Hey speedrunners and gaming enthusiasts, welcome to GamingSpeedrun! Today, we're diving deep into a concept that might sound counterintuitive: "Swag Strats." What exactly are these, and when is it actually acceptable, even *beneficial*, to intentionally lose time in a speedrun? This isn't about pure inefficiency; it's about calculated risks and stylish execution. Stick around, because we're about to break down the art of the swag strat.
What Exactly Are Swag Strats?
At its core, a "swag strat" is a technique or sequence of actions in a speedrun that, while potentially *slower* in a vacuum, achieves a specific goal or creates a more favorable situation for subsequent parts of the run. It's about sacrificing a small amount of time for a significant gain, often in terms of safety, consistency, or enabling a much faster sequence later. Think of it as a calculated gamble.
These aren't just any glitches or skips; they often involve a level of execution that is flashy, difficult, or just plain cool. The "swag" part comes from the confidence and flair with which they are performed. It's the difference between a safe, boring route and a high-risk, high-reward play that, when successful, earns you a collective "POG" from the
streaming audience.
Why Employ Swag Strats? The Calculated Risk
The primary reason for using a swag strat is **consistency and safety**. Many speedruns rely on incredibly tight execution. If a specific trick is 99.9% successful but fails occasionally, leading to a significant time loss or reset, a runner might opt for a slightly slower but 100% reliable swag strat. This is especially true for runners aiming for a stable
PB or in major events like
SGDQ where consistency is paramount.
Another reason is **resource management**. Sometimes a swag strat can save crucial ammo, health, or other limited resources that are vital for later, more challenging sections.
"It's all about weighing the risk versus reward. Sometimes losing two seconds intentionally to guarantee you don't lose twenty seconds is the smartest play."
Finally, there's the **hype factor**. Let's be honest, seeing a runner pull off a difficult, stylish maneuver that others might shy away from is incredibly exciting for viewers. It adds to the spectacle of speedrunning.
Types of Swag Strats
Swag strats can manifest in various forms across different games:
* **Damage Boosts/Takes:** Intentionally taking damage to utilize invincibility frames or knockback to pass through obstacles or reach areas faster.
* **"Safe" Skips:** Using a slightly slower but more consistent method to skip a section that has a faster but riskier alternative.
* **Sequence Breaks with a Cost:** Performing a sequence break that requires extra steps or a minor time loss to set up, but ultimately bypasses a much longer or more difficult segment.
* **Setup Strats:** Performing a series of actions that seem slow initially but perfectly position the player for an incredibly fast subsequent maneuver.
* **RNG Manipulation (Subtle):** While not always "swag," sometimes a strat might slightly influence RNG in a way that benefits the run, even if it costs a frame or two.
Examples in Action: Iconic Swag Strats
The world of speedrunning is littered with incredible examples of swag strats. Let's look at a few:
* **Super Mario 64 - Blast to the Stone Pillar (Cannonless):** While the cannon method is faster *if* executed perfectly, the cannonless strat involves precise wall kicks and jumps that, while slower, bypass the RNG and potential failure of the cannon. It’s a testament to consistent execution. The various approaches, like Siglemic's Cannonless or the "Blast to the Stone Pillar (cannonless) w/ Input Display" methods, showcase different takes on this.
* **Titanfall 2 - "Super Swaginoz x2":** This strat involves a highly technical movement sequence that sacrifices a bit of direct time for aggressive positioning and flair. It's a perfect example of adding style to speed. Bryonato's runs often feature these kinds of plays.
* **Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy - Klaww Boss Fight Skip:** Instead of fighting the boss, specific techniques like the "Boulder Hop to Lava Walk Klaww Skip" allow players to bypass the entire encounter. While the skip itself is fast, the setup often involves precise platforming that could be considered a form of swag if not executed perfectly.
* **Pokemon Red Glitchless:** In the glitchless category, runners often employ specific movement techniques and optimal routing that, while technically efficient, can look incredibly stylish. The pursuit of a sub-2-hour run often involves meticulous planning where every second counts, making even minor "delays" for safety a form of swag.
* **Spyro Series:** Many Spyro speedruns feature complex platforming and out-of-bounds tricks. The "Waterfall Proxy Tutorial" or specific tail-whipping setups can be considered swag strats if they trade direct speed for guaranteed progression or access to faster routes later. Even techniques like "Brakesliding" in *The Legend of Spyro* series, with its extended variants, often boil down to executing a tricky move for a speed advantage.
"The beauty of speedrunning is finding those moments where doing something 'wrong' is actually the 'right' way to go faster."
Finding and Developing Your Own Swag Strats
Developing your own swag strat requires deep knowledge of the game you're running.
1. **Master the Fundamentals:** Understand the game's mechanics inside and out. What are the limits of movement? How does the game handle physics?
2. **Identify Bottlenecks:** Where does your current route lose the most time, or where are you most likely to make a mistake?
3. **Experiment:** Try unconventional approaches. Can you use an enemy's AI to your advantage? Can you manipulate object interactions?
4. **Test for Consistency:** Once you find a potential strat, test it relentlessly. Does it work 90% of the time? 99%? If it's too risky, it's probably not a swag strat, but a gamble.
5. **Seek Community Feedback:** Discuss your ideas with other runners. They might offer insights or spot flaws you missed. Collaboration is key in the
speedrunning community.
Remember, the goal isn't just to be flashy; it's to be faster *overall* or more *reliably* fast.
The Community and the Swag
The concept of "swag" in speedrunning is deeply tied to the community's appreciation for skill, creativity, and a bit of showmanship. Runners like Bryonato, known for their incredible movement in games like Titanfall 2, and those who master complex platformers like Super Mario 64, often incorporate these high-skill plays. Streamers on platforms like Twitch, who broadcast their runs, often benefit from the visual appeal of these strats, generating hype and engagement.
The spirit of swag strats encourages innovation and pushes the boundaries of what's considered possible in a game. It's a driving force behind many
world record runs and ensures that speedrunning remains a dynamic and exciting spectacl
streaming.
FAQ
What's the difference between a glitch and a swag strat?
A glitch is an unintended bug in the game's code. A swag strat is an intentional technique or sequence of actions, which might *involve* glitches, but is specifically chosen for its strategic benefits (consistency, safety, enabling faster future sections) even if it costs a little time upfront.
Are swag strats always slower?
Not necessarily. Sometimes a swag strat is the *fastest* way to accomplish a goal due to its consistency or ability to skip a longer, slower section. More often, they involve a small, calculated time loss for a greater overall gain.
How do I know if a strat is "swag" or just a bad idea?
If it's overly risky with a high chance of failure and significant time loss, it's likely not a swag strat. True swag strats are usually well-tested, consistent, and offer a clear strategic advantage that outweighs the minor time investment or risk.
Do all speedrunners use swag strats?
No. Some runners focus purely on the fastest possible route with no regard for safety, while others prioritize consistency. Swag strats are a specific *type* of strategic decision within speedrunning that appeals to certain runners and games.
Conclusion and Call to the Community
Swag strats are a fascinating aspect of speedrunning that blend technical skill, strategic thinking, and a dash of showmanship. They remind us that sometimes, the path less traveled, or even a slightly slower, more stylish path, is the key to true mastery. Whether it's a risky maneuver or a safe, deliberate play, these techniques push the boundaries of what we thought possible.
What are some of your favorite swag strats you've seen or executed? Did we miss any iconic examples? Let us know in the comments below! Join our
Discord server to discuss strats, share clips, and connect with fellow speedrunning enthusiasts. Happy running!
