Getting Started with Speedrunning

 Choose a Game

Starting to speedrun is as simple as starting to play. It's not a good way to make a living, if that's what you're thinking. However, it is enough to concentrate on a small number of games to start joining the community and try to beat some records. The goal should not be world records from the start, but there are different ways to participate in the scene.

When you are going to start, it is important to select the right game to start with speedrunning is crucial and can greatly influence your initial experience. Here are some pointers that can be used to choose a starting game:

Personal Interest

Choose a game that you really enjoy and are passionate about. Speedrunning requires repetition and dedication, so it is important that you like the game to maintain motivation in the long run.

Prior Knowledge

It is easier to start with a game that you already know well. If you have a favorite game that you have played many times, it is a good candidate. Your prior knowledge of the game will give you an initial advantage.

Popularity and Community

Choosing a game that is popular and has an active speedrunning community offers several important benefits for beginners:

•  Access to Resources and Guides

•  Community Support

•  Competition and Benchmarking

•  Events and Marathons

•  Continuous Updates and Discoveries

Choosing a popular game for speedrunning provides multiple benefits due to the existence of an active community. This community offers access to numerous resources and guides, including video tutorials, written guides, and discussion forums, making it easy to learn new techniques and strategies. 

Popular game (DOOM)

Participating in events and marathons, such as Games Done Quick (GDQ), offers exciting opportunities to showcase skills and connect with other players. Finally, an active community ensures continuous updates and discoveries of new strategies and glitches, keeping the game interesting and evolving.

Among other points that we can find in the area of how to choose a game to start speed running, we also have.

1. Difficulty level
2. Speedrun Duration
3. Variability and Replayability
4. Availability of Resources
5. Technical Compatibility

Research and Learn

Once you have chosen your game, research the techniques and strategies that other speedrunners use, at this point it is important to put effort into what you want to do  therefore it is important to use tools such as:

1. Speedrun.com: This is the leading website for speedrunning. Here you can find leaderboards, resources, and guides.
2. YouTube and Twitch: Search for speedruns of the game on YouTube and Twitch. Watch players and take notes on the techniques they use.
3. Guides and Forums: Many speedrunning communities have guides and forums where players share tips and strategies.

Practice Techniques

To effectively practice speedrunning techniques, divide the game into manageable sections, focus on learning key tricks and glitches, establish daily practice routines, use specific training tools, review and analyze recordings of your sessions, and continually adjust your strategies. This methodology will allow you to improve constantly and efficiently. 

Get the Tools You Need

• Stopwatches

• Game Recording

• Emulators and Training Tools

• Modifications and Patches

• Drivers and Equipment

Different tools for gamers

• Analysis and Comparison Software

To optimize your speedrunning experience, make sure you have a dedicated stopwatch such as LiveSplit, use recording software such as OBS Studio, consider using emulators with training features, research useful modifications and patches, choose the right driver, and take advantage of analysis and comparison software. These tools will help you practice more efficiently and improve your times consistently.

Start Speedrunning

Don't worry about being fast at first. Concentrate on completing the game as fast as you can and improve your times gradually. Patience and practice are key.

Participate in the Community

Join the speedrunning community of your chosen game. Participate in forums, discussions, and online events. The community can offer you support, advice, and motivation.

Participate in Competitions and Marathons

Once you feel comfortable with your skills, consider participating in competitions and marathons. These events are a great way to connect with other speedrunners and test your skills.

Esports competition

Maintain a Positive Attitude

Speedrunning can be challenging and sometimes frustrating. Keep a positive attitude and remember that every mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve.

References

What is speedrunning? - Support - Speedrun.com. (2020). https://www.speedrun.com/support/learn/what-is-speedrunning

Some Tips for New Speed Runners! (2013). Reddit. 

https://www.reddit.com/r/speedrun/comments/1aux5f/some_tips_for_new_speed_runners/?rdt=61240

How to start (and improve at) speedrunning. (2023, September 14). Epic Games. https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/news/how-to-start-and-improve-at-speedrunning

speedrun. (n.d.). In Merriam-Webster Dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speedrun

Done by Fabian Atencio

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