Ever dreamt of swinging through New York faster than a speeding bullet, not to save the city, but to deliver a pizza in record time? If the chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly challenging "Pizza%" category in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has ever crossed your mind, then welcome to the ultimate dive into its world record history! Forget fighting Doc Ock; the real boss is the clock, and delivering that pie faster than anyone else is the ultimate victory. This isn't just about beating a game; it's about mastering its quirky mechanics and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in a speedrun.
What is the Spider-Man 2 Pizza% Speedrun?
The "Pizza%" category in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is exactly what it sounds like: a speedrun focused on completing the game's pizza delivery side missions as quickly as possible. While it might seem trivial compared to main story speedruns, the Pizza% category demands incredible precision, knowledge of the game's traversal mechanics, and often, exploitation of unintended glitches or sequences. The goal is to finish all pizza deliveries, often with specific timing or criteria, in the shortest time elapsed from starting a new game. It’s a testament to how the
speedrun community can find competitive depth in the most unexpected corners of a game. This category showcases a unique blend of platforming skill and route optimization, turning a simple side hustle into an intense competitive challenge.
The Evolution of the Pizza% Record
The history of the Pizza%
World Record is a fascinating journey marked by constant innovation and fierce competition. When the game first came out, runners experimented with various routes, discovering optimal paths through Manhattan and uncovering early skips. Initially, records were set using less optimized strats, but as the community delved deeper, new techniques and tricks emerged.
Early runs might have focused on simple, clean traversal, but soon players began to identify specific
glitches that could shave off precious seconds. One significant development was the discovery of advanced wall-running techniques and zip lines that allowed for incredibly fast movement between delivery locations. The introduction of new
Personal Best attempts often led to rapid jumps in the world record progression. The journey from the first recorded times to the current record is a story of meticulous practice, community collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.
"The pursuit of the Pizza% record isn't just about speed; it's about finding the most elegant and efficient way to traverse the game's world. Every frame counts, and a single missed swing can cost you dearly."
Over time, different runners would emerge, each bringing their unique approach and contributing to the meta. A record set by one player might be broken weeks later by another who found a slightly better route or a more consistent execution of a difficult trick. This constant back-and-forth is what makes
speedrunning so exciting to follow. The Pizza% category, in particular, has seen surges in popularity whenever a runner introduces a groundbreaking new strategy that reshapes the entire landscape of the run.
Key Strats and Glitches
Mastering the Spider-Man 2 Pizza%
speedrun requires a deep understanding of several key strategies and, often, the exploitation of specific
glitches. These techniques are what allow runners to achieve times that seem impossible to the casual observer.
* **Optimal Traversal Routes**: Identifying the fastest path between each pizza delivery location is paramount. This involves extensive knowledge of the game's map, using ziplines, wall-running, and swing chains to maintain maximum momentum. Runners often plan routes that minimize air time and avoid unnecessary ground contact.
* **Advanced Swing Mechanics**: Mastering the timing and angle of web swings is crucial. Techniques like "swing canceling" or precise momentum-carrying jumps can save fractions of a second.
* **Glitch Exploitation**: Many top runs rely on glitches that alter game mechanics. For instance, specific inputs might allow for super-jumps, out-of-bounds exploration, or fast-forwarding certain game events. The discovery and consistent execution of these glitches are often what drive record progression.
* **RNG Manipulation**: While not always applicable, some runs might involve manipulating Random Number Generator (RNG) elements to achieve favorable outcomes, such as faster pedestrian AI or quicker mission trigger timings.
"The discovery of the 'Pizza Glitch' was a game-changer. It allowed us to skip entire sections of traversal, completely revolutionizing the potential for record times."
The community on platforms like
speedrun.com meticulously documents these strategies, ensuring that knowledge is shared and that the meta continues to evolve. A runner who masters these specific techniques has a significant advantage in the race for the next
World Record.
Notable Runners
The Pizza% category has been shaped by the dedication and skill of numerous runners. While the leaderboards are constantly in flux, certain names stand out for their significant contributions to optimizing the run and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
* **CCNeverender**: A prominent figure in the Spider-Man speedrunning community, CCNeverender has consistently been at the forefront of discovering new strats and achieving top times in various categories, including Pizza%. Their analytical approach to route planning and execution has set a high bar for others.
* **CJitsallGewd**: Known for their incredible execution and ability to perform difficult glitches consistently, CJitsallGewd has also been a major player in the Pizza% scene. Their contributions often involve refining existing strats or discovering entirely new sequences that shave off significant time.
* **tamar711**: As a production assistant and runner, tamar711 has been instrumental in documenting runs and helping to analyze the game's mechanics. Their involvement often leads to breakthroughs in understanding how to best approach the challenges of the Pizza% category.
* **SquidBird**: While perhaps more known for their creative contributions like intro music, SquidBird has also participated in the competitive side, contributing to the overall community effort and inspiring others with their passion for the game.
These runners, along with many others who have contributed to the leaderboards and community discussions, embody the spirit of
gaming speedrun. Their dedication to mastering the game’s intricacies is what drives the
record chase forward.
The Future of the Pizza% Run
What does the future hold for the Spider-Man 2 Pizza%
speedrun? As with any competitive category, the pursuit of the ultimate time is never truly over. We can expect runners to continue refining existing strats, perhaps finding even more infinitesimally small optimizations in traversal and delivery times.
The possibility of new
glitches being discovered, even this late in the game's life cycle, is always there. A single breakthrough could drastically alter the current meta and lead to a cascade of new world records. Furthermore, as new generations of players discover Spider-Man 2, fresh perspectives and innovative ideas may emerge, challenging the established routes and techniques. The community's dedication to documentation and sharing through platforms like Discord and YouTube ensures that knowledge is passed on, fostering a continuous cycle of improvement.
"We're always looking for that one tiny trick, that one perfect sequence that could shave off another tenth of a second. The quest for the perfect Pizza% run never ends."
The
speedrunning community for Spider-Man 2 is incredibly active, and it's highly likely that we'll see new contenders emerge and existing records fall. The drive to be the absolute fastest, even in a seemingly lighthearted category like Pizza%, is a powerful motivator.
Frequently Asked Questions
* **Q: Is the Pizza% speedrun considered a legitimate category?**
A: Absolutely! The speedrun community thrives on finding competitive depth in all aspects of a game. Pizza% is a recognized and highly competitive category that demands immense skill and knowledge.
* **Q: What is the current world record for Spider-Man 2 Pizza%?**
A: World records are constantly changing. For the most up-to-date information, it's best to check the official leaderboards on speedrun.com.
* **Q: Do I need to play on the hardest difficulty for a Pizza% run?**
A: Typically, speedruns are performed on the easiest difficulty to ensure consistent gameplay and allow for aggressive, risky strats. However, specific categories might have different rules, so always check the guidelines for Pizza%.
* **Q: Are glitches allowed in the Pizza% speedrun?**
A: Yes, the Pizza% category, like many others, allows the use of in-game glitches and exploits. The goal is the fastest completion time, regardless of how it's achieved, within the established rules.
Come join our Discord server to discuss the latest Pizza% strategies and cheer on the runners! You can also support our work on Patreon to help us bring you more in-depth
speedrunning content.
The Speed Docs Crew, including CCNeverender, CJitsallGewd, tamar711, and SquidBird, have poured immense effort into documenting and pushing the boundaries of this category. Their narration, scriptwriting, editing, and production work are vital to understanding the history and future of this remarkable
record. Follow Speed Docs on Twitter for the latest updates!
