Top 20 Shortest Speedruns: Master the Art of the Quick Win!

Hey speedrunners and quick-win enthusiasts! Ever looked at those epic, hours-long speedruns and thought, "Man, I wish I had that kind of time?" Well, you're in the right place. Here at GamingSpeedrun.com, we're all about pushing the limits of gaming, and sometimes, that means doing it at lightning speed. This guide dives deep into the world of the shortest speedruns out there. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking for a new challenge or a curious newcomer wondering how fast a game can truly be beaten, we've got you covered. Get ready to discover games where every second counts and the path to victory is incredibly brief!

What Exactly Are "Short" Speedruns?

When we talk about "short" speedruns, we're generally referring to games or categories within games that can be completed from start to finish in a remarkably short amount of time. We're not just talking minutes, but often seconds! These runs are a testament to incredibly optimized routes, precise execution, and sometimes, game-breaking glitches and skips. The goal is absolute efficiency, shaving off milliseconds where possible. It's a different beast than a multi-hour grind, focusing on pure, distilled speed.

In my experience, a "short" speedrun often means the game itself is inherently brief, or a specific category like Any% has been so perfected that it achieves near-instantaneous completion times. Think of games that can be beaten in under a minute, or even under ten seconds for extreme cases!

Why Run Short Games? The Appeal of Quick Victories

So, why would someone dedicate themselves to mastering a game that takes mere seconds to beat? There's a unique thrill to it. Firstly, accessibility. These runs are fantastic entry points into the speedrunning community. You don't need to invest dozens or hundreds of hours just to get a decent time. A few hours of practice can yield significant results.

  • Quick Practice Sessions: Perfect for players with limited time.
  • High Replayability: Easy to attempt multiple runs in a single sitting.
  • Intense Focus: Every frame counts, demanding peak concentration.
  • Community Recognition: Niche categories often have dedicated communities.

The satisfaction of nailing a perfect execution in a sub-ten-second run is immense. It’s a micro-masterpiece of skill and knowledge. Plus, these are the kinds of runs that often go viral, showcasing the incredible possibilities within gaming.

The pursuit of the perfect, shortest run is an art form, demanding a deep understanding of game mechanics.

The Top 20 Shortest Speedruns: Prepare to Be Amazed

Compiling a definitive list is tricky as records are constantly broken, and new categories emerge. However, based on current knowledge and trends, here are some prime examples of games and categories known for their incredibly short speedrun times. These often involve specific glitches or sequence breaks that fundamentally alter the game's intended progression.

  1. Super Mario Bros. (Any%) - While the game is longer, specific glitches can shorten it dramatically.
  2. Celeste (Any%) - Known for its tight platforming and optimization.
  3. Portal (Any%) - Utilizing portal mechanics for insane sequence breaks.
  4. Super Meat Boy (Any%) - Demands pixel-perfect execution.
  5. Geometry Dash (Specific Levels) - Many levels are designed to be beaten in seconds.
  6. VVVVVV (Any%) - Can be completed extremely rapidly with skips.
  7. Mega Man (Any%) - Older titles often have deep glitches for fast clears.
  8. Sonic the Hedgehog (Any%) - Classic titles offer numerous speedrun strats.
  9. DOOM (Specific Levels/Mods) - Famous for its speedrunning potential.
  10. Half-Life 2 (Any%) - Incredible skips and movement tech.
  11. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (Any%) - Deep sequence breaks are key.
  12. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Any% - BotW Route) - While the full game is longer, specific routes can be very fast.
  13. Super Mario 64 (120 Star) - A longer run, but individual sections are highly optimized.
  14. Minecraft (Speedrun Categories) - Especially Any% with luck.
  15. Hollow Knight (Any%) - Requires mastery of movement and combat skips.
  16. Ori and the Blind Forest (Any%) - Fluid movement is paramount.
  17. Cuphead (Any%) - Challenging boss fights require perfect execution.
  18. Bloodborne (Any%) - Known for glitches that bypass large portions of the game.
  19. Dark Souls (Any%) - Similar to Bloodborne, exploits are common.
  20. Super Mario World (Specific Glitchless Categories) - Even without major glitches, optimized routes are fast.

It's crucial to remember that these times are often achieved through highly specific categories (like Any% which allows any major glitch) and require immense dedication. The world of speedruns is always evolving!

Strategy and Glitches in Short Speedruns

The magic behind short speedruns often lies in exploiting the game's engine. This can involve:

  • Out-of-Bounds (OOB): Intentionally going outside the game's intended playable area to skip sections.
  • Clip Glitches: Passing through walls or floors.
  • Damage Boosts: Using enemy attacks or environmental hazards to propel the player forward at high speeds.
  • Menuing: Rapidly opening and closing menus to manipulate game states or trigger specific events.
  • Precise Jumps and Movement: Perfecting jump timings, strafes, and other movement techniques to maximize speed.

Understanding the game's code and mechanics at a deep level is essential. A single frame-perfect input can mean the difference between a world record and a failed attempt. The study of these techniques, often called strats, is a core part of the speedrunning culture.

Many short speedruns aren't just about playing the game fast; they're about breaking the game in the most efficient way possible.

The Role of RNG (Random Number Generation)

Even in the shortest speedruns, RNG can play a significant role. This refers to the random elements within a game, such as enemy spawns, item drops, or even the behavior of certain NPCs. In many short speedrun categories, players aim to manipulate or mitigate bad RNG, or rely on specific lucky outcomes.

For example, a run might depend on a specific enemy appearing in a certain spot, or an item dropping early. While skill is paramount, a bit of luck can sometimes make or break a world record attempt. The best runners are adept at adapting to whatever the game throws at them.

Community and Competition

The speedrunning community is vibrant and dedicated. Websites like speedrun.com are central hubs where runners submit their times, compete for rankings, and share strategies. For shorter runs, the competition can be incredibly fierce, with records being broken by mere milliseconds.

Participating in events like AGDQ (Awesome Games Done Quick) and GDQ (Games Done Quick) events, even with shorter runs, can bring significant attention and recognition. The collaborative spirit of sharing knowledge and helping others improve is a hallmark of this community.

The drive to shave off just one more frame is what fuels the passion in the shortest speedruns.

Getting Started with Short Speedruns

Ready to jump in? Here’s how:

  • Choose Your Game: Pick a game you love and look for its shortest categories on speedrun.com.
  • Watch Top Runners: Study their techniques, routing, and execution.
  • Practice Consistently: Focus on mastering one section at a time.
  • Learn the Glitches: Understand the specific exploits that enable fast times.
  • Join the Community: Engage with other runners on Discord or forums.
  • Record Your Runs: Get your personal best (PB) recognized!

Don't be discouraged by initial failures. Every attempt is a learning experience. The journey to mastering a Any% run, no matter how short, is incredibly rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the absolute shortest speedrun ever recorded?

This is a constantly changing record, but typically involves extremely simple games or specific categories where players have found ways to trigger an end-state almost instantaneously, often through sequence breaks or glitches, sometimes measured in single-digit seconds or even less.

Are short speedruns less impressive than long ones?

Absolutely not! Short speedruns require immense precision, deep game knowledge, and often, the discovery and mastery of complex glitches. Every speedrun category, regardless of length, demands significant skill and dedication.

How can I find the shortest speedrun category for a game?

The best resource is speedrun.com. Navigate to the game you're interested in, and look at the different categories listed. Categories like "Any%" are often the shortest, especially if the game has been out for a while and heavily optimized.

Do I need special equipment to start speedrunning?

For most games, no. A standard console or PC setup is usually sufficient. The key is practice and understanding the game. Some top runners might use specific controllers or capture cards for consistency, but it's not a requirement to start.

What is the difference between Any% and 100% speedruns?

Any% means completing the game as quickly as possible using any means necessary, including glitches and skips. 100% means completing all major objectives or collecting all significant items/upgrades before finishing the game, making it a much longer and different kind of challenge.

So there you have it! The world of shortest speedruns is fascinating, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. Whether you're aiming for a world record or just want to see games beaten in the blink of an eye, there's always something new to discover. Keep practicing, keep exploring, and most importantly, keep gaming fast!

What are your favorite short speedruns? Did we miss any incredible examples? Let us know in the comments below, and join our Discord to discuss strategies and share your own PBs!