Speedrunning turns a game you love into a new challenge: finishing it as fast as possible. Getting started is easier than it looks.
Quick hits
- Speedruns are grouped into categories, such as Any% and 100%, each with its own rules.
- Each game’s leaderboard sets the rules for timing, versions and allowed tricks.
- Free tools such as LiveSplit for timing and OBS Studio for recording cover most needs.
- Pick a game you enjoy replaying, ideally a short one.
- Practice difficult sections on their own instead of only doing full runs.
Speedrunning is the hobby of completing a game, or part of one, as quickly as possible. Runners share routes, tricks and records, and many games have active communities that welcome newcomers.
Categories and rules
Runs are grouped into categories so people compete on equal terms:
- Any%: reach the end as fast as possible.
- 100%: complete everything the category defines, such as all collectibles.
- Glitchless: finish without using major glitches.
Each game’s community decides its categories and rules, including which game versions and settings are allowed. You’ll usually find them on the game’s page on speedrun.com, the most widely used leaderboard site.
How timing works
Some games are timed in real time from start to finish. Others use in-game time or remove loading screens so faster hardware doesn’t give an advantage. The rules say which method applies.
Tools you’ll need
- A timer: LiveSplit is a free, popular timer for Windows that shows splits, the times for each section of your run.
- Recording software: OBS Studio is free and open source, and works for recording or streaming.
- The game itself, on a platform and version the rules allow.
Choose your game
Pick a game you genuinely enjoy, because you’ll play it a lot. Short games and categories are ideal for a first run, since each attempt takes minutes rather than hours. Check that the leaderboard is active; an active community means guides and help.
Learn the route
- Watch top runs to see the route: the order of objectives and the tricks used.
- Read community guides and ask questions in the game’s community channels.
- Practice sections separately, especially hard tricks, rather than restarting full runs.
- Do full runs once each section feels comfortable.
Pro tip
Your first goal is simply to finish a run with a time. Beating your own personal best is the real game; world records can wait.
Submit your run
Record your run, check it follows the rules, upload the video and submit it to the leaderboard. Moderators review submissions, so it may take a few days to appear.
Join the wider community
Charity marathons such as Games Done Quick showcase speedrunning and have raised millions of dollars for charity. Watching them is a great way to discover new games to run. If you enjoy mastering hard moments, our guide to tough boss fights has more tips, and our indie games list includes several speedrunning favorites.
Player questions
Do I need to be good at games to speedrun?
No. Many runners start as average players. Speedrunning is about practicing a route, and anyone can improve with repetition.
What is Any%?
A category where the goal is simply to reach the end as fast as possible, by any means the rules allow. Other categories add requirements, such as collecting everything.
Do I have to stream my runs?
No. Most leaderboards ask for a video of the run, which you can record and upload. Streaming is optional.
Are glitches allowed?
It depends on the category. Some categories embrace glitches, while glitchless categories ban major ones. Always check the rules.
Games, platforms and settings change with updates, so check the official help pages for your platform if something looks different.