The Ultimate Guide to Super Mario 64 Single Star World Records: PBs, Strats, and the Insane Skill of Speedrunning

What's the Big Deal with Single Star?

Welcome, fellow gamers and speedrunning enthusiasts, to GamingSpeedrun.com! Today, we're diving headfirst into one of the most iconic and fiercely competitive categories in Super Mario 64 speedrunning: the Single Star run. You might think getting just one star sounds easy, but let me tell you, in the world of speedrunning, it's anything but. This category demands an insane level of precision, route optimization, and execution that separates the casual players from the true hardcore legends.

In my experience, the Single Star category is where you truly see the raw skill of a speedrunner shine. It’s not about collecting everything; it’s about the most efficient, lightning-fast path to victory using the absolute minimum required. The tension is palpable, and every single frame counts. Forget the leisurely exploration of Peach's Castle; this is a sprint from start to finish, pushing the game's engine and the runner's abilities to their absolute limits.

If you’re here, you’re likely fascinated by the incredible feats these players achieve. You’ve probably seen snippets of mind-blowing glitches, impossible jumps, and strategies that seem to defy the game’s design. We’re going to break down what makes the Super Mario 64 Single Star category so special, who currently holds the World Record (WR), and what kind of insane strats and skips are involved.

The Reigning Champion: Current World Record Holder

The Super Mario 64 speedrunning community is constantly pushing boundaries, and the Single Star category is no exception. The chase for the PB (Personal Best) and the coveted WR is relentless. Right now, the focus is on the current record holder who has achieved a time that many considered impossible just a few years ago.

Witnessing a new world record in Super Mario 64 is always a monumental event. The runner who currently stands at the top of the Single Star leaderboards has perfected a route that is breathtakingly efficient. This isn't just about beating the game; it's about defying time itself. The dedication required to shave off milliseconds, to nail every trick consistently, is truly awe-inspiring.

We need to give a massive shoutout to the incredibly talented speedrunners who constantly innovate and inspire. Keep an eye on players like Simply, who often showcases these incredible runs and provides reactions that capture the excitement perfectly. His passion for Super Mario 64 speedruns is infectious!

The dedication to achieving a new World Record in Super Mario 64 Single Star is beyond comprehension. It's a testament to human perseverance and mastery of game mechanics.

Finding the absolute latest WR can be a moving target, as records are broken frequently. The best place to check for the most up-to-date information is the official speedrun.com leaderboards for Super Mario 64. This is the definitive source for all records across various categories, including Single Star.

Mind-Bending Strats and Essential Skips

What truly elevates Super Mario 64 speedruns, especially the Single Star category, are the ingenious strats and glitches that runners employ. These aren't accidental discoveries; they are the result of countless hours of practice, theorycrafting, and exploiting the game's mechanics in ways the developers likely never intended.

For a Single Star run, the primary objective is to reach the lowest basement area and confront Bowser as quickly as possible. This involves navigating through the castle, activating specific rooms, and grabbing the single required star. Key elements often include:

  • BLJs (Backwards Long Jumps): These are legendary. By performing a specific type of jump while facing backward and continuously spamming the jump button, runners can gain immense vertical and horizontal speed, allowing them to clip through walls or reach higher areas much faster than intended. The BLJ to get into the basement is absolutely crucial.
  • Object Duplication Glitches: Certain glitches allow runners to duplicate objects, which can be used to bypass obstacles or gain advantages in movement.
  • Door Skips: Many doors in the castle require specific stars or keys. Speedrunners have developed techniques to clip through these doors, saving valuable seconds.
  • Optimized Movement Tech: Mastering techniques like dive recoveries, ledge grabs, and precise analog control is paramount. Every turn, every jump must be executed perfectly.
  • A Button Ceiling Manipulation: In some runs, specific inputs related to the A button and jumping near ceilings can be used to gain height or momentum.

The strat for obtaining the first star, "Blast Away the Wall," in Bob-omb Battlefield is the standard for the Single Star category. However, the path to that star and then subsequently to Bowser is where the real magic happens. Runners need to:

  • Enter Bob-omb Battlefield efficiently.
  • Perform the necessary actions to get the star.
  • Exit the level and navigate the castle to reach the basement.
  • Perform the final BLJ to enter the Bowser in the Dark World fight.
The execution of a perfect BLJ is both an art form and a high-stakes gamble. Nail it, and you save massive time; miss it, and your run is likely over.

Learning these strats is a journey in itself. Many runners spend months, even years, practicing a single trick until it's muscle memory. The Super Mario 64 speedrunning community often shares its discoveries and techniques openly, contributing to the advancement of the speedrunning category.

The Role of RNG in SM64 Speedruns

Ah, RNG. The bane of many a speedrunner's existence, and a crucial factor in Super Mario 64. RNG, or Random Number Generation, dictates many elements within the game that are not set in stone. In a Single Star run, managing RNG can mean the difference between a World Record attempt and a disappointing reset.

What kind of RNG are we talking about? Things like:

  • Enemy pathing and behaviors.
  • The position of certain collectibles or hazards.
  • Specific game events that trigger randomly.

While the core strats and skips are consistent, a "perfect" run often relies on favorable RNG. For instance, the exact positioning of Goombas or Bob-ombs on the first level can slightly alter the optimal path. More critically, the RNG affecting Bowser fights can impact the time taken.

Elite runners develop strategies to mitigate bad RNG or capitalize on good RNG. This often involves making split-second decisions based on the game's state. However, the beauty of the Single Star category is that its reliance on RNG is relatively lower compared to some other categories, making execution and routing the primary determinants of success.

Why Single Star is Different from 120 Star Runs

It’s easy to assume that any Super Mario 64 speedrun is the same, but the categories have vastly different demands. A 120 Star run is an endurance marathon, requiring mastery of every level, extensive glitch knowledge, and incredible consistency across dozens of stars. It’s about exploring the entire game with maximum efficiency.

The Single Star run, on the other hand, is a pure sprint. It focuses on:

  • Route Optimization: Finding the absolute fastest path through the castle and the first accessible star.
  • Execution Precision: Nailing specific tricks like BLJs and wall clips perfectly, often on the first try.
  • Minimalist Play: Avoiding any unnecessary movement or actions. Every step is calculated.
  • Game Knowledge Mastery: Understanding the precise mechanics required to bypass requirements.
Single Star is about breaking the game's intended progression in the most elegant and fastest way possible. 120 Star is about playing the game perfectly, just much, much faster.

While both categories require immense skill, the Single Star category often appeals to players who thrive on raw execution and precise, high-risk, high-reward maneuvers. It's a different kind of challenge, showcasing a unique skillset within the broader spectrum of #speedrunning.

Where to Watch Elite SM64 Speedrunners

If you're inspired to see these incredible runs in action, the best place to start is Twitch and YouTube. Many top Super Mario 64 runners stream their practice sessions and record attempts live.

Look for channels and streamers who are active in the Super Mario 64 community. You'll often find them discussing new strats, analyzing previous runs, and celebrating new PBs and WRs. These platforms are invaluable resources for learning and appreciating the dedication involved.

Check out the official channels and social media of top runners. Many also upload their best runs to YouTube, complete with commentary or explanations of the techniques used. It's an amazing way to learn about the game's deepest secrets and the incredible talent within the #speedrun community.

Don't forget to follow runners on Twitter for updates on their progress and streaming schedules. The community is generally very welcoming and passionate.

Getting Started with SM64 Speedrunning

Intrigued by the idea of achieving your own PB in Super Mario 64 Single Star? The journey might seem daunting, but the community is supportive.

1. Get the Game and a Timer: You'll need a copy of Super Mario 64 (NTSC version is standard for most records) and a reliable in-game timer. Many runners use LiveSplit.

2. Learn the Route: Study existing WR runs. Watch videos, read guides, and understand the basic path and necessary tricks. 3. Practice the Fundamentals: Master basic movement – walking, running, long jumps, triple jumps, dive recoveries. These are the building blocks. 4. Practice Key Tricks: Focus on the critical strats like the initial BLJ and any door clips. These are make-or-break for the category. 5. Join the Community: Engage with other runners on Discord servers dedicated to Super Mario 64 speedrunning. You can ask questions, get feedback, and learn from experienced players. 6. Be Patient and Persistent: Speedrunning takes time and dedication. Don't get discouraged by resets. Every attempt is a learning opportunity.

The path to becoming a top runner is long, but the satisfaction of achieving your goals, breaking your own PB, and maybe even competing for a #WR is incredibly rewarding. It's a true test of skill, dedication, and passion for #gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal in a Super Mario 64 Single Star speedrun?

The primary goal is to reach the end of the game (defeat Bowser) by collecting only one mandatory star, which is typically the "Blast Away the Wall" star from Bob-omb Battlefield, and then executing specific glitches and skips to access the final battle as quickly as possible.

Is the Single Star category harder than the 120 Star category?

They demand different skill sets. Single Star requires extreme precision in execution of specific glitches and glitches like BLJs, focusing on raw speed and optimal routing. 120 Star requires comprehensive game knowledge, endurance, and consistency across all levels.

What is a BLJ in Super Mario 64 speedrunning?

BLJ stands for "Backwards Long Jump." It's a glitch performed by jumping while facing backward with specific inputs that allows Mario to gain tremendous speed and height, often clipping through walls or reaching areas inaccessible through normal gameplay.

Where can I find the current Super Mario 64 Single Star World Record?

The most reliable source for current world records is the official speedrun.com leaderboards for Super Mario 64. Records are frequently updated by the community.

How much RNG is involved in a Single Star run?

While execution and routing are paramount, some RNG (Random Number Generation) elements, like enemy placement or specific game events, can influence the run. However, the Single Star category is generally considered to have less reliance on favorable RNG compared to some other categories, making precise execution key.

So there you have it! The world of Super Mario 64 Single Star speedrunning is a testament to dedication, skill, and the endless possibilities within classic games. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just a fan of incredible gaming feats, this category offers unparalleled excitement.

What are your favorite Single Star strats? Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know in the comments below! Join our Discord server to connect with fellow speedrunning enthusiasts and share your own experiences. Happy running!