Speedrunning in Games, Explained

Speedrunning means playing through a game as quickly as possible, racing against the clock to finish it in the shortest time you can. Speedrunners study a game closely, plan efficient routes and master precise techniques, then attempt runs timed to the second. It is a popular pursuit with a devoted community, and finished runs are often recorded and shared so others can watch and compare. Below is a clear look at what speedrunning involves and why so many players are drawn to it.

What does speedrunning involve?

Speedrunning involves completing a game, or a part of it, as fast as possible, usually while a timer records the attempt. Runners learn the game inside out, working out the quickest path from start to finish and practising the skills needed to pull it off cleanly. A run demands focus and precision, since a single mistake can cost precious seconds. The goal is simple to state but hard to achieve: reach the end faster than anyone has before, or faster than you did last time.

How do speedrunners go so fast?

Speedrunners go fast through a mix of deep knowledge, careful planning and practised skill. They map out the most efficient route through a game, avoiding anything that wastes time, and they rehearse tricky sections until they can perform them reliably. Many also use clever techniques, sometimes exploiting quirks in how a game works, to save time in ways the makers never intended. Hours of study and practice lie behind every fast run, which is what makes the best ones so impressive.

What are the different kinds of speedrun?

Speedruns come in several kinds, defined by their rules. An any-percent run aims to reach the end by any means, as fast as possible. A hundred-percent run requires completing everything the game offers before finishing. Other categories add their own restrictions, such as banning certain tricks or requiring particular conditions. These categories let runners compete fairly on equal terms, and they give players many different challenges within the same game, each with its own records to chase.

Why do people enjoy speedrunning?

People enjoy speedrunning for the challenge, the mastery and the community around it. Learning a game deeply enough to conquer it quickly is deeply rewarding, and shaving even a second off a personal best brings real satisfaction. Many runners love the puzzle of finding faster routes, while others relish the test of skill and nerve. The community adds much of the appeal, with runners sharing strategies, cheering one another on and celebrating records together.

Why are speedruns fun to watch?

Speedruns are fun to watch because they show a game played with astonishing skill and speed, often in ways most players never see. Viewers enjoy the tension of a run on the line, the spectacle of difficult tricks performed flawlessly, and the drama of a record attempt. Knowledgeable commentary can reveal just how clever a route is. Watching a master glide through a game in a fraction of the usual time is genuinely thrilling, which is why speedrun videos and events draw large audiences.

Can anyone try speedrunning?

Yes, anyone can try speedrunning, and many runners began simply by trying to beat their own times. You do not need special equipment to start, only a game you enjoy and the willingness to learn it well and practise. The community is often welcoming to newcomers, sharing routes and advice freely. While reaching the very top takes enormous dedication, the pursuit itself is open to all, and improving your own best time is rewarding whatever level you play at.

A few related questions

How are speedruns timed? Runs are timed from a set start to a set finish, often with precise software, so that attempts can be compared fairly. Exact timing rules vary by game and category.

Do speedrunners use cheats? Legitimate speedruns do not use cheats, though runners may exploit quirks in how a game naturally behaves. Categories set clear rules about what is allowed to keep competition fair.

Where are speedruns shared? Runs are commonly recorded and shared online, where communities track records and compare times. Major runs are also showcased at events that draw large audiences.

What makes a speedrun record count?

For a speedrun record to count, it usually has to follow the agreed rules of its category and be verified by the community that tracks such times. Runners typically record their attempts so others can check them, confirming that the rules were followed and the time is genuine. Communities keep leaderboards of verified records, and a new best time must be reviewed before it takes its place. This careful verification keeps competition honest and fair, which matters when runs are measured to fractions of a second and a record represents countless hours of dedicated practice.

In a sentence

Speedrunning is the art of finishing a game as fast as possible, built on deep knowledge, sharp skill and a community that loves the chase. If you like how games and the culture around them work, our games section has more, and you can meet the writers on the about page.