Speedrunning has become a phenomenon within the gaming community, where players strive to complete a game as fast as possible, often utilizing glitches, exploits, and expert-level skills. This pursuit of speed requires deep knowledge of the game mechanics and endless hours of practice. The adrenaline rush of shaving seconds off a record is what draws many to this unique form of gameplay.
The rise of online games has opened new avenues for speedrunners, allowing them to challenge themselves and others in a connected environment. Some of these games offer leaderboards, live streaming, and community challenges, enhancing the competitive spirit of speedrunning. Let’s dive into some of the top online games that have captivated the speedrunning community.
“Celeste” – A Platforming Masterpiece
“Celeste” is a game that combines tight controls with challenging platforming. Released in 2018, it quickly became a favorite among speedrunners due to its fluid mechanics and the multitude of strategies available to players. The game’s online leaderboards have sparked intense competition, with players constantly pushing the limits of what’s possible.
The “Assist Mode” in “Celeste” allows newcomers to practice tricky sections without losing progress, making it accessible for beginners and veterans alike. However, in speedrunning, the mode is often turned off to keep the challenge pure. The “Any%” category, where players aim to complete the game as fast as possible, is particularly popular, with top runners finishing the game in under 30 minutes.
“Super Mario 64” – The King of Speedrunning
No list of speedrunning games would be complete without mentioning “Super Mario 64.” Despite being released in 1996, it remains one of the most beloved games for speedrunners. The game’s non-linear level design and the various glitches that can be exploited have led to a plethora of different speedrunning categories.
Online, the “Super Mario 64” community is highly active, with players sharing strategies and competing for world records. Categories like “16 Star,” where runners only collect 16 stars before confronting Bowser, are especially popular. The precision and skill required to execute perfect jumps, combined with the nostalgia factor, make “Super Mario 64” a timeless classic in the speedrunning scene.
“Minecraft” – A Sandbox with Endless Possibilities
“Minecraft” might not be the first game that comes to mind when thinking about speedrunning, but it has carved out a unique niche in the community. The game’s open-ended nature allows for a variety of speedrunning challenges, from completing the game by defeating the Ender Dragon to more creative runs like “All Advancements” or “Any% Glitchless.”
The randomness of each “Minecraft” world seed adds an extra layer of challenge, as runners must quickly adapt to their environment. Online, “Minecraft” speedrunning has exploded in popularity, with content creators like Dream and Illumina bringing attention to the game’s speedrunning potential. The community-driven leaderboards and forums are hotbeds for discovering new techniques and strategies.
“Doom Eternal” – Fast-Paced and Brutal
“Doom Eternal” is a modern entry into the speedrunning world, known for its intense combat and fast-paced movement. Released in 2020, it has quickly gained traction among speedrunners who thrive on its relentless action and complex mechanics.
The game’s online modes, including leaderboards and multiplayer, have given speedrunners a platform to showcase their skills. “Doom Eternal” demands precision and quick reflexes, with players often utilizing advanced techniques like “Meat Hook boosts” to propel themselves through levels at breakneck speeds. The “Ultra-Nightmare” difficulty setting, where death is permanent, adds an extra layer of tension to speedruns, making successful attempts all the more impressive.
“Hades” – Roguelike Meets Speedrunning
“Hades,” a roguelike dungeon crawler, has become a popular choice for speedrunners due to its dynamic gameplay and procedural generation. The game’s fast-paced combat and variety of weapons and abilities offer countless strategies for players to explore. Each run through the underworld is different, requiring runners to adapt on the fly.
The online speedrunning community for “Hades” is vibrant, with various categories, including “Any%” and “All Weapons.” The game’s rich narrative and engaging characters make it a standout in the speedrunning genre. Players often stream their runs on platforms like Twitch, creating a strong community of viewers and participants who share tips and celebrate each other’s achievements.
“bk8 Cambodia” – A Unique Speedrunning Experience
While not traditionally recognized in the speedrunning community, “bk8 Cambodia” has become an intriguing option for gamers looking to blend speedrunning with online casino gaming. The concept of speedrunning in a casino environment is unconventional, but it has attracted a niche audience. Gamers attempt to achieve specific goals or outcomes within the shortest time frame, such as hitting a jackpot or completing a sequence of bets.
The online nature of BK8 Cambodia allows for real-time competition, with players sharing their fastest times and strategies on forums and social media. Although this form of speedrunning differs from the typical gameplay-focused runs, it highlights the versatility and creativity of the speedrunning community.
“The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” – Open World Freedom
“The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” offers players an expansive open world, which has become a playground for speedrunners. The game’s freedom of movement and multiple approaches to objectives have led to various speedrunning categories, such as “Any%” and “All Main Quests.”
Online, the “Breath of the Wild” speedrunning community is known for its collaborative spirit, with runners frequently sharing discoveries about the game’s physics and mechanics. Techniques like “Shield Clipping” and “Windbombs” allow players to skip large portions of the game, resulting in some incredibly fast times. The game’s open-ended nature ensures that no two speedruns are the same, keeping the community engaged and constantly searching for new strategies.
“Dark Souls III” – A Test of Patience and Skill
“Dark Souls III” is known for its punishing difficulty, making it a challenging but rewarding game for speedrunners. The game’s precise combat and deep mechanics require a high level of skill and concentration. Speedrunners often focus on categories like “Any%” or “All Bosses,” where they attempt to defeat all the game’s bosses in the shortest time possible.
The online speedrunning community for “Dark Souls III” is dedicated, with players sharing detailed guides and tutorials. Techniques like “Quit Outs” to manipulate enemy positions or “Storage Glitches” to skip certain areas are commonly used. The game’s high skill ceiling and the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a run make it a favorite among hardcore speedrunners.
These games represent just a slice of the vast world of speedrunning, where creativity, skill, and a passion for gaming come together. Each game offers something unique, from the nostalgic appeal of “Super Mario 64” to the intense action of “Doom Eternal” and even the unconventional challenge of “bk8 Cambodia.” The speedrunning community continues to grow, with new games and challenges constantly emerging, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming.