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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

The speedrunning community has had an eventful week, filled with new records, impressive challenges, and major events. Let’s dive into some of the most exciting moments and announcements making waves.

The History of The Simpsons Hit & Run World Records

Renowned video game historian SummoningSalt released a new video on the evolution of world records for The Simpsons Hit & Run, a cult-classic game known for its unique open-world gameplay inspired by Grand Theft Auto. The video explores the journey of players pushing the game’s boundaries, showing how speedrunners used inventive glitches and route optimizations to continuously lower times over the years. SummoningSalt’s in-depth storytelling style keeps fans captivated, taking them through the intricate history of the game’s records, with incredible insights into the dedication and skill required to set these records.

Karl Jobst Challenges Pro Gamers to Spot a Fake Speedrun

Karl Jobst, another staple in the speedrunning content community, teamed up with notable speedrunners like Wirtual, SummoningSalt, and EazySpeezy to test if pro gamers could detect a fake speedrun. The video puts these speedrunning pros to the test with edited runs and clever tricks designed to deceive even the most experienced eyes. The unique format is both entertaining and educational, giving viewers a deeper look into what makes a legitimate speedrun while highlighting the observational skills required to discern authenticity in the community.

AGDQ 2025 Schedule Goes Live

Games Done Quick (GDQ) announced its draft schedule for Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) 2025, exciting fans with a preview of speedrunning showcases from multiple classic and modern games. GDQ events have become a staple in the speedrunning calendar, raising millions for charity while celebrating the community’s incredible talents. This year’s lineup promises to bring new games and unforgettable moments, as top speedrunners prepare to display their skills to a global audience.

Record-Breaking Runs Across Genres

This week saw a surge of incredible world records:

• Werster’s 16:16:17 Full Game Speedrun in Pokémon Stadium 2 (Switch): Known for his expertise in Pokémon speedrunning, Werster completed this endurance run that required precision, planning, and in-depth knowledge of the game’s mechanics.
• FF7 Any% World Record by Zheal in 5:39:17: Zheal’s run on the PSX version of Final Fantasy VII continues the tradition of pushing the beloved RPG to its limits. His record-breaking time showcases the strategic use of glitches and optimizations unique to the PSX platform.
• Super Smash Bros. Melee – Captain Falcon Break the Targets: With a time of 7.25 seconds, Super Smash Bros. Melee speedrunner cryptanalyst_ achieved an impressive world record for Captain Falcon’s Break the Targets stage, highlighting both the dedication and technical prowess required for Melee’s intense micro-optimizations.
• Blindfolded Super Mario 64 16-Star Run: Bubzia, a prominent blindfolded speedrunner, added to his achievements with a 20:54 time in the 16-Star No LBLJ category of Super Mario 64, showcasing his incredible skill in playing games without sight.

The Streamer Awards: Speedrunners in the Spotlight

Squeex, LilAggy, Wirtual, Greensuigi, and Parkenharbor are among the speedrunners nominated for this year’s Streamer Awards. The nominations underscore the growing visibility of speedrunning on mainstream streaming platforms and the unique appeal of speedrunning content, from thrilling record attempts to intricate glitch explanations.

Community Events: SourceRuns Marathon and Beyond

The SourceRuns Marathon 2024 also went live, drawing attention to speedruns of games powered by the Source engine, such as Half-Life and Portal. Fans of Source engine games gathered to watch expert runners showcase beloved titles, emphasizing the niche communities that form around specific engines and game genres within the speedrunning world.

Notable Personal Bests and Strategies

Several speedrunners shared personal bests and unique approaches, including a Pseudoregalia Any% run completed in 17:17 and creative strategies for the notoriously challenging bomb shrine clip in Breath of the Wild. Community discussions and shared tips highlight the collaborative spirit of speedrunning, where runners frequently share techniques to help each other improve.

As the speedrunning world grows, we continue to witness impressive feats, innovative content, and a community-driven culture that celebrates both skill and creativity. Whether it’s setting new world records, discussing strategies, or participating in community events, speedrunning fans have a lot to look forward to.

Source: reddit.com

The speedrunning community is abuzz this week with exciting achievements, records, and upcoming events! Here’s a look at some of the top moments making waves on Reddit.

1. Super Mario 64 (SM64) 120 Star World Record

• GreenSuigi set a new 120 Star World Record in Super Mario 64 with a time of 1:35:27, surpassing his previous record by six seconds. The run showcases GreenSuigi’s mastery of SM64’s intricate mechanics and is a thrilling watch for fans of this classic game. View on Twitch.

2. Games Done Quick 2025 Lineup Announced

• The Games Done Quick (GDQ) 2025 game list is live! This marathon event gathers top speedrunners to raise funds for charity while performing live speedruns of popular and challenging games. The list has fans hyped for which runs will make it to this year’s show. Check out the list on the GDQ website.

3. Ocarina of Time (OoT) Low% All Dungeons World Record

• Zfg1 broke the Low% All Dungeons World Record in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time with a time of 2:18:24. Zfg1 is a long-time player in the Zelda community, and this accomplishment adds another milestone to their impressive speedrunning portfolio.

4. Mario Kart Wii – History-Making Outside Drift Bike Record

• For the first time ever, an outside drift bike now holds a 3-lap World Record in Mario Kart Wii. This record-breaking run has stirred excitement as it defies the longstanding dominance of inside drift bikes, adding a new layer of competition and strategy to Mario Kart speedrunning.

5. Blindfolded Super Mario 64 – 31 Star Run

• Known for his unique approach to speedrunning, Bubzia achieved a 31 Star run in Super Mario 64 blindfolded, clocking in at 39:02. Bubzia’s focus and precision in a run where he cannot see the game at all is a testament to the incredible skill and memorization that blindfolded speedruns demand. View on YouTube.

6. Dark Souls Speedrunning Personal Bests

• A surge of activity in the Dark Souls speedrunning community saw Crawdadio breaking into the top 100 with a personal best and several newcomers celebrating their first runs. Dark Souls’ high difficulty makes these speedruns particularly rewarding, and players are constantly finding ways to optimize their strategies and improve times.

7. Ben 10: Vilgax Attacks – Legendary Glitch Solved

• A long-standing mystery in Ben 10: Vilgax Attacks has finally been cracked by Malaysian speedrunner GhostHNW. The discovery of this glitch opens new potential strategies, adding fresh excitement to an often-overlooked game.

8. GSA’s Fall PACE Event Live Through November 9

• The Global Speedrun Association (GSA) is hosting its Fall PACE event, where top speedrunners compete live across a variety of games. The event offers fans a chance to see intense races and high-skill runs in real time.

9. Final Fantasy VII (FF7) PC Any% New Route

• Zheal broke the any% World Record in Final Fantasy VII (PC) with a time of 5:48:16, thanks to a new route featuring the “Rebirth Skip.” This update marks a major development in FF7 speedrunning strategies and reflects Zheal’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of this iconic game.

10. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door – New Switch Any% WR

• Speedrunner こっぺ (koppe) set a new any% World Record in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Switch) with a time of 7:42:43. Fans are thrilled to see optimized routes and techniques for this recent Switch release as it gains traction in the speedrunning scene.

These highlights showcase the innovation and skill in speedrunning, with players constantly finding new ways to break barriers and set records. From world records and groundbreaking glitches to event announcements, it’s an exciting time to follow this passionate community!