Borderlands 3 Any% Moze Speedrun: How to Achieve a World Record Time of 3:17:56

Introduction

So, you've seen the Borderlands 3 Any% Moze Speedrun world record and thought, "I could do that!" Or maybe you're just curious about how anyone could possibly blast through Pandora, Athenas, and Gehenna in under 3 hours and 18 minutes. Whatever your motivation, if you're aiming to shave precious seconds off your time and conquer the game faster than ever before, you've landed in the right place. This guide dives deep into the strategies and mindset behind Deceptix_'s incredible 3:17:56 run, breaking down exactly what it takes to achieve such a feat.

What is Borderlands 3 Any% Speedrun?

In the thrilling world of speedrunning, "Any%" is the most common category. It means completing the game from start to finish as fast as humanly possible, with absolutely no restrictions on how you do it. No need to collect everything, no need to achieve 100% completion. The sole objective is to reach the end credits in the shortest time. For Borderlands 3, this involves a meticulously planned sequence of missions, boss fights, and strategic movement, often exploiting game mechanics and glitches (though this particular record focuses on execution rather than major skips).

Deceptix_: The Record Holder

The current benchmark for the Borderlands 3 Any% Moze Speedrun stands at an astonishing 3 hours, 17 minutes, and 56 seconds, set by the incredibly skilled player, Deceptix_. Known within the gaming community and particularly on platforms like YouTube, where he boasts over 8,720 subscribers, Deceptix_ showcases mastery over Moze, the Gunner class. His run is a testament to countless hours of practice, route optimization, and flawless execution. He's not just playing the game; he's dancing with its mechanics at breakneck speed.

"The Any% category is all about efficiency. Every second counts, and that means optimizing everything from movement to combat to inventory management."

Key Strategies for a World Record

Achieving a world record in a game like Borderlands 3 isn't just about being good; it's about being *perfect*. Deceptix_'s record run hinges on several critical pillars:

  • Meticulous Route Planning: Knowing the fastest path through every single mission and area.
  • Optimized Gear Selection: Choosing weapons and gear that maximize damage output and survivability for Moze.
  • Flawless Movement and Combat: Executing advanced techniques to maintain momentum and dispatch enemies rapidly.

Optimizing Your Route

The backbone of any successful speedrun is an efficient route. Deceptix_ didn't just stumble upon the fastest way to play; he engineered it. This involves:

  • Shortcut Utilization: Identifying and using any unintended paths or level exploits that bypass normal progression.
  • Strategic Skips: Determining which optional objectives or enemy encounters can be completely ignored without jeopardizing the main quest progression.
  • Minimizing Downtime: Reducing time spent in menus, traveling, or waiting for game events.

Every second saved on travel means more time to focus on boss encounters or critical sections. Planning the route is an ongoing process within the speedrun community, with runners constantly discovering new optimizations.

Weapon and Gear Selection

Moze, with her mech companion Iron Bear, offers immense firepower. For a speedrun, Deceptix_ focuses on:

  • High DPS Weapons: Prioritizing firearms that can melt bosses and elite enemies in seconds. Think shotguns with high pellet counts, powerful pistols, or SMGs with explosive rounds.
  • Synergistic Gear: Selecting class mods, artifacts, and shields that complement Moze's abilities and provide critical buffs, such as increased movement speed or faster cooldowns for Iron Bear.
  • Elemental Advantages: Knowing which enemy types are weak to specific elements (Incendiary, Shock, Corrosive, Cryo) and equipping the appropriate weaponry for critical encounters.

The goal is to have the right tool for every job, ensuring that no engagement drags on longer than absolutely necessary. A well-chosen loadout can be the difference between a WR and a personal best.

Movement and Combat Mastery

Borderlands 3 is a fast-paced shooter, and speedrunners exploit this to the fullest. Deceptix_ masters techniques such as:

  • Slide-Jumping: Combining sliding with jumping to maintain maximum forward momentum, covering ground much faster than simply running.
  • Combat Roll/Dodge: Effectively evading enemy fire while repositioning for optimal damage.
  • Exploiting Abilities: Utilizing Moze's grenades and Iron Bear's devastating attacks at the most opportune moments to clear areas quickly or deal massive boss damage.

This isn't just about aiming and shooting; it's about fluid, continuous motion that keeps the player alive and the enemies dead, all while maintaining incredible speed.

"Mastering Moze's kit, especially Iron Bear's deployment and exit animations, is crucial. Wasted frames there mean a slower run."

How to Beat the Record

Inspired by Deceptix_'s phenomenal run? Here’s how you can start working towards your own Borderlands 3 Any% Moze Speedrun glory:

Practice Makes Perfect

There’s no shortcut to becoming a top-tier speedrunner. You need to:

  • Grind the Game: Play through Borderlands 3 repeatedly, focusing on each section of the planned route.
  • Master Mechanics: Get intimately familiar with Moze's skills, weapon handling, and the game's physics engine.
  • Segment Practice: Focus on mastering individual segments or boss fights until they are consistently perfected.

The muscle memory developed through sheer repetition is invaluable. You'll find yourself performing actions almost subconsciously, freeing up mental energy to react to unexpected situations.

Route Planning and Execution

Start by studying existing speedruns, including Deceptix_'s.

  • Analyze Routes: Watch top runners and try to understand *why* they choose certain paths.
  • Create Your Own Path: As you gain experience, you might find even faster ways or specific strats that work better for you.
  • Stick to the Plan: During a timed run, discipline is key. Deviating from the planned route, even slightly, can cost significant time.

Understanding the optimal path through each map, from Sanctuary III to the final boss arena, is paramount. This includes knowing exactly where to go, which enemies to engage, and which to ignore. For example, knowing the fastest way to navigate the chaotic battlefields of Promethea or the treacherous swamps of Eden-6.

Gear Optimization for Speed

You won't be collecting every piece of loot. Focus on obtaining:

  • Essential Quest Rewards: Prioritize the story missions that grant powerful, run-defining weapons or gear.
  • Targeted Farming: If a specific weapon or artifact is critical and not a quest reward, identify the quickest boss or enemy to farm it from.
  • Moze-Specific Buffs: Always look for Class Mods and Artifacts that enhance Moze's strengths, like action skill cooldown reduction or increased Iron Bear duration/damage.

The weapons used in world record runs are often meta-defining. Think along the lines of a Conference Call or a Backburner for raw damage, paired with a legendary artifact that boosts damage output significantly.

Combat and Movement Drills

Practice the core gameplay mechanics until they are second nature:

  • Movement Tech: Spend time just running, sliding, and jumping through arenas to build muscle memory for high-speed traversal.
  • Combat Proficiency: Engage enemies in challenging scenarios to hone your aiming, ability usage, and situational awareness.
  • Boss Fight Practice: Learn the attack patterns of every major boss and practice executing your damage rotations flawlessly. Can you kill Graveward in under 30 seconds? You should be aiming for that!

Mastering these elements ensures that when you're in the thick of a run, you're not fumbling; you're executing with precision. This includes knowing when to deploy Iron Bear for maximum impact and how to quickly exit it to maintain momentum.

FAQ

Q1: What is the main challenge in Borderlands 3 Any% Moze Speedrun?

A1: The primary challenge lies in maintaining absolute efficiency throughout the entire playthrough. This involves optimizing movement, combat encounters, and minimizing any downtime, all while executing a near-perfect route.

Q2: Is Borderlands 3 Any% Moze Speedrun heavily reliant on glitches?

A2: While some speedruns utilize glitches or skips, Deceptix_'s record focuses more on precise execution of intended game mechanics and optimized routing. However, the community is always exploring new possibilities, so glitches can sometimes play a role in category evolution.

Q3: How much practice is typically needed to reach a competitive time?

A3: It varies greatly depending on the individual, but reaching times competitive with top runners often requires hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of dedicated practice and study.

Q4: What makes Moze a popular choice for speedrunning Borderlands 3?

A4: Moze's high damage output, especially when utilizing her mech, Iron Bear, and her potential for rapid area clearing, makes her a very strong contender for fast playthroughs.

Conclusion

Deceptix_'s Borderlands 3 Any% Moze Speedrun of 3:17:56 is a monumental achievement, showcasing the pinnacle of skill, strategy, and dedication in the gaming world. It's a run that demands absolute mastery of Moze, an intimate knowledge of the game's world, and the discipline to execute a flawless plan. While beating this world record is an ambitious goal, understanding the strategies behind it provides an invaluable roadmap for any player looking to improve their own speedrunning attempts. So, gear up, plan your route, and start practicing. The Borderlands await, and with enough dedication, you too can shave precious seconds off your time and climb the leaderboards!

What are your personal best times for the Borderlands 3 Any% Moze run? Are there any specific strats or skips you rely on? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below or join our Discord community to discuss all things speedrunning!

```