Hey fellow gamers and speedrunning enthusiasts! If you've spent any time delving into the deepest corners of Super Mario 64 speedrunning, you've likely heard whispers of a trick so notorious, so demanding, that it's become the stuff of legend: the "Carpetless" BLJ. This isn't just another glitch; it's a rite of passage, a true test of skill and dedication that separates casual players from the elite. But what exactly is this elusive maneuver, and why is it considered one of the hardest speedrunning tricks in Super Mario 64?
Table of Contents
What is the "Carpetless" BLJ?
At its core, the "Carpetless" Backwards Long Jump (BLJ) is a highly advanced technique that allows players to gain an unprecedented amount of vertical momentum in Super Mario 64 without touching the floor in a specific area. This typically involves precise diagonal movement and jumping inputs at the very edge of certain platforms. The goal is to "clip" through geometry or gain extreme height that would otherwise be impossible.
In the context of speedrunning, the "Carpetless" BLJ offers significant time saves by allowing runners to skip entire sections of levels or reach objectives much faster. Imagine bypassing the entire climb up the treacherous stairs in Whomp's Fortress or reaching the Star faster in Bob-omb Battlefield without needing to navigate complex platforming. This trick is all about exploiting the game's physics engine in a way that's both ingenious and incredibly difficult to master.
The "Carpetless" moniker itself hints at the precision required – you can't afford to be touching any unintended surfaces (like the "carpet" of a platform) while executing the maneuver.
Why is it So Difficult?
The "Carpetless" BLJ isn't just a matter of pressing a few buttons. It demands an almost supernatural level of precision. Here's why it's a nightmare for many aspiring speedrunners:
- Frame-Perfect Inputs: The trick often requires inputs to be performed within a single frame of the game's execution. One frame off, and you'll either fail the trick or lose all your momentum. This is where the true mastery of Super Mario 64's movement mechanics comes into play.
- Diagonal Movement Precision: Executing the necessary diagonal movements at the exact edge of a platform is incredibly unforgiving. The slightest deviation can send Mario sliding off or simply result in a standard long jump.
- Camera Management: Controlling the camera effectively while lining up the trick is another layer of complexity. A poor camera angle can completely obscure the precise spot where the jump needs to occur.
- RNG Dependence (Sometimes): While some iterations of the trick are purely skill-based, others can have a slight dependency on RNG (Random Number Generation) that influences Mario's exact position or momentum upon spawning, adding another element of unpredictability.
- Mental Fortitude: The sheer amount of practice and the high rate of failure can be incredibly demoralizing. Maintaining focus and composure after hundreds, if not thousands, of failed attempts is a testament to the dedication of top speedrunners.
A Look Back: The Evolution of the Trick
The journey to discovering and perfecting the "Carpetless" BLJ is a fascinating chapter in Super Mario 64 speedrunning history. Early speedrunners focused on more fundamental techniques, like the standard BLJ. However, as the community pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible, players started experimenting with more nuanced movement and object manipulation.
The concept of gaining height without touching specific floor textures was explored through various glitches and exploits. Researchers like Pannenkoek2 have meticulously analyzed the game's engine to understand how these seemingly impossible feats are achieved. Over time, through trial, error, and collaborative effort within the speedrunning community, the "Carpetless" BLJ began to take shape. It wasn't a single "eureka!" moment, but rather a gradual refinement of existing mechanics and the discovery of new interactions.
Initial breakthroughs often involved very specific setups, sometimes requiring specific object placements or a particular RNG seed. However, the ultimate goal was always to find more consistent and universally applicable versions of the trick. The development of this trick is a prime example of how dedicated communities can uncover hidden depths in beloved games.
The Frame-Perfect Execution
Let's talk about what "frame-perfect" truly means in the context of Super Mario 64 speedrunning. The game runs at approximately 30 frames per second. This means that for certain actions, you have a window of about 1/30th of a second to perform the correct input. For the "Carpetless" BLJ, this often translates to needing to press the jump button or execute a specific directional input within a single, precise frame.
This level of precision is why so many runners struggle. It's not something you can typically achieve with a standard controller and casual play. It requires dedicated practice with specialized controllers, optimal setups, and an intimate understanding of how Mario's physics work at the sub-pixel level. The learning curve is steep, but the reward – shaving precious seconds off your time – is immense.
Many top speedrunners spend thousands of hours practicing these specific movements, honing their muscle memory to an almost inhuman degree.
The development of tools like LiveSplit, while not directly aiding in execution, is crucial for timing these precise runs and tracking progress. Understanding your splits and identifying where you're losing frames is key to improvement.
Variations and Applications
The "Carpetless" BLJ isn't a single, monolithic trick. Over time, the community has discovered various iterations and applications across different levels and scenarios within Super Mario 64. Some common applications include:
- Early Star Access: In levels like Bomb-omb Battlefield, a successful "Carpetless" BLJ can allow runners to reach the star in under a minute, drastically altering the early game strategy.
- Skipping Critical Paths: Certain "Carpetless" BLJs can bypass entire sections of levels that normally require intricate platforming or enemy engagement.
- Advanced Movement Tech Integration: It can be used in conjunction with other advanced movement techniques like Sword Flying or precise hyperspeed jumps to achieve even greater distances or reach otherwise inaccessible areas.
The discovery of new applications for this trick is an ongoing process. As runners continue to analyze the game's engine and experiment, it's possible that even more groundbreaking uses for the "Carpetless" BLJ will be found.
How to Learn the "Carpetless" BLJ
Embarking on the journey to master the "Carpetless" BLJ is not for the faint of heart. However, for those determined to conquer this ultimate challenge, here's a general approach:
- Master the Fundamentals: Before even thinking about "Carpetless," ensure you have a solid grasp of basic Super Mario 64 movement: long jumps, dive recoveries, wall kicks, and especially the standard BLJ.
- Study the Masters: Watch top speedrunners like Suigi, pannenkoek2, or Xiah execute the trick repeatedly. Pay close attention to their camera angles, Mario's positioning, and the timing of their inputs. Many resources on speedrun.com or YouTube delve deep into the mechanics.
- Find a Reliable Source: Look for tutorials that break down the specific setups for the "Carpetless" BLJ you want to learn. Resources often detail the exact pixel positioning and frame inputs required. The provided Xiah's video is a great starting point for understanding the concept.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: This cannot be stressed enough. Start with the easiest variations and slowly work your way up. Use save states if practicing on an emulator or PC version, but remember that true mastery comes from performing it consistently on original hardware.
- Analyze Your Fails: Don't get discouraged by failures. Each attempt, successful or not, is a learning opportunity. Analyze what went wrong and adjust your approach.
- Join the Community: The Super Mario 64 speedrunning community is incredibly helpful. Engage in forums, Discord servers, or Twitch chats. Ask questions, share your progress, and learn from others' experiences. You might find valuable insights that aren't readily available elsewhere.
The Community Impact
The "Carpetless" BLJ isn't just a difficult trick; it's a symbol of the dedication and ingenuity within the speedrunning community. Its existence has pushed the boundaries of what players thought was possible in a game released over two decades ago. It has inspired countless hours of research, practice, and debate.
Furthermore, the pursuit of executing such a complex trick has undoubtedly improved players' understanding of game physics and contributed to the overall knowledge base of Super Mario 64. It represents the pinnacle of player skill and a testament to the enduring appeal of this beloved classic. It’s a prime example of how players can find endless depth in games through dedication and clever exploitation of game mechanics.
The history of this trick is intertwined with the history of Super Mario 64 speedrunning itself, showcasing the evolution of speedrunning strategies and the relentless pursuit of the perfect run. Discovering and mastering such tricks fuels the passion for games and pushes the limits of what's achievable, making it a cornerstone of the #speedrunning community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "Carpetless" BLJ in Super Mario 64?
The "Carpetless" Backwards Long Jump (BLJ) is an advanced speedrunning trick that allows Mario to gain extreme vertical momentum by performing precise inputs at the edge of certain platforms, avoiding touching the ground or specific textured "carpets."
Why is the "Carpetless" BLJ so difficult?
Its difficulty stems from the requirement for frame-perfect inputs, precise diagonal movement, complex camera control, and significant mental fortitude due to the high failure rate.
Does the "Carpetless" BLJ require specific game versions or hardware?
While some variations might be more forgiving on certain versions or emulators, true mastery and consistent execution of the most precise "Carpetless" BLJs are typically achieved on original hardware and with dedicated practice.
How long does it take to learn the "Carpetless" BLJ?
Learning to execute the "Carpetless" BLJ consistently can take anywhere from dozens to thousands of hours of dedicated practice, depending on the runner's prior experience and the specific variation they are learning.
Can the "Carpetless" BLJ be used in any speedrun category?
The "Carpetless" BLJ is most commonly used in categories that allow for advanced glitches and exploits, such as Any% or specific challenge categories. It's not typically used in Glitchless categories.
The quest for the perfect run is a journey, and mastering the "Carpetless" BLJ is one of its most challenging and rewarding destinations. Whether you're aiming for a World Record or just want to push your own limits, understanding this trick is key to appreciating the incredible depth of Super Mario 64 speedrunning. Keep practicing, stay motivated, and happy running!