ULTRAKILL 0-1 P% Speedrun: The 23.551 World Record Explained

What’s up, fellow speed demons and ULTRAKILL fanatics! If you clicked on this, you're probably buzzing with the same energy I get when I see a new WR pop up. We’re not just talking about *a* speedrun; we're diving deep into the legendary 23.551-second world record for ULTRAKILL's 0-1 P% category. This isn't just about beating the clock; it's about mastering every pixel, every movement, every bullet. This guide is your blueprint to understanding, dissecting, and maybe even *beating* this insane record. We'll break down the strats, the mindset, and the sheer dedication it takes. Let's get this bread!

What Exactly is the ULTRAKILL 0-1 P% Speedrun?

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. The 0-1 P% category in ULTRAKILL is all about speed and efficiency, specifically in the Prelude (Act 1, Level 1). The "P%" here refers to "Pure," meaning you need to kill a specific percentage of enemies. For the 0-1 run, this usually means eliminating **all** designated enemies to achieve the highest possible rank (which is often necessary for optimal time saves) while completing the level in the absolute minimum time. It's a brutal dance of aggression and precision. You can't afford to miss a single shot or hesitate for a nanosecond. The goal is to reach the end screen faster than anyone else, with the required kills locked in.

Preparation is Key: Setting Yourself Up for Success

Forget just jumping in and expecting miracles. A world record run is built on a mountain of practice and meticulous preparation. This is where the grind truly begins.
  • Master the Fundamentals: Before even thinking about WR strats, you need to be comfortable with ULTRAKILL's insane movement and combat mechanics. Slide-dashing, wall-jumping, parrying, and weapon switching need to be second nature.
  • Study the Titans: Watch VODs of top runners. Don't just passively watch; analyze their every move. What weapons are they using? When do they switch? How do they position themselves? Where do they jump? Take notes! Speedrun.com is your best friend here.
  • RNG Manipulation (Sort Of): ULTRAKILL has elements of randomness (RNG). While you can't fully control it, understanding enemy spawns and attack patterns helps you adapt quickly. Some strats rely on specific enemy behaviors.
  • Hardware Check: Ensure your setup is up to snuff. A responsive mouse and keyboard, a high refresh rate monitor, and a stable frame rate are non-negotiable. Lag spikes are run killers. In my own attempts, a faulty mouse sensor once cost me a perfect run – never again!

Execution Mastery: The Strat Breakdown

This is where the magic happens. The 0-1 P% WR isn't just about running fast; it’s about executing a perfect sequence of actions.

Movement is Life

In ULTRAKILL, movement isn't just for dodging; it's an offensive tool. Mastering the slide-dash is crucial for maintaining momentum and closing gaps instantly. Combine this with wall-jumping off the environment to gain height and reposition rapidly.

Weapon Synergy and Switching

The arsenal in ULTRAKILL is designed for rapid switching. You won't stick to one weapon. Typically, a WR run will involve:

  • Shotgun (S): For close-range burst damage and rocket jumping for extra height.
  • Revolver (R): High precision for specific targets or staggering tougher foes.
  • Nailgun (N): Great for sustained damage, especially when kiting.

The timing of your weapon switches needs to be perfected. For instance, a quick S-N-S combo can melt an enemy before they even know what hit them.

Enemy Engagement Tactics

Every enemy type requires a specific approach. For the Prelude:

  • Mindflayers: Prioritize them. Their projectiles can disrupt your run. A quick shotgun blast or precise revolver shot is key.
  • Husks: Easy to dispatch, but don't let them swarm you. A sweep of the shotgun or nailgun works wonders.
  • Malicious Faces: The bane of many runners. Learn their teleport patterns and parry timings. A well-timed parry can instantly kill them or open them up for a devastating combo.
The key to ULTRAKILL speedruns isn't just reacting, it's predicting. You need to be two steps ahead of the enemies and the level itself.

The 23.551 Run: A Deep Dive

Achieving a time like 23.551 seconds in 0-1 is borderline superhuman. It requires absolute perfection and often involves executing incredibly difficult, frame-perfect tricks. While the exact routing can vary slightly between runners and depend on RNG, the core principles remain:
  • Optimized Pathing: Every step is calculated. There are no wasted movements, no detours. Runners often utilize precise jump-angles and slide-dashes to traverse the arena in the most direct line possible.
  • Aggressive Enemy Management: You don't just kill enemies; you eliminate them instantly or control their aggro perfectly. This often means baiting specific attacks or positioning yourself to hit multiple enemies with one attack.
  • Sequence Breaking (Potentially): In some games, WR runs involve glitches or sequence breaks. While ULTRAKILL's 0-1 P% is relatively straightforward, minor optimizations or sequence skips might be employed by top runners that aren't obvious to the casual player. The goal is to trigger the end sequence as fast as possible after securing the necessary kills.
  • Perfect Parry/Parry-Cancels: Mastering the parry is essential. A successful parry can stun enemies, cancel your own animations, or even propel you forward, saving crucial frames.
In my own runs, the difference between a 25-second and a 23-second run often came down to nailing just one or two incredibly difficult enemy engagements, usually involving a Malicious Face or a perfect shotgun blast on a staggered target.
The current record of 23.551 is a testament to years of practice, community discovery, and sheer talent. It’s a benchmark that pushes the limits of what’s possible in gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "P%" stand for in ULTRAKILL speedruns?

P% typically stands for "Pure," meaning you need to achieve a certain percentage of enemy kills within the level, often 100% for optimal runs, alongside the fastest possible time.

Is ULTRAKILL's 0-1 P% the hardest speedrun in the game?

While 0-1 P% is incredibly demanding due to its speed and precision requirements, ULTRAKILL has many other challenging categories. However, it's undoubtedly one of the most iconic and difficult starting points for speedrunning the game.

How much practice does it take to get a good time in 0-1 P%?

For a competitive time, expect to dedicate dozens, if not hundreds, of hours. Achieving a world record time like 23.551 requires an exceptional level of dedication and skill developed over a long period.

Can I use glitches in P% runs?

Generally, P% categories aim for completion through intended mechanics. Major glitches or sequence breaks might be allowed in separate "Glitchless" or "Any%" categories, but P% usually implies executing the level as designed, just incredibly fast.

The pursuit of a world record is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the grind, learn from every failure, and celebrate every small victory.
--- So there you have it – a deep dive into the blistering fast world of the ULTRAKILL 0-1 P% speedrun and its mind-boggling 23.551-second world record. This run is a perfect example of the dedication, skill, and community effort that fuels the speedrun scene. It’s not just about beating the game; it’s about pushing its boundaries. Are you inspired to hit the practice button? Did you notice any tiny optimizations we missed? Drop your thoughts, your own personal bests, or any questions you have in the comments below! Join our Discord to connect with fellow speedrunners and share your epic runs. We’re always looking for new talent and passionate discussions. Keep running fast, and never stop pushing!