What's up, fellow speedrunners and New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe fans! Ever stared at that leaderboard, mesmerized by those insane times in World 4-3, specifically the Any% category? You know, the ones that make you wonder if human hands can even *do* that? Today, we're not just talking about a speedrun; we're dissecting the legendary 351-second world record for NSMBUDX's 4-3 level. This isn't your average playthrough; it's a masterclass in precision, glitch exploitation, and pure, unadulterated skill. Prepare to dive deep into the strategies, the precise inputs, and the mindset that makes a world record possible.
Table of Contents
What is the 4-3 Any% Speedrun?
First things first, let's get on the same page. When we talk about the 4-3 Any% category in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, we're referring to a specific challenge. The "4-3" signifies the third level in World 4. The "Any%" designation is crucial for speedrunning: it means the player's sole objective is to reach the end credits as fast as humanly possible, using absolutely any means necessary. This includes exploiting every known glitch, shortcut, and sequence break the game has to offer. No collecting stars, no beating levels in a specific way – just pure, unadulterated speed from start to finish.
The Legendary Darbian Run: A 351 Masterpiece
The benchmark we're all chasing, the magic number, is 351 seconds. This incredible time was set by the one and only Darbian back in 2016. It's a testament to countless hours of practice, an encyclopedic knowledge of the game's mechanics, and the sheer will to shave off every possible millisecond. Darbian didn't just beat the game; he *rewrote* how it could be played at its fastest. His run isn't just a record; it's a blueprint for what's possible.
To truly grasp the dedication involved, consider this:
- Darbian spent an estimated thousands of hours perfecting his routes and inputs.
- He meticulously analyzed every frame to identify potential time saves.
- His execution was near-flawless, making critical tricks look effortless.
Key Strategies and Glitches for 4-3
Achieving a time like 351 seconds isn't about running through the level normally. It's about manipulating the game's engine. In 4-3, several key strategies and, most importantly, glitches are essential. Without these, breaking the 400-second barrier is nearly impossible, let alone hitting sub-360.
Some of the core elements include:
- Precise platforming to maintain momentum.
- Strategic use of spin jumps to gain extra height or adjust mid-air.
- Exploiting enemy behaviors for optimal movement.
- The critical use of the infamous "flagpole glitch."
The flagpole glitch is arguably the single most important time-saver in this specific run. Mastering it is non-negotiable for any serious attempt at a top-tier time.
The Flagpole Glitch Explained
So, what exactly *is* the flagpole glitch in the context of NSMBUDX 4-3? In many Mario games, touching the flagpole signifies the end of the level, with your score and position determined by how high you grab it. The "flagpole glitch" is a technique that allows you to bypass the traditional end-of-level sequence. By hitting the flagpole at a very specific angle and height, you can trigger an event that essentially warps Mario directly to the post-level screen, skipping the standard animation and coin collection. This saves a significant chunk of time – often several seconds per attempt – making it an indispensable tool for speedrunners aiming for records like 351.
Here's a breakdown of how it generally works:
- Approach the flagpole at high speed.
- Perform a jump that aligns Mario with a specific point on the flagpole.
- The precise input window is incredibly small, requiring perfect timing.
- If successful, the game registers the level completion without the standard flagpole climb animation.
It's not just about touching the pole; it's about touching it *correctly*. The angle, the height, and the speed all have to be just right. One wrong move, and you're stuck with a slow climb.
Learning this glitch requires dedicated practice. Many runners spend hours just perfecting the approach and the jump required for the glitch.
Execution is Everything: Perfecting the Run
Even with the best strats and glitches, a world record hinges on flawless execution. Every jump, every dash, every spin needs to be performed with absolute precision. In a run as short as 351 seconds, even a single missed jump or a slightly mistimed input can cost precious seconds. These seconds compound rapidly. A perfect run means:
- Consistent Momentum: Never stop moving forward unless absolutely necessary.
- Pixel-Perfect Jumps: Landing exactly where you intend to, every single time.
- Precise Glitch Usage: Executing the flagpole glitch (and any other necessary tricks) without fail.
- Minimizing Stumbles: Avoiding bumping into enemies or obstacles.
The pressure of a world record attempt is immense. Knowing that thousands of hours of practice boil down to these few minutes requires incredible mental fortitude. Any hesitation, any doubt, can lead to a mistake that costs the run.
When you're aiming for a world record, there's no room for error. Every single input is critical. You have to trust your muscle memory and execute perfectly.
For those looking to improve their own times, watching top runners like Darbian is invaluable. Pay close attention to their movement patterns and how they recover from minor errors.
The Role of RNG in World Record Attempts
While skill and strategy are paramount in speedrunning, we can't entirely ignore the element of luck, or Random Number Generation (RNG). Games, even highly deterministic ones like Mario, often have randomized elements. This can include:
- Enemy spawn patterns
- Item block contents
- Certain environmental hazards
In a speedrun like NSMBUDX 4-3, favorable RNG can mean enemies appearing in positions that allow for smoother movement or quicker elimination. Unfavorable RNG might place an enemy directly in your path, forcing a slight detour or a risky maneuver. While top runners minimize their reliance on luck, a world record run often benefits from a bit of good fortune. Darbian's 351 run likely had some favorable RNG, helping him shave off those crucial fractions of a second.
Understanding and adapting to RNG is part of advanced speedrunning. It’s about making the best of what the game gives you, consistently.
If you're interested in seeing the absolute peak of this #gaming category, I highly recommend checking out the NSMBU speedrun.com page.
Practicing for That 351 Time
So, how does one even begin to approach a time like 351 seconds? It's a marathon, not a sprint (ironically). Here’s a suggested practice regimen:
- Master the Basics: Ensure you can comfortably complete the level without major errors, focusing on maintaining speed.
- Learn the Glitches: Dedicate significant time to practicing the flagpole glitch until it's second nature.
- Segmented Practice: Break the level down into smaller sections and perfect each one individually.
- Full Runs: Once comfortable with segments, start attempting full runs, focusing on consistency.
- Watch and Analyze: Study world record runs, paying attention to details you might have missed.
- Community Resources: Engage with the #speedrun community. Often, runners share tips and tricks on platforms like Discord.
Remember, a #worldrecord isn't achieved overnight. It's the result of persistent effort, smart practice, and a deep understanding of the game. Keep grinding, and who knows, maybe you'll be the next name on the leaderboard!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the flagpole glitch the only trick used in this speedrun?
No, while the flagpole glitch is critical for saving significant time in World 4-3 Any%, other precise movements, optimal jumps, and potentially minor sequence breaks or enemy manipulations are also employed to achieve the fastest possible time.
How much practice does it realistically take to get a good time in 4-3 Any%?
For a competitive time, expect to invest dozens, if not hundreds, of hours. Achieving a world record like Darbian's requires thousands of hours of dedicated practice and refinement.
Can I perform the 351 strategy on the original NSMBU or only on NSMBUDX?
The core strategies and glitches, including the flagpole glitch, are generally consistent between the original New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. However, minor differences in physics or input detection might exist, so verifying strats on the specific version you play is always recommended.
What's the difference between Any% and 100% speedruns in NSMBUDX?
Any% means finishing the game as quickly as possible using any means, often involving glitches. 100% requires completing all levels, collecting all Star Coins, and achieving specific in-game goals, making it a much longer and different type of challenge.
Reaching the pinnacle of #speedrun competition takes dedication, skill, and an insatiable drive to be the best. The NSMBUDX 4-3 Any% world record is a testament to these qualities. We hope this deep dive has given you the insights you need to appreciate the mastery involved, or perhaps even inspired you to start your own journey towards a personal best.
What are your thoughts on this incredible #worldrecord? Did you find the explanation of the flagpole glitch helpful? Drop your comments below, join our Discord channel to discuss strategies with fellow runners, and don't forget to check out more in-depth guides right here on GamingSpeedrun.com!