Fallout Anthology AGDQ 2020: Tomatoanus's Epic 2:16:21 Speedrun Breakdown

What's up, speedrunning community! If you're here, you're probably buzzing from the sheer chaos and brilliance of a massive speedrun event, or maybe you're just looking to dissect a legendary run. Today, we're diving deep into the legendary Fallout Anthology run by tomatoanus at AGDQ 2020. This wasn't just any run; it was a rollercoaster of emotions, unexpected hiccups, and pure gaming grit that ended with an incredible time of 2:16:21. Let's break down what made this run so memorable, from the early game strats to the hilarious commentary during unexpected downtime.

The AGDQ Stage and the Anthology Challenge

Taking on the entire Fallout Anthology – that's Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, and Fallout 4 – in one go is a monumental task. It requires deep knowledge of each game's mechanics, optimal routing, and the ability to execute under immense pressure. AGDQ events are known for showcasing some of the most impressive speedruns in gaming history, and this run was no exception. The sheer scale of combining three distinct titles, each with its own quirks and potential glitches, makes this a true test of endurance and skill. For anyone interested in Baldurs Gate Speedrun or similar long-form runs, the Fallout Anthology is a masterclass in sustained performance.

Tomatoanus: The Strategist and Entertainer

Tomatoanus brought incredible energy and strategic depth to the AGDQ 2020 stage. While the run itself faced some challenges, his ability to adapt and keep the audience engaged was paramount. His introduction, starting at 0:10, sets the stage for the epic journey ahead. It’s clear from the outset that this isn't just about hitting buttons fast; it's about telling a story through gameplay and reacting to whatever the game throws at you.

"This run was absolutely wild to say the least. While it may not have certainly gone the most smoothly in terms of gameplay, it definitely made for a lot of hilarious and interesting scenarios that I'm glad we all got to share together."

This quote perfectly captures the spirit of the run. It wasn't a flawless execution, but it was undeniably entertaining and full of memorable moments. His commitment to the community and the games he loves shines through, embodying the spirit of Aventura Gamer.

Key Segments of the Fallout Anthology Run

The run officially kicks off at 1:54, diving straight into the Wasteland. Each segment of the anthology presents unique challenges:

  • Fallout 3: Navigating the Capital Wasteland efficiently, dealing with combat encounters, and executing any necessary Challenge Run skips or glitches.
  • Fallout: New Vegas: The intricate routing and potential for sequence breaks in New Vegas are often exploited by speedrunners. Tomatoanus likely employed established Classic Gaming strats to shave off precious minutes.
  • Fallout 4: From the early game sequences to navigating the Commonwealth, Fallout 4 offers its own set of hurdles and opportunities for optimization.

Even in a highly optimized run, RNG (Random Number Generation) plays a significant role. Unexpected enemy placements or loot drops can force a runner to adapt on the fly, adding to the inherent excitement and unpredictability of speedrunning. The strategy often involves finding the fastest routes, minimizing combat where possible, and exploiting game mechanics.

When the Donation Tracker Went Down

A significant event during this run was the donation tracker going offline during Fallout 3 and remaining down for the rest of the anthology. This is where the couch commentary from CovertMuffin, bloodthunder, and Sharo truly shone. With limited direct interaction with the donation totals, the commentators and tomatoanus had to rely on their knowledge of the games and their personalities to keep the stream engaging. This often leads to more candid and hilarious moments, as seen when tomatoanus would glance towards the donation table, only to be met with a shake of the head from host Edobean, indicating no fix was in sight.

"About when we got to Fallout 3 in the run, the donation tracker at the event went offline and stayed down for the rest of the run. [...] a lot of moments throughout the run was just us trying to think of things to talk about."

This situation highlights the resilience of the speedrunning community and the event staff. Despite technical difficulties, the show must go on, and the entertainment value remained high thanks to the improvisational skills of everyone involved. It’s a testament to the dedication seen in events like Community Gaming gatherings.

The Unseen Efforts: GDQ Staff and Volunteers

It's crucial to acknowledge the immense effort put in by the Games Done Quick (GDQ) staff and volunteers. Their dedication to ensuring the event runs smoothly, even when faced with technical setbacks like the donation tracker outage, is incredible. Tomatoanus expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to run at AGDQ 2020, and this sentiment is shared by many runners who value the platform GDQ provides.

"I'm incredibly grateful for GDQ giving me the opportunity to do the Fallout Anthology run at their event, and can't thank them enough for the opportunity."

These events are a collaborative effort, showcasing not just the skill of the runners but also the hard work of the organizers, commentators, and technical staff. It's a true celebration of the Comunidad Gamer.

What We Learned from This Wild Run

This Fallout Anthology run at AGDQ 2020 serves as a powerful reminder of several things:

  • Adaptability is Key: Speedruns, especially long ones, rarely go exactly as planned. The ability to adapt to unexpected issues is crucial.
  • Entertainment Value Matters: Even if a run isn't technically perfect, a runner's personality and ability to entertain can make it a standout moment.
  • Community Spirit is Strong: When challenges arise, the community and event staff pull together to overcome them.
  • The Fallout Series is Ripe for Speedrunning: The depth and complexity of the Fallout games offer endless possibilities for optimized runs and new discoveries. For more on similar RPG speedruns, check out Baldurs Gate discussions.

It's runs like these that fuel the passion for games and the dedication seen in the speedrunning community. Whether you're aiming for a Any% record or just enjoy watching skilled players tackle challenges, this run has something for everyone. If you’re interested in other major events, exploring CD Projekt Red games might lead you to similar community showcases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What exactly is the Fallout Anthology run?
A1: It's a speedrun that attempts to complete all main Fallout games in a single continuous session, starting from Fallout 3, then Fallout: New Vegas, and finally Fallout 4.

Q2: Why did the donation tracker go offline during the run?
A2: The original post mentions that technical difficulties prevented the donation tracker from working for the majority of the run. The GDQ staff worked hard to fix it but couldn't get it operational until after the run concluded.

Q3: Who provided commentary for the run?
A3: Couch commentary was provided by CovertMuffin, bloodthunder, and Sharo. Edobean was the host.

Q4: What does AGDQ stand for?
A4: AGDQ stands for Awesome Games Done Quick, a major speedrunning marathon event held by Games Done Quick.

Q5: Where can I watch the full run?
A5: You can typically find full runs from AGDQ events on their official YouTube channel or through Twitch VODs. Search for "Fallout Anthology AGDQ 2020 tomatoanus" to find the specific video.

What did you think of this incredible Fallout Anthology run? Did any particular moment stand out to you? Let us know in the comments below! If you want to connect with fellow speedrunning enthusiasts, join our Discord server and share your thoughts, strats, and favorite runs. Don't forget to follow us on social media for more gaming news and speedrun breakdowns!

Mastering the Fallout Anthology: Your Ultimate Any% Speedrun Guide for GDQ Submission!

So, you've seen those incredible speedruns on GDQ and thought, "I could do that!" Specifically, you've stumbled upon the allure of tackling the entire Fallout Anthology in an Any% run. You're not here for the deep lore or the best weapon builds for a casual playthrough; you're here to break the game, find the fastest path, and shave off every precious second. You’re looking for the ultimate guide to master this massive collection, aiming for that coveted GDQ submission slot. You've come to the right place. This isn't just about beating the games; it's about understanding them at their core to exploit them for maximum speed.

Understanding Any% for the Fallout Anthology

The 'Any%' category in speedrunning means completing the game's main objective with the fastest possible time, irrespective of other in-game achievements, collectibles, or even specific story choices that don't directly block progression. For the Fallout Anthology, this translates to a targeted, highly optimized path through each individual game.

The key here is identifying the critical path – the absolute minimum steps required to reach the end credits. This often involves:

  • Utilizing glitches and sequence breaks.
  • Mastering movement tech.
  • Strategic skipping of optional content.
  • Efficient combat or avoidance tactics.
  • Exploiting game mechanics for rapid progression.

Each game in the anthology presents unique challenges and opportunities for speed. What works in Fallout 1 might be obsolete in Fallout 4 due to engine changes and design philosophy.

Fallout 1: The Foundation of Wasteland Speed

The original Fallout is a masterclass in isometric RPG speedrunning. The core strategy often revolves around character creation to maximize your ability to skip combat and access essential areas quickly.

  • Character Build: A high Special stat is crucial, particularly Agility and Perception. Skills like Speech are invaluable for bypassing combat encounters, while Stealth can be surprisingly effective. A low Strength is often viable if you can avoid direct confrontation.
  • Key Skips and Glitches: Look for "walk through walls" glitches or clipping exploits that can bypass entire sections of the map or reach quest objectives prematurely. The goal is to get to the Glow, activate the Vault 13 computer, and get the Pip-Boy and water chip quest as fast as possible.
  • Combat Avoidance: Running past enemies, using chems to boost stats temporarily, or employing targeted dialogue options are your best friends. Combat in the original Fallout can be time-consuming and heavily reliant on RNG.
The early Fallout titles heavily reward players who understand how to manipulate dialogue trees and NPC AI to their advantage, often bypassing entire combat encounters that would otherwise bog down a run.

Fallout 2: Exploiting the Evolution

Fallout 2 builds upon its predecessor, offering more complex mechanics and larger areas, which also means more opportunities for advanced speedrunning strategies.

  • Character Creation: Similar to Fallout 1, focus on essential stats and skills. Speech remains king for avoiding unnecessary fights. Having high Intelligence can unlock more dialogue options and faster quest progression.
  • "The Tank" Glitch: A famous exploit involves using specific NPC interactions to gain immense stat boosts, effectively making your character a god-mode powerhouse. Mastering this can drastically cut down time spent on combat.
  • Weapon of Choice: While combat avoidance is key, if forced, having a powerful, easily accessible weapon that deals massive damage is essential. Think about early-game access to powerful firearms or even melee weapons if your build supports it.
  • Major Quest Skips: Identify the shortest possible route to the Enclave oil rig. This usually involves bypassing many side quests and focusing solely on the main narrative thread.

Fallout 3: Into the Capitol Wasteland in Record Time

Moving to a 3D engine, Fallout 3 introduced new movement mechanics and physics that speedrunners have meticulously dissected.

  • Character Build: Agility is paramount for AP in VATS and general movement speed. Skills like Sneak and Lockpicking are critical for accessing areas and bypassing enemies. A focus on ranged combat is often preferred due to the open world.
  • Movement Tech: Learn "duck-walking" or "strafe-jumping" to gain speed. These techniques, while subtle, can shave seconds off travel time across the vast expanses of the Capital Wasteland.
  • Quest Routing: The route to Vault 101, then to Megaton and eventually to Project Purity is a well-defined path. Any deviation is a loss of time unless it's a critical sequence break.
  • Exploiting VATS: While VATS can slow down gameplay, strategic use for critical hits on specific enemies or to quickly target weak points can actually save time in combat.
  • Fallout 3 Specific Skips: Keep an eye out for glitches that allow you to clip through geometry or skip entire dialogue sequences that aren't essential for the main quest.

The ability to exploit environmental geometry is a hallmark of many modern 3D speedruns, and Fallout 3 is no exception. Mastering these precise movements is key.

Fallout: New Vegas: The Pinnacle of Wasteland Optimization

Fallout: New Vegas is a speedrunner's dream due to its complex quest system and the sheer number of ways the game can be broken. This is where the true art of Fallout speedrunning shines.

  • Character Specialization: While many builds work, a focus on Guns, Repair, and Speech is common. High Luck can also be beneficial for critical hits and casino wins (if the route demands it).
  • The "Sword Flying" Glitch: This is a legendary technique in New Vegas speedruns where using certain melee weapons in conjunction with specific movement can launch the player across vast distances at incredible speeds. Mastering this is almost mandatory for top-tier runs.
  • Quest Skips & Sequence Breaks: New Vegas has numerous quest skips. For example, getting the Platinum Chip without needing to go through Benny's Fort, or manipulating faction quests to your advantage.
  • Load Zone Manipulation: Understanding how fast travel and loading screens work is crucial. Sometimes, a longer in-game path can be faster if it minimizes loading times.
  • Optimized Routes: Top runners have meticulously mapped out routes that minimize backtracking and combat, often involving specific jumps, glitches, and dialogue choices to trigger events out of order.
The community around Fallout: New Vegas speedruns is incredibly dedicated, constantly discovering new skips and optimizations that shave milliseconds off existing records. It's a testament to the game's depth and therunners' ingenuity.

Fallout 4: The Modern Speedrunning Frontier

Fallout 4 brought a new engine and a host of new mechanics, including a revamped combat system and settlement building. Speedrunning it requires a different approach.

  • Character Build: A character with high Agility and Perception is generally preferred. Skills like Gunslinger, Commando, and Sneak are essential for efficient combat and stealth.
  • Power Armor Exploitation: Early access to Power Armor can drastically speed up travel and combat. Learning how to acquire and utilize it effectively is a key strategy.
  • Combat Strategies: While combat is more dynamic, runners still aim to minimize it. Tactics involve using VATS for critical hits on key enemies, utilizing stealth to bypass patrols, and employing high-damage weapons early on.
  • Quest Pathing: The main questline has been heavily optimized. Players often aim to reach Diamond City quickly, then proceed directly to the Institute or Brotherhood of Steel quests, depending on the category and route.
  • Fallout 4 Specific Glitches: Glitches like "save-scumming" for optimal RNG or exploiting AI pathing for enemies can be game-changers.

The sheer scale of Fallout 4 means that even small time saves add up significantly. Every second counts when you're aiming for world records.

GDQ Submission Strategy

Submitting a run to GDQ, especially for a collection like the Fallout Anthology, requires more than just a fast time. It needs to be entertaining, well-executed, and demonstrably the best in its category. Here’s how to approach it:

  • Practice, Practice, Practice: This goes without saying. You need to be able to execute your chosen route flawlessly, consistently hitting your PBs.
  • Entertainment Value: While speed is the primary goal, a good run is also engaging to watch. This means smooth execution, clear explanations (if you're commentating), and a positive attitude. If you're using skips or glitches, be prepared to explain them briefly.
  • Category Choice: Any% is the most common and often the fastest, but ensure you're aware of the rules for the specific category you're submitting. If you’re submitting a specific game from the anthology, ensure it fits within the overall GDQ submission guidelines for that year.
  • Video Submission: If you're submitting a video proof, make sure it's high quality, clearly shows the entire run from start to finish, and includes the necessary timing information.
  • Community Engagement: Stay active on platforms like speedrun.com and Discord. This is where you'll find the latest speedrunning discoveries and connect with fellow runners and organizers.
  • Understanding the Games: For a full anthology run, you need a deep understanding of each game’s mechanics, glitches, and optimal routes. This requires significant time investment across multiple titles.
The GDQ submission process is competitive. Showing dedication to a game and the speedrunning community, coupled with a demonstrable skill and an entertaining presentation, significantly increases your chances of acceptance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hardest game in the Fallout Anthology to speedrun?

Objectively, Fallout: New Vegas is often considered the most complex and difficult to master due to its intricate quest system and reliance on advanced glitches like "sword flying." However, individual difficulty can vary based on a runner's familiarity with each game's engine and mechanics.

Are there any major sequence breaks in Fallout 1 or 2 that significantly shorten the run?

Yes, the original Fallout and Fallout 2 have several sequence breaks, often involving clipping through walls or manipulating NPC behavior to bypass key plot points. These are crucial for achieving top Any% times.

Is combat necessary for an Any% run of Fallout 4?

While Any% aims for speed, some combat is often unavoidable in Fallout 4. The strategy is to make combat encounters as quick and efficient as possible, focusing on critical hits and high-damage weapons, or using stealth to bypass enemies whenever possible.

How important is RNG in Fallout speedruns?

RNG (Random Number Generation) plays a significant role, especially in older titles like Fallout 1 and Fallout 2, and even in combat encounters in newer titles. Runners often develop strategies to manipulate or mitigate bad RNG, or have backup plans for unfavorable outcomes. However, mastery of routes and techniques often overrides the impact of luck.

Where can I find the latest Fallout Anthology speedrun routes and strategies?

The best resources are speedrun.com for official leaderboards and guides, dedicated Discord servers for each Fallout title, and YouTube channels of top speedrunners in the Fallout community. These platforms are where new discoveries and optimizations are shared.

Mastering the Fallout Anthology for a speedrun is a journey. Each game offers a unique puzzle to solve, a different set of rules to bend, and a new set of challenges to overcome. The dedication required is immense, but the reward of shaving seconds, achieving a new PB, and potentially contributing to the speedrunning community at events like GDQ is unparalleled. Whether you're aiming for a world record or just want to see what's possible, understanding these core mechanics and strategies is your first step.

What are your favorite speedrun tricks for any of the Fallout games? Have you ever attempted a speedrun submission for a major event? Share your experiences and your own speedrunning insights in the comments below! Let's keep the conversation going and help each other push the boundaries of what's possible in the Wasteland.