Table of Contents
What Exactly is the Super Mario 64 1 Star Speedrun?
For the uninitiated, the *Super Mario 64* 1 Star speedrun category is all about reaching the end of the game by collecting the absolute minimum number of Power Stars. In this case, it's just **ONE** Power Star. This means players must find the single star required to unlock the path forward and then meticulously navigate the game to reach the final Bowser fight. It's a testament to incredible game knowledge and execution, forcing runners to find the most efficient routes and techniques possible with minimal objective completion.In the 1 Star category, every second counts. There's no room for error or deviation from the optimal path.The challenge lies in the fact that many courses and abilities are locked behind star doors. A 1 Star run requires precise manipulation of game mechanics and sequence breaks to bypass these gates, making it one of the most technically demanding categories in the **#speedrun** community.
Deconstructing the New 7:04.27 World Record
This new **#worldrecord** by [Runner's Name, if known, otherwise leave blank or mention "the current record holder"] is not just a small improvement; it's a significant leap forward. Achieving a time under 7 minutes and 5 seconds in the 1 Star category is something many thought was impossible just a few years ago. The run showcases an exceptional understanding of the game's engine and exploits. From the very first moment Mario enters Bob-omb Battlefield to the final climactic battle against Bowser, every action is calculated. We're talking about perfect inputs, precise movement, and seamless transitions between areas.This run isn't just fast; it's elegant. It's a beautiful display of skill and dedication to mastering a classic game.This record pushes the boundaries of what's considered humanly possible within the confines of *Super Mario 64*. It sets a new benchmark for future speedrunners aiming to compete at the highest level.
Key Strats and Skips in This Record Run
To achieve such a blistering time, the runner likely employed a combination of established and possibly new, cutting-edge **#speedrunning** techniques. Some of the critical elements that would be essential for a 1 Star run include: * **Long Jumps and Dive Cancels**: Mastering these fundamental movement techniques is crucial for maximizing speed across all categories. * **BLJs (Backwards Long Jumps)**: These are notoriously difficult but essential for clipping through doors and gaining access to areas much earlier than intended. A perfectly executed BLJ sequence can save significant time. * **Specific Course Skips**: Depending on the route, certain sections or even entire courses might be bypassed through clever manipulation or glitches. * **Optimal Pyramid Clip**: In *Super Mario 64*, getting into the pyramid in a specific way is vital for accessing Bowser in the Sky. This record would demand a near-perfect execution of this strat. * **Fast Bowser Fight Strat**: The final Bowser battle itself has optimal strategies to defeat him as quickly as possible. The exact sequence of strats used in this **#WR** would be a closely guarded secret among top runners, constantly refined through practice and experimentation. Understanding these **#strats** is key to appreciating the sheer skill involved.The Evolution of the 1 Star Category
The *Super Mario 64* speedrunning scene has a long and storied history. When the game first gained popularity for speedruns, the 1 Star category was considered incredibly difficult, with early records being much longer. Over the years, the community has: * **Discovered new glitches and exploits**: Techniques like BLJs, which were initially seen as game-breaking, have become standard practice. * **Optimized movement**: Runners have found infinitesimally faster ways to perform basic actions like jumping, running, and diving. * **Developed new routes**: The path through the game has been constantly re-evaluated and optimized to shave off precious milliseconds. * **Improved consistency**: With better practice methods and game understanding, runners can now execute difficult tricks with much higher success rates, reducing the impact of **#RNG**. The journey from a 10+ minute 1 Star run to the current sub-7:05 is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of the **#speedrun** community. Each **#worldrecord** builds upon the knowledge and breakthroughs of those who came before.Understanding RNG in SM64 Speedruns
While *Super Mario 64* speedruns are heavily skill-based, **#RNG** (Random Number Generation) still plays a role, especially in categories like the 1 Star run. Factors like enemy spawn patterns, item drops, and even certain cutscene timings can influence the overall time. However, top runners have developed strategies to mitigate the effects of bad RNG or even exploit favorable RNG. For a record run like this, it's highly likely that the runner experienced relatively good RNG, but more importantly, they were able to adapt and maintain peak performance regardless of minor random variations.Good RNG can give you an edge, but flawless execution is what truly secures a world record.The goal for any speedrunner is to achieve a "god seed" run, where the RNG aligns perfectly with their execution, leading to a personal best and potentially a new world record.
How to Start Your Own SM64 Speedrun
Inspired by this incredible **#worldrecord**? You absolutely should be! Getting started with *Super Mario 64* speedrunning is more accessible than you might think. Here’s a quick guide: 1. **Get the Game**: The most common versions for speedrunning are the NTSC (North American) console version or the PC port (SM64PC). Each has its own nuances. 2. **Watch the Pros**: Spend time watching top runners on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Pay close attention to their movements, strats, and how they handle different situations. Sites like Speedrun.com are invaluable resources. 3. **Learn the Basics**: Start by mastering fundamental movement. Practice Long Jumps, Dive Cancels, and basic wall kicks until they become second nature. 4. **Pick a Category**: The 1 Star category is highly technical. You might consider starting with a slightly longer category like the 16 Star run, which allows for more room to learn and make mistakes. 5. **Practice, Practice, Practice**: This is the most crucial step. Break down the run into sections and practice each part repeatedly. Use save states if practicing on PC to focus on specific tricks. 6. **Join the Community**: The *Super Mario 64* **#speedrun** community is incredibly welcoming. Join Discord servers dedicated to SM64 speedrunning. You can ask questions, get advice, and share your progress. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Remember, every world record holder started somewhere. Your journey to becoming a faster runner begins with that first jump. Good luck!Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest time for Super Mario 64?
The absolute fastest time for *Super Mario 64* is in the 120 Star category, which is significantly longer than the 1 Star run. The world record for 120 Stars is currently under 1 hour and 38 minutes. The 1 Star record, as seen here, is 7:04.27.Is Super Mario 64 1 Star difficult to speedrun?
Yes, the 1 Star speedrun is considered one of the most technically demanding categories for *Super Mario 64*. It requires extremely precise execution of difficult glitches and advanced movement techniques.What version of Super Mario 64 is used for speedruns?
The most commonly used version for speedrunning is the NTSC version for the Nintendo 64 console. However, the SM64PC (a PC port) is also widely used and accepted, particularly for practice due to features like save states.How do speedrunners practice difficult tricks like BLJs?
Speedrunners often use emulators with save states or practice ROMs that allow them to instantly retry specific sections or tricks. Consistent practice, breaking down the trick into smaller parts, and watching tutorials are key.Where can I find more Super Mario 64 speedrunning resources?
The best place to start is Speedrun.com for leaderboards, guides, and rules. Joining the official *Super Mario 64* speedrunning Discord server is also highly recommended for community interaction and help.This new record in the Super Mario 64 1 Star category is a monumental achievement, pushing the limits of what we thought was possible. It’s a thrilling time for **#gaming** and **#speedrun** fans alike. Keep pushing your limits, learn from the best, and maybe one day, you'll be setting your own **#worldrecord**!
What do you think of this incredible new time? Are you inspired to start your own *Super Mario 64* speedrun? Let us know in the comments below or join the discussion on our Discord channel!