Learn how to start speedrunning your favorite video games with this step-by-step guide. Discover the tools, techniques, and communities that will help you break records and master the art of going fast.
The thrill of going fast
Speedrunning is the ultimate test of skill, precision, and creativity for gamers who love a challenge.
Introduction
Speedrunning is all about completing a video game—or a specific objective within it—as fast as possible. From classic platformers like Super Mario 64 to modern titles like Elden Ring, players worldwide compete for the fastest times using clever strategies, route planning, and even glitch exploitation.
In this guide, we’ll help you dive into the exciting world of speedrunning. Whether you’re aiming to beat your personal best or eventually submit a world record run, this tutorial will teach you the basics to get started with confidence.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
You’ll learn how to choose a game and category, find and understand speedrun routes, set up the right tools (like timers and video capture), and join the global speedrunning community. We’ll also cover tips on practice routines and where to find leaderboards and helpful resources.
Step-by-Step: How to Start Speedrunning
1. Choose Your Game (and Category)
Pick a game you love and know well—it makes the process much more enjoyable. Most games have multiple speedrun categories, such as:
- Any%: Complete the game as fast as possible, using any means
- 100%: Collect all items or complete all objectives
- Glitchless: Finish the game without using glitches
Check Speedrun.com to explore available games and official categories.
2. Watch Other Runners
Study speedruns on YouTube or Twitch. Watching experienced runners helps you understand routing, tricks, and game mechanics at a high level. Take notes and get inspired.
3. Set Up Your Timer
Download a speedrun timer like LiveSplit (for PC). It lets you track your splits (sections of your run) and compare times to improve over time. It’s essential for monitoring progress.
4. Learn the Route
Find a route guide for your chosen category—these outline the fastest path and techniques. You can find them on speedrun.com, Discord communities, or through YouTube tutorials.
5. Practice in Segments
Don’t try to master the whole game at once. Break it into sections and practice each one separately. Focus on tricky jumps, boss fights, or glitch timing until you’re consistent.
6. Record Your Run
Use screen capture software like OBS Studio (free) to record or stream your runs. This is necessary if you want to submit your time to leaderboards.
7. Submit Your Time (Optional)
Once you’re confident in your run and it meets the rules, upload it to speedrun.com. You’ll need to provide a video of the full run and choose the right category. Moderators will review and verify your time.
Final Tips & Conclusion
- Be patient: Speedrunning takes time to master.
- Stay consistent: Regular practice leads to improvement.
- Have fun: Play for the joy of learning and improving—not just chasing records.
- Join communities: Most games have active speedrun Discord servers full of helpful runners.
Speedrunning transforms how you experience games. It’s not just about finishing fast—it’s about mastering mechanics, learning new tricks, and pushing yourself in fun and unexpected ways.
A Real-Life Experience: My First Speedrun Attempt
My first serious attempt at speedrunning was with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. I had played the game for years, but I had no idea how complex and optimized the Any% category was. I started by watching videos, amazed at the glitches and shortcuts runners used.
At first, I struggled to even pull off a simple bomb skip. My timing was off, and I’d constantly reset runs. But after breaking the game into parts and practicing for a couple weeks, I finally completed my first full run—over 2 hours long, with dozens of mistakes—but I was hooked. Over time, my times improved, and I found myself deep in a supportive community of players who shared tips and celebrated every personal best.
Speedrunning turned one of my favorite childhood games into an entirely new challenge. And every time I hit a new PB, that thrill reminds me why I started in the first place.
