Top 10 Closest Races at Games Done Quick: A Speedrunner's Perspective

Hey fellow speedrunners and gaming enthusiasts! If you're anything like me, you live for those nail-biting moments, the fractions of a second that separate a world record from a personal best. Games Done Quick (GDQ) events are the absolute pinnacle of this thrill, showcasing incredible skill and, more importantly, some of the most ridiculously close races imaginable. Today, we're diving deep into the Top 10 closest races that have graced the GDQ stage. Get ready for some heart-stopping action!

Introduction

Welcome back to GamingSpeedrun.com! If you've ever watched a GDQ marathon, you know the electrifying atmosphere. It’s not just about individual world records; it’s about the shared experience, the community coming together for charity, and witnessing peak human performance in gaming. But what truly sets the heart pounding are the races where two or more runners are neck-and-neck, pushing each other to absolute limits. These are the moments that define speedrunning history.

Why GDQ Races Are Special

GDQ events, whether it's AGDQ (Awesome Games Done Quick) or SGDQ (Summer Games Done Quick), are more than just speedruns. They are a celebration of gaming history, a testament to dedication, and a massive fundraising effort for charity. The energy from the crowd, the donation incentives, and the sheer pressure create a unique environment where incredible feats are not just possible, but expected. When two runners are vying for the same goal, often with only milliseconds between them, it’s pure magic.
The pressure at GDQ is unlike any other. You're not just running for yourself; you're running for the audience, for the charity, and for the history books. That's what makes these close races so incredibly compelling.

Defining "Closest"

When we talk about the "closest races," what do we really mean? It's not always just about the raw time difference. Sometimes it's about a race that went down to the wire in the final stretch, a close call with a dangerous glitch, or a surprising comeback. For this list, I've considered races where the final times were incredibly tight, often within a second or two, and where the outcome was genuinely in doubt until the very end. We're looking for those epic showdowns that had the chat and the commentators on the edge of their seats.

The Top 10 Countdown

Let's get to the heart of it. These are my picks for the most thrillingly close races that have unfolded at Games Done Quick. Remember, this is subjective, and there are countless other amazing races out there!

10. Super Mario 64 - 16 Star Race (Various GDQs)

While not always a two-person race, the 16-star category in Super Mario 64 is notoriously competitive. Seeing multiple runners execute precise strats, battling for the same second, is always a spectacle. The dives, the wall kicks, the BLJs – it's a masterclass in execution. You can find many examples of close calls in this category across different GDQ events.

9. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles - Any% (SGDQ 2017)

This race was a nail-biter! With multiple runners vying for the top spot, the differences in execution, especially on tricky levels like Hydrocity Zone or Marble Garden, made all the difference. The final seconds often came down to small optimizations and perfect button inputs. For fans of classic platformers and intense competition, this was a must-watch.

8. Ocarina of Time - Any% (AGDQ 2015)

The Any% category for Ocarina of Time is a speedrunning staple. In AGDQ 2015, we saw some incredibly tight runs. The Z-targeting, the bomb skips, the manipulation of RNG – it all comes together in a high-stakes performance. The difference between first and second could often be measured in mere frames, making every movement critical.

7. Celeste - Any% (AGDQ 2019)

Celeste is known for its demanding platforming, and seeing it done at a speedrunning level is breathtaking. The Any% category at AGDQ 2019 featured runners pushing the game's mechanics to their absolute limit. Precise movement, frame-perfect inputs, and quick thinking were essential. The final outcome was so close, it truly showed the dedication of the runners.

6. Punch-Out!! - Any% (AGDQ 2017)

Little Mac's journey is a test of pattern recognition and reflexes. In this Any% run, the competition was fierce. Each fighter is a puzzle, and solving them faster than anyone else requires immense skill. The final race was a masterclass in dodging, weaving, and landing those crucial punches, with the winner decided by a hair's breadth.

5. Super Metroid - Any% (AGDQ 2016)

Super Metroid speedruns are a ballet of exploration and glitch exploitation. The Any% category is particularly exciting because of the tight routing and the potential for huge time saves through well-executed sequences. In AGDQ 2016, we witnessed a race where runners were separated by the smallest of margins, showcasing incredible knowledge of the game's mechanics and a willingness to take risks.
Watching a Super Metroid run where everything clicks is like watching art in motion. When it's also a close race, it elevates the entire experience.

4. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night - Any% (AGDQ 2020)

This was a relatively newer title at the time, and the speedrunning community was already pushing its limits. The Any% run at AGDQ 2020 was incredibly exciting, with runners showcasing advanced techniques and routes. The final moments were incredibly tense, with the top contenders separated by mere seconds, proving that even modern games can produce legendary close races.

3. Mega Man 2 - Any% (AGDQ 2019)

The Blue Bomber's classic outing is a speedrunning favorite for a reason. Its tight controls and challenging bosses make for a thrilling spectacle. The Any% race at AGDQ 2019 was one for the ages. Runners battled through Dr. Wily's fortress with near-perfect execution, and the difference between victory and defeat was incredibly slim. The sheer memorization and reflex required are astounding.

2. Shovel Knight - Any% (AGDQ 2015)

Shovel Knight is a game that blends retro charm with modern design, and its speedruns are equally captivating. The Any% race at AGDQ 2015 was an absolute thriller. Runners navigated the treacherous platforming with incredible speed and precision. The final outcome was so close, it came down to the wire, leaving everyone breathless. This is a prime example of why `Any% runs` are so popular.

1. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night - Any% (AGDQ 2018)

This race often comes up in discussions of the greatest GDQ moments, and for good reason. The Any% run of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night at AGDQ 2018 was an absolute war of attrition. Two runners, pushing each other to the absolute brink, with execution errors on both sides and incredible saves. The final minutes were some of the most tense moments in GDQ history, with the winner decided by the slimmest of margins after a marathon of skill and perseverance. It showcased the best of what the `Castlevania` speedrunning community has to offer.

Honorable Mentions

It's impossible to cover every single close race. Some other categories and events that have featured incredibly tight finishes include: * **Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest - Any%** (Always a competitive category!) * **Super Mario Sunshine - Any%** (The water physics and movement tech make for exciting races.) * **Half-Life 2 - Any%** (Executing complex skips and tricks under pressure.) * **Spyro the Dragon - Any%** (Seeing the community constantly optimize routes leads to close races.)

The Thrill of the Chase

What makes these races so compelling is the raw human element. It’s the culmination of thousands of hours of practice, routing, and execution. It’s about pushing boundaries, not just of the game, but of human capability. Watching these runners perform under immense pressure, often with the world watching, is truly inspiring. These moments remind us why we fell in love with gaming and speedrunning in the first place. They embody the spirit of competition and the pursuit of perfection. The dedication seen in these `Challenge Runs` is phenomenal.

Frequently Asked Questions

**Q1: What is the smallest time difference ever seen in a GDQ race?** A1: While pinpointing the absolute smallest is difficult without a comprehensive database, many races have been decided by less than a tenth of a second, often coming down to a single frame. These micro-differences highlight the extreme level of precision involved. **Q2: How do runners practice for such close races?** A2: Runners practice extensively, often focusing on specific segments or "setups" that are critical for a fast time. They also analyze the runs of their competitors to identify areas where they can optimize or take calculated risks. Community knowledge, often shared on forums and Discord servers, is also vital. **Q3: Are there specific games known for consistently close races at GDQ?** A3: Yes, games with highly optimized routes, demanding execution, and a large competitive player base tend to produce closer races. Series like Super Mario, Sonic, Mega Man, and Metroid are frequently cited for their consistently competitive speedrunning scenes. What are your favorite close races from GDQ history? Did I miss any crucial moments? Let me know in the comments below! The speedrunning community thrives on discussion, so share your thoughts, your favorite runners, and your own experiences with pushing for that perfect run. Until next time, keep practicing, keep optimizing, and happy speedrunning!

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.