Top 10 Clutch Comebacks in Speedrunning History

Ever watched a speedrun and thought, "There's no way they can recover from that mistake"? And then, BAM! They pull off a series of near-perfect plays, defying all odds to snatch a victory, or even a World Record (WR). These moments are the heart and soul of speedrunning, the kind of nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat action that keeps us coming back for more. Welcome, fellow gamers and speedrunning aficionados, to a deep dive into some of the most legendary comebacks the speedrunning community has ever witnessed.

In this post, we're not just listing times; we're celebrating the sheer willpower, incredible skill, and often, a dash of calculated insanity that defines a true comeback. Whether it was a split-second decision, a perfectly executed glitch, or just sheer grit, these runs prove that a speedrun is never truly over until the timer stops.

The Anatomy of a Speedrunning Comeback

What makes a comeback truly special in the world of speedrunning? It's rarely just one thing. Often, it's a combination of factors:

  • Overcoming Early Mistakes: A dropped trick, a missed jump, or a bad RNG spawn can derail even the most practiced runner. A comeback often involves recovering from these early setbacks with near-flawless execution.
  • Mastering Difficult Segments: Some games have notoriously hard sections that are easy to mess up. Pulling these off perfectly after a rough start is pure spectacle.
  • Strategic Risks: Sometimes, a runner might be so far behind that they have to take a massive gamble on a difficult or rarely successful strat. When it pays off, it’s legendary.
  • Adaptability: Speedrunners must constantly adapt to the game's behavior. A comeback might involve improvising when RNG doesn't go their way or finding an unexpected shortcut.

1. Torje - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Any%)

Ocarina of Time is a cornerstone of the speedrunning community, and Torje's runs are legendary. Many speedruns in games like this involve complex glitches and precise movement. Recovering from a significant time loss here requires incredible composure and mastery.

A slight error in Ocarina of Time can cost minutes, making any comeback a testament to unwavering focus.

Torje has been at the forefront of Ocarina of Time speedrunning for years, and while specific comeback instances are numerous, the general ability to recover from minor mistakes and maintain a blistering pace is what defines his runs. Think of any Any% run where a misplaced bomb or a failed S&Q (Sorted Sequence/Quest) could spell disaster, yet he still pulls it back.

2. TheBlacktastic - Mega Man 9 (Any%)

Mega Man 9 is a brutal game, and its Any% speedrun is no exception. TheBlacktastic showed the community what was possible, often pushing the limits. Recovering from a mistake on a boss fight or a difficult platforming section here requires immense skill and precise input.

Mistakes in Mega Man 9, especially on later levels, can lead to significant time loss. A successful comeback often involves flawless execution on the remaining challenges, sometimes with risky strats to make up lost time. The pressure to perform perfectly after an error is immense in a game this unforgiving.

3. Paperario - Super Mario Sunshine (120 Shines)

Super Mario Sunshine's 120 Shines speedrun is a marathon, not a sprint. Paperario's dedication to optimizing this category is well-known. In a run that can stretch for hours, a single major mistake can feel catastrophic. A comeback here means not just recovering, but often executing the rest of the speedrun almost perfectly.

The complexity of collecting all 120 shines means there are numerous opportunities for time loss. Whether it's a tricky platforming challenge or a poorly timed hover, Paperario has shown the ability to overcome these hurdles and continue pushing for the best possible time, demonstrating incredible resilience.

4. SHiFT - SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom (Any%)

This beloved game has a surprisingly deep speedrunning community. SHiFT's Any% runs are known for their technicality. Recovering from a missed sequence break or a bad RNG roll in Battle for Bikini Bottom requires quick thinking and adaptation.

The game has several points where a small error can cascade. A true comeback in this speedrun often involves finding creative ways to save time elsewhere or executing notoriously difficult tricks flawlessly to compensate.

5. OutrageousJosh - Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy (100%)

OutrageousJosh is a name synonymous with Jak and Daxter speedrunning. The 100% category, in particular, is a long and demanding speedrun. Recovering from a significant time loss in this game requires not just skill, but also incredible stamina and mental fortitude.

In a 100% run, losing even a minute can feel like losing ten, making the comeback even more heroic.

Specific comeback moments often involve recovering from difficult platforming sections or optimized movement sequences that went slightly awry. The ability to stay calm and execute the rest of the speedrun perfectly is key.

6. ZFG - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (100%)

While ZFG is perhaps more famous for his Any% runs, his 100% category endeavors in Ocarina of Time also showcase incredible resilience. A mistake in the 100% speedrun, which requires collecting every item and rupee, can be absolutely devastating due to the sheer amount of backtracking involved.

Recovering from a missed glitch or a sequence break gone wrong in a 100% run demands a level of precision and endurance that few possess. ZFG's ability to maintain focus and optimize every subsequent step is a masterclass in comeback potential.

7. English Ben - Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (Any% No SSU)

The Grand Theft Auto series has a rich history in speedrunning. English Ben's runs in Vice City, especially in categories like Any% No SSU (Save & Quit%, a specific gameplay mechanic often used in speedruns), highlight the importance of mastering intricate game mechanics. Recovering from a botched sequence or a traffic mishap can be a major challenge.

In a game like Vice City, where RNG can play a significant role with traffic and peds, adapting to unexpected situations is crucial. A comeback often means making up for lost time by flawlessly executing difficult car sequences or vehicle jumps.

8. Simply - Super Mario 64 (120 Star Speedrun)

Super Mario 64 is arguably the most iconic speedrun game of all time. Simply's incredible 120 Star WRs are a testament to pushing the game's mechanics to their absolute limit. In a speedrun this optimized, even a tiny mistake can cost valuable seconds, making a comeback incredibly difficult.

The sheer number of stars means there are countless opportunities for errors. A comeback often involves recovering from a failed BLJ (Backward Long Jump) or a poorly executed triple jump sequence, and then executing the remaining stars with perfect, lightning-fast precision.

9. Illumina - Minecraft (Random Seed Glitchless Any%)

Minecraft speedrunning has seen explosive growth, with categories like Random Seed Glitchless Any% becoming incredibly popular. Illumina, a prominent figure in this space, has showcased the ability to adapt and overcome. In a speedrun heavily reliant on RNG for structure generation and mob spawns, recovering from a bad seed or a missed objective is part of the game.

The beauty of a Minecraft comeback is the raw adaptability required. When the game throws curveballs, you have to hit them out of the park.

A comeback here might involve finding a faster Nether portal location than expected, perfectly executing a Piglin trading sequence, or efficiently navigating complex structures after a suboptimal start.

10. SURPRISE Comeback!

The beauty of speedrunning is that moments of incredible recovery can happen in almost any game, at any time. While this list highlights some of the most prominent examples, the community is constantly creating new stories of triumph against the odds.

These "surprise" comebacks are often what make streaming speedruns so exciting. A runner might be miles behind, seemingly out of contention, only to unleash a barrage of perfect plays that bring them right back into the race for a personal best (PB) or even a WR.

We encourage you to share your favorite comeback moments in the comments below! What runs have left you speechless with their incredible recovery?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a "comeback" in speedrunning?

A comeback in speedrunning refers to a run where a player overcomes significant mistakes or time losses early on to achieve a very fast time, often resulting in a personal best (PB) or even a World Record (WR).

How common are comebacks in speedrunning?

They are quite common, especially in longer speedruns. The nature of high-stakes, optimized play means mistakes happen, and the ability to recover is a key skill for many top speedrunners.

Are comebacks purely skill-based, or does luck play a role?

It's a mix of both. While exceptional skill and execution are paramount to making up lost time, favorable RNG (Random Number Generation) can significantly aid a comeback by providing faster game events or more optimal conditions.

Which game is known for having the most dramatic comebacks?

Games with high RNG elements, long speedruns, or particularly difficult sequences often lend themselves to dramatic comebacks. Minecraft, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and certain RPG titles are frequently cited.

Where can I watch these speedruns?

Most speedrunners stream their attempts on Twitch, and full speedruns are often uploaded to YouTube afterwards. Websites like Speedrun.com also provide links to many runs and leaderboards.

These moments remind us why we love gaming and speedrunning. The dedication, the skill, and the sheer refusal to give up are what make this community so special. Keep practicing, stay focused, and maybe your next run will be the comeback story everyone talks about!

What are your favorite comeback moments in speedrunning history? Did we miss any legendary runs? Let us know in the comments below, or join the discussion on our Discord server!