Speed Running: How to Play Video Games Faster and Better
Have you ever wondered how some people can finish a video game in a matter of minutes or hours, while it takes you days or weeks? Have you ever wanted to challenge yourself and see how fast you can beat your favorite game? If so, you might be interested in speed running, which is the act of playing a video game, or section of a video game, with the goal of completing it as fast as possible.
speed run
What is speed running?
Speed running is a popular and competitive form of gaming that involves various techniques, challenges, and benefits. The speed running community originated on discussion forums in the late 1990s and early 2000s, where the fastest routes through early first-person shooters were discussed. Later on, as speed running became more popular, specific video games became known as common speed running candidates.
Speed runners use different types of speed runs to showcase their skills and challenge themselves. Some of the most common types are:
Any%: Completing the game by any means necessary, even using glitches and exploits.
100%: Completing the game with all collectibles, secrets, achievements, etc.
Glitchless: Completing the game without using any glitches or exploits.
Category extensions: Completing the game with specific rules or restrictions, such as low%, pacifist%, randomizer%, etc.
How to speed run?
To become a successful speed runner, you need to practice a lot and learn from other speed runners. Some of the methods that can help you improve your speed are:
Routing: Developing an optimal sequence of actions and stages in a video game. A route may involve skipping one or more important items or sections. Skipping a part of a video game that is normally required for progression is referred to as sequence breaking.
Glitching: Using video game glitches to achieve sequence breaks or to skip cutscenes and increase the player's speed or damage output . Some people, called glitch-hunters, choose to focus on finding glitches that will be useful to speed runners.
Tool-assisted: Using emulation software and tools to create a "theoretically perfect playthrough". According to TASVideos, common examples of tools include advancing the game frame-by-frame to play the game more precisely, retrying parts of the run using savestates, and hex editing. These tools are designed to remove restrictions imposed by human reflexes and allow for optimal gameplay .
Speed workouts: Incorporating sprints, intervals, tempo runs, and other forms of high-intensity training into your fitness routine. Speed workouts can help you increase your running speed, endurance, strength, power, and mental toughness .
Form and technique: Improving your posture, gait, stride turnover, breathing, and arm swing while running. Proper running form can make you a more efficient runner, which will help you go faster. It can also help prevent injuries and increase your flexibility .
Why speed run?
Speed running can have many benefits for your physical and mental health. Some of them are:
Fat burn: Speed running can help you burn more fat than jogging or walking, as it increases your metabolic rate and oxygen consumption. Speed running can also help you lose weight and maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI) .
Cardiovascular health: Speed running can improve your heart health, as it strengthens your heart muscle and lowers your blood pressure. Speed running can also reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes .
Mental health: Speed running can boost your mood, as it releases endorphins and serotonin, which are natural chemicals that make you feel happy and relaxed. Speed running can also reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, as it provides a positive outlet for your emotions and a sense of accomplishment .
Cognitive function: Speed running can enhance your brain function, as it increases blood flow and oxygen to your brain. Speed running can also improve your memory, concentration, creativity, and problem-solving skills .
Self-esteem: Speed running can improve your self-esteem, as it makes you feel proud of your achievements and abilities. Speed running can also increase your confidence, motivation, and resilience .
What are the difficulties of speed running?
Speed running is not easy, and it comes with many challenges and pitfalls. Some of them are:
speed run games
speed run world record
speed run timer
speed run minecraft
speed run roblox
speed run zelda
speed run mario
speed run pokemon
speed run sonic
speed run dark souls
speed run portal
speed run doom
speed run metroid
speed run half life
speed run hollow knight
speed run celeste
speed run super meat boy
speed run cuphead
speed run undertale
speed run subnautica
speed run resident evil
speed run gta
speed run skyrim
speed run fallout
speed run witcher 3
speed run bioshock
speed run halo
speed run god of war
speed run uncharted
speed run last of us
speed run spider man
speed run horizon zero dawn
speed run red dead redemption 2
speed run ghost of tsushima
speed run cyberpunk 2077
speed run sekiro
speed run bloodborne
speed run nioh
speed run devil may cry 5
speed run final fantasy 7 remake
speed run kingdom hearts 3
speed run persona 5 royal
speed run dragon quest 11 s
speed run fire emblem three houses
speed run animal crossing new horizons
speed run breath of the wild 2
speed run super mario odyssey
speed run super smash bros ultimate
speed run ori and the will of the wisps
speed run hollow knight silksong
Competition: Speed running is a highly competitive field, where the difference between the fastest and the second-fastest can be a fraction of a second. Speed runners have to constantly improve their skills and strategies to stay ahead of the competition. They also have to deal with pressure, expectations, and criticism from themselves and others .
Frustration: Speed running can be very frustrating, as it involves a lot of trial and error, repetition, and failure. Speed runners have to endure countless attempts, resets, mistakes, glitches, and bad luck before they achieve their desired time. They also have to cope with boredom, fatigue, and burnout .
Risk: Speed running can be risky, as it can cause physical and mental harm. Speed runners may suffer from injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, eye strain, back pain, and headaches. They may also experience psychological issues such as addiction, obsession, isolation, and depression .
Cost: Speed running can be costly, as it requires a lot of equipment and resources. Speed runners may need to buy expensive consoles, games, controllers, monitors, capture cards, streaming software, etc. They may also need to pay for internet access, electricity bills, subscriptions, donations, etc .
Ethics: Speed running can raise ethical questions, as it involves manipulating video games in ways that may not be intended by the developers or accepted by the community. Speed runners may use glitches, exploits, and secrets, as well as maxing out the stats of all characters .
What is the most popular game for speed running?
The most popular game for speed running is Super Mario 64 (N64) , which has over 12,000 runs submitted on speedrun.com as of June 2021. This game is known for its fluid movement, complex physics, and numerous glitches and tricks .
What is the most difficult game for speed running?
The most difficult game for speed running is subjective and depends on the preferences and skills of the speed runner. However, some games that are generally considered to be very hard for speed running are Dark Souls (PS3) , I Wanna Be The Boshy (PC) , and Battletoads (NES) . These games are known for their high difficulty, unforgiving mechanics, and precise execution .
How can I watch speed runs?
You can watch speed runs on various platforms, such as Twitch, YouTube, Speedrun.com, Speed Demos Archive, SpeedRunsLive, etc. You can also watch live events, such as Games Done Quick, European Speedrunner Assembly, and Break the Record Live, where speed runners showcase their skills and raise money for charity . 44f88ac181