrun: Luzbel clocked in a phenomenal Final Fantasy VII Any% (PSX) time of 5:19:36, redefining what’s possible in this iconic game.
3. Portal Power: Speedrunner Sidious achieved an Any% run of 5:46.875 for Portal, showcasing 11 days of relentless practice to shave seconds off previous records.
4. Quirky Highlights: A lightning-fast [TAS] BFDI: Branches Demo 100% in 0:00.15 and a Curtains Down Pro/SA speedrun in just 19 seconds displayed speedrunning’s limitless creativity.

Discussions of the Week

The community brought up some compelling topics for debate and advice:

1. Can Long Games Be Speedrun Over Days? Newcomer MerchoKnight asked if speedrunning lengthy games like Bandle Tale can span multiple sessions. While real-time runs typically don’t pause, segmented categories might offer a solution. Tools like LiveSplit could help manage splits across sessions.
2. Does SDA Still Matter? JonVonBasslake questioned the relevance of Speed Demos Archive (SDA) in the age of Speedrun.com and Discord communities. While SDA played a pivotal role historically, modern tools and communities have arguably surpassed it in accessibility and relevance.
3. Attending AGDQ Solo: Walexei sought advice on attending AGDQ solo. Veterans encouraged them to go, emphasizing the welcoming nature of the community and the opportunity to make friends while celebrating the shared passion for speedrunning.

Speedrun Newbie Questions

Redditor anasse_ jumped into the world of speedrunning with questions about casual runs, allowed controllers, and version requirements for Super Mario 64. The community reassured them that casual speedrunning is totally valid and offered tips to get started. The takeaway? Speedrunning is for everyone, whether you’re aiming for WRs or just having fun.

Notable Video Highlights

• The History of New Super Mario Bros. Wii’s Most Competitive Level and The World Record History of Super Mario 63 were two video productions that delved into the technical and historical aspects of beloved games.
• LivWulfz’s Metaphor ReFantazio – Hard Mode True Ending run in 7:46:35 earned admiration for their dedication to such a long and challenging category.

Weekend Watchlist

Looking for streams or videos to enjoy this weekend? Check out new WRs, historical retrospectives, or tune into live streams featuring rising talents. Whether you’re a fan of Final Fantasy, Mario, or quirky indie games, there’s always something new to discover.

Final Thoughts

The speedrunning community continues to thrive, celebrating milestones, debating its future, and welcoming new faces. Whether you’re breaking records, casually improving your times, or simply watching, speedrunning remains a testament to the creativity and passion of gamers worldwide. See you next week for more highlights and achievements! 🎮✨

Source: reddit.com

The speedrunning community has been abuzz with action this week, from record-breaking performances to deep discussions about the nature of speedrunning itself. Here’s a roundup of the most exciting news and conversations:

World Records Galore

It’s been a thrilling week for record chasers, with several high-profile games seeing new milestones:

1. Breath of the Wild – Any%: Player 5 smashed the Any% record with a time of 23:09, further pushing the boundaries of this iconic game .
2. Final Fantasy VII – Any% (PSX): Zheal achieved a monumental 5:21:27 in one of the most storied RPGs of all time .
3. Super Mario 64 – Blindfolded 31 Star: Bubzia astounded the community with a 36:53, beating the previous record by over two minutes .
4. Crash Team Racing – Any% (No Major Glitches): Hypnoshark clocked in at an impressive 48:19, refining the art of speedrunning this kart-racing classic .
5. Phantom Hourglass – Any%: Mr_Shasta completed the run in 3:04:49, showcasing mastery of this DS gem .

Discussions: The Evolution of Speedrunning

• Why Did Ocarina of Time Slow Down?: A Reddit thread explored why Ocarina of Time’s once-thriving speedrunning scene has seemingly waned. Factors include the difficulty of pushing the limits further in a heavily optimized game and the rise of new titles capturing attention .
• Games That Change When Speedran: A popular discussion dove into how some games transform entirely when approached through a speedrunner’s lens, offering a unique perspective on gameplay mechanics .

Featured Videos

1. Karl Jobst’s Tribute to Suigi: Karl Jobst released a video chronicling the journey of Suigi, hailed as one of the greatest speedrunners of all time .
2. The History of Donkey Kong 64’s 101% Runs: Bismuth detailed the evolution of strategies in this marathon of a category, providing a nostalgic yet insightful look into its history .
3. FFX Any% Strategies: DoctorSwellman delved into the advanced techniques behind recent records, shedding light on how runners achieve seemingly impossible times .

Upcoming Events

• Pokémon Red Any% Glitchless Tournament: The finals are just around the corner, promising some intense competition .
• Speedrun Competitions: Developers are increasingly engaging the community, with a $2,200 prize pool announced for an upcoming game and a $260 demo contest for Ninja Ming .

Niche Records and Challenges

• Pokémon Puzzle League: CardsOfTheHeart completed a run defeating every opponent at every level in under an hour, a feat combining strategy and execution .
• Ty the Tasmanian Tiger: KamaCrimson set a new benchmark with a time of 27:39, demonstrating a love for retro-platforming excellence .

Spotlight: Experimental Techniques

• STALKER 2’s Bubblejump: A newly discovered glitch is opening doors for potential time saves in this much-anticipated title .
• Blindfolded Runs: Bubzia continues to push the limits of what’s possible, inspiring runners to explore unconventional challenges .

The speedrunning scene thrives on innovation and community spirit, and this week showcased both in spades. From jaw-dropping records to engaging discussions, it’s clear that the passion for going fast remains as strong as ever. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a casual fan, there’s no shortage of excitement to dive into!

Source: reddit.com

The speedrunning community saw incredible feats and fascinating developments this week, spanning iconic classics, exciting new personal bests, and groundbreaking research. Here’s a look at the highlights.

World Records: Shining Moments and Dominance

• Super Mario 64 (70 Star): GreenSuigi claimed the 46:27 World Record, marking an extraordinary achievement as they now hold WRs in all five major SM64 categories. Their dominance solidifies their status as a legend in the speedrunning scene, sparking discussions on how rare such all-encompassing mastery is .
• GoldenEye 007 (Depot Secret Agent): Eric P. (foxdie) set a new WR with a blistering 0:38, showcasing GoldenEye’s enduring appeal and its high-skill ceiling .
• Portal (Inbounds): Hrvatskii secured their first sub-8 minute time with a 7:56.82, breaking barriers and setting a new standard .
• Ty the Tasmanian Tiger (Any%): KamaCrimson achieved a remarkable 27:46, pushing the boundaries of this underappreciated gem .
• Stick War: xBMAN2003x became the first to break the 16-minute mark on the hardest difficulty—a testament to dedication in this flash classic .

Community Innovations and Time-Saving Tricks

• Twilight Princess: A seemingly simple Discord comment saved runners 10 hours by uncovering a revolutionary trick. It’s a reminder of the collaborative nature of speedrunning, where even casual observations can lead to game-changing discoveries .
• Cheating Detection Software: A new tool promises to detect falsified runs, enhancing fairness and accountability in competitive speedrunning .

Historical Deep Dives

• Star Fox Adventures Any%: A detailed retrospective explored the history of WRs in this quirky title, featuring interviews with legendary runners. The community’s enthusiasm for documenting its history remains as vibrant as ever .
• Astro Bot: Another fascinating video examined the “already absurd” progression of WRs in Astro Bot, reflecting on how rapidly strategies evolve in even the most niche games .

Discussions and Debates

• Peaks in Speedrunning: A lively thread asked the community to share their thoughts on the most dominant eras and runners in speedrunning history. GreenSuigi’s SM64 sweep naturally took center stage .
• Tool-Assisted Speedruns (TAS): A lighthearted discussion celebrated the chaos and creativity of TAS runs, with Celeste being a community favorite for its absurd precision and energy .
• Livesplit Mysteries: Runners delved into how the ubiquitous timing tool “knows” when to split, sparking a technical but engaging discussion .

Notable Personal Bests and Milestones

• Super Mario 64 (16 Star): BCman2008 hit an impressive 20:17, showcasing steady improvement in this fiercely competitive category .
• Wii Sports: A 7:05 PB in “All Sports” placed ReporterMassive1894 in fourth place, showing the versatility of sports-focused speedrunning .
• Sonic Generations: PurplePizzaWolf’s 00:52:95 in Chemical Plant Act 1 snagged them third place, a significant feat in the online leaderboard scene .

Quirky and Ambitious Runs

• The Longing: A speedrun of a game designed to take 400 days to beat made waves. It’s a rare example of patience blending with optimization .
• Microvania Showcase: A new indie game tailored for speedrunners debuted, inviting players to test its mechanics in short, intense runs .

From landmark records to surprising discoveries, this week proved once again that speedrunning is a dynamic and ever-evolving passion. Whether you’re a world record holder or a casual fan, there’s always something new to marvel at.

Until next time—keep running fast, and breaking barriers!

Source: reddit.com