7 Must-Watch Speedruns Packed with Pro Tips and Tricks

If you're looking to elevate your gaming, speedrunning offers an thrilling challenge: completing games as fast as humanly possible.

Even if speedrunning isn't for you, watching elite runners is captivating and insightful. You'll gain pro-level tips from the best in the world. We've curated seven standout speedruns from trusted events.

A Brief Introduction to Speedrunning

Get up to speed on basics and lingo to fully enjoy these runs.

For history and more, see our overview: Speedrunning Culture: The Future of the Single Player Game. Speedrunning means beating a level, stage, or full game in record time. Read more.

Speedrun Categories

Speed is key, but categories set the rules. Common ones: Any% and 100%:

• Any%: Finish by any means. Glitches let long games end in under an hour.
• 100%: Complete everything, like optional quests and secrets. Varies by game.

Specific games have others, like All Levels (Any% but all levels). They shape strategies—watch for them.

Speedrunning Terms

Key terms you'll hear:

• RNG: Random Number Generator—luck-based elements.
• Damage Boost: Taking hits for speed or access.
• Frame: Single video frame (1/30th or 1/60th second). Frame-perfect needs exact timing.
• Auto-scroller: Fixed-speed sections you can't rush.
• Lag: Slowdown from screen overload.
• PB: Personal Best—runner's top time.
• IL: Individual Level—level-specific optimal but risky for full runs.
• RTA: Real-Time Attack—live runs like these.
• TAS: Tool-Assisted Speedrun—emulator-perfected, humanly impossible.
• Wrong Warp: Glitch to unintended areas.

More at SpeedRunsLive glossary.

Games Done Quick

From niche to global, speedrunning shines at Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) (winter) and Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ) (summer).

These charity marathons feature expert commentary from runners and co-streamers. Hosts read donations during loads—normal. Dive into communities if inspired.

1. Super Monkey Ball Deluxe (Geoff, 1:20:19)

A versatile 100% run. Guide a monkey in a ball through deadly stages by tilting—low RNG makes it ideal.

Fast-paced with jaw-dropping shortcuts cleared in seconds. Geoff's engaging commentary keeps it lively.

2. Shovel Knight (Capndrake, 47:13)

Retro-inspired 2D platformer, Kickstarter hit. Top 20 Platform Games Of All Time Read more.

Developers join via Skype for reactions and dev insights. Glitch-light, skill-focused—perfect for newcomers.

3. Cuphead (TheMexicanRunner, 50:14)

1930s-style run-and-gun boss rush. Early glitch speeds boss fights wildly.

TheMexicanRunner's high energy and voices steal the show—crowd favorite.

4. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (George, 08:55)

Short and sweet. Clears career mode and gold medals in <9 minutes. 5 Of The Best Skateboarding Games Ever Made Read more.

Movement mastery; was a world record.

5. Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Cosmo, 22:38)

Iconic N64 title with rich categories. The Ultimate Guide to All Games in the Legend of Zelda Series Read more.

Cosmo, a pioneer, shares history on key glitches. Essential for speedrun lore.

6. Super Mario 64 (Siglemic, 1:48:57)

3D pioneer, star-hunting optimizes routes.

Siglemic's retired pro 120-star run is TAS-like precision. Expert showcase; light commentary.

7. Punch-Out!! + Super Punch-Out!! (zallard1, 23:56)

Boxing with patterns. zallard1 plays both games simultaneously via custom controller.

Chaos with couch commentary. Wild! Related: Sinister1's blindfolded Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!

You Gotta Go Fast: Try Speedrunning

Not for all, but watching reveals human limits, wrecks classics, or hones your skills.

Share favorites below. Prefer soundtracks? The 20 Best Video Game Soundtracks for Studying or Relaxing Read more.