Table of Contents
What Went Wrong in "The Worst Speedrun"?
Let's break down the train wreck that was "The Worst Speedrun in PT (%True Ending)". At its core, this run suffered from a fundamental lack of optimization. The player *failed* to leverage the game's intricate mechanics and readily available power-ups. This isn't just about being a bit slow; it's about leaving massive chunks of time on the table, the kind that separates a decent run from a record attempt. Furthermore, there was a distinct absence of a coherent, executable strategy. Think of it like trying to build a house without a blueprint. Opportunities to gain precious seconds were missed, not due to bad RNG (Random Number Generation), but due to a lack of foresight and planning. This run serves as a stark reminder that speedrunning is as much about preparation as it is about execution."The player failed to take advantage of the game's mechanics and power-ups, leading to a slower completion time." This is the core issue we'll dissect.
The Systematic Approach: Your Speedrunning Blueprint
So, how do you steer clear of this kind of disaster? The answer lies in adopting a highly systematic approach. Speedrunning isn't just about mashing buttons faster; it's a science.- Understand the game inside and out. This means not just knowing the controls, but understanding the *why* behind every action.
- Strategize meticulously. Map out your route, identify skips, and plan for every potential scenario.
- Be consistent. A consistent strategy, even if not the absolute fastest theoretically, is often better than a wildly fluctuating one.
Treat every run like a project. Define your goals, break them down into manageable steps, and execute with precision. This methodical mindset is crucial for any serious speedrunner aiming for the world record.
Mastering the Game: Mechanics and Power-Ups
Every game, especially one with a true ending like PT, has its unique set of mechanics and power-ups. Ignoring these is like bringing a knife to a gunfight.- Mechanics: What are the fundamental rules of the game? How does movement work? What are the hitboxes like? Are there any glitches or exploits that can be reliably used? Understanding these allows for precise movement and sequence breaks. For example, mastering the precise timing of jumps or the optimal way to navigate tight corridors can shave off seconds.
- Power-ups: When are power-ups available? What do they do? Crucially, *when* is the optimal time to use them? Sometimes, saving a power-up for a later, more critical section can be more beneficial than using it early. In PT, understanding how certain items or environmental interactions affect progress is paramount.
In "The Worst Speedrun," these elements were clearly overlooked. Imagine skipping a vital power-up that could have bypassed a lengthy puzzle or sped up an encounter. It's the kind of mistake that haunts a runner long after the timer stops.
Strategy is Key: Crafting Your Route
A speedrun strategy is more than just a path; it's a carefully orchestrated sequence of actions designed to exploit the game's design for maximum speed."They failed to follow a coherent strategy, resulting in missed opportunities to gain time." This highlights the need for a defined plan.
For games like PT, the strategy often involves:
- Route Optimization: Finding the shortest and fastest path through the game's levels. This often involves learning specific movement techniques or "skips" that bypass sections entirely.
- Sequence Breaks: Exploiting game logic to perform actions out of the intended order, often skipping entire segments of the game.
- Combat Efficiency: If applicable, learning the fastest ways to defeat enemies or bypass them altogether.
- Resource Management: Deciding when to use limited resources like health items, ammo, or special abilities.
A good strategy is adaptable. While you need a plan, you must also be prepared for slight variations in RNG or unexpected events. The best runners can react and adjust on the fly without losing significant time.
The Art of Timing: Every Second Counts
Time management is the bedrock of speedrunning. It's not just about *how* you play, but *when* you play.- Know When to Use Power-ups: As mentioned, timing is critical. Using a speed boost at the wrong moment can be more detrimental than not using it at all.
- Calculated Risks: Speedrunning often involves taking risks. Is it worth attempting that difficult skip that could save 10 seconds, or is the risk of failure too high? Understanding your capabilities and the game's mechanics helps in making these decisions.
- Resource Conservation: Sometimes, the fastest path involves conserving resources to ensure you don't hit a wall later due to lack of health or ammo.
The player in "The Worst Speedrun" likely struggled with this, making inefficient decisions that added unnecessary minutes to their playtime. Maintaining a consistent pace, even if it means playing slightly safer at certain points, is often key to a successful run.
Practice Makes Perfect: Honing Your Skills
This is perhaps the most universally applicable advice in speedrunning, and it was a clear failing in the run we're discussing."Don't expect to complete a game on your first try, especially when speedrunning." This couldn't be more true.
Mastering a speedrun takes time and dedication. It involves:
- Learning the Game: Familiarize yourself with every nook, cranny, and mechanic.
- Practicing Specific Sections: Break down the run into segments and practice difficult tricks or sequences repeatedly until they become muscle memory.
- Optimizing Gameplay: Constantly look for ways to shave off milliseconds. This might involve refining movement, improving reaction times, or finding new strats.
- Experimentation: Try different approaches. What works for one runner might not work for another. Finding your own optimal playstyle is key.
The journey to a great speedrun is paved with countless failed attempts. Each failure is a learning opportunity. Analyze what went wrong, adjust your strategy, and go again. This iterative process is how records are broken.