Top 5 Speedrunning Moments of 2020: A Deep Dive into Record-Breaking Feats

Hey there, fellow speed demons and gaming fanatics! Welcome back to GamingSpeedrun.com. As the calendar flipped on 2020, the speedrunning world was absolutely on fire. Records were not just being broken; they were being obliterated. But what exactly fueled this incredible year? Was it a revolutionary new strategy, some mind-bending glitches that redefined gameplay, or simply the relentless pursuit of perfection by elite speedrunners? Today, we're diving deep into the moments that truly defined 2020 for speedrunning, celebrating the ingenuity and sheer grit that pushes the limits of our favorite games.

Iconic Speedrunning Moment Montage 2020

1. The Glitch That Broke the Game: Doom Eternal's Unforeseen Skips

2020 was undeniably the year Doom Eternal truly ascended in the speedrunning hierarchy. While the game itself is a masterpiece of high-octane combat, it was the discovery of intricate, often unforeseen, exploits that sent its speedruns into overdrive. The community was electrified by new game-breaking glitches that allowed runners to bypass entire levels, leading to jaw-dropping time saves. Elite runners, like the incredibly skilled Xiae, showcased absolute mastery of movement tech and pixel-perfect inputs. These weren't just simple skips; they were elegant ways of exploiting the game's engine, a testament to the deep understanding of its mechanics by the speedrunning community. The sheer creativity in finding and weaponizing these bugs cemented Doom Eternal as a must-watch title for any gamer.

The discovery of certain 'out of bounds' techniques in Doom Eternal didn't just save seconds; they fundamentally changed the perception of how the game could be completed.

What was truly amazing was how quickly the community rallied. What might have started as a fluke quickly became a meticulously practiced speedrunning strategy, demanding split-second timing and near-perfect execution. Watching runners like Xiae navigate levels in ways the developers never intended is a prime example of the persistent, inventive spirit of speedrunning.

2. A Masterclass in Precision: Super Metroid's Near-Perfect Run

When you talk about speedrunning legends, Super Metroid is always at the forefront. In 2020, we were treated to performances that reminded us why this SNES classic remains a staple. Runners such as Zoast displayed a level of execution that was simply breathtaking. These runs often prioritize flawless routing and perfected movement tech like "bomb jumps" and "wall jumps" over game-breaking exploits. Incredible RNG manipulation was also key. The dedication to shaving off milliseconds, frame by frame, is what makes these feats so awe-inspiring. A single mistimed jump or an unlucky enemy spawn can derail an entire run, making the difference between a new PB and a failed attempt. Zoast's performances often felt like watching a perfectly choreographed ballet, each action honed for maximum efficiency.

The enduring magic of Super Metroid speedruns comes from the pure skill they demand. Unlike games ripe for glitch exploitation, success here hinges on mastering Samus Aran's physics and abilities. Decades of research have gone into optimizing routes, and 2020 delivered some of the cleanest, most polished runs yet. It’s a beautiful demonstration of how a beloved classic can still offer thrilling challenges and unforgettable performances.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time's Consistent Dominance

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has long been a titan of the speedrunning world, and 2020 was no different. The Any% category, in particular, continued its evolution with runners like Amateseru pushing the boundaries of what's possible. This game is notorious for its complex array of glitches, most famously the "Wrong Warp" and "arbitrary code execution" (ACE) exploits. These allow players to skip vast portions of the game, leading to mind-boggling finishes. The ACE runs from 2020 were truly groundbreaking, showcasing an almost unbelievable grasp of the game's memory manipulation. It’s a level of technical expertise that feels like pure magic, enabling runners to essentially trigger the end credits on demand.

The depth of discovered glitches in Ocarina of Time is so profound that new categories and strategies are still being explored years later, keeping the game eternally fresh for speedrunners.

While the glitches are a massive draw, the sheer precision needed to execute them flawlessly is still immense. The community continuously refines the setup for these ACE strategies, transforming what looks like pure chaos into a predictable, albeit incredibly intricate, sequence. Witnessing these runs feels like watching a high-stakes chess match, where every move is meticulously calculated to exploit the game's deepest secrets.

4. Super Mario 64: The Endless Pursuit of Perfection

Ah, Super Mario 64. The progenitor of 3D speedruns, this game remains a proving ground for the most dedicated runners out there. Throughout 2020, we saw incredible performances across its many categories, from the demanding 120-star challenges to the more specialized Any% Glitchless and Random Seed Glitchless (RSG) routes. The quest for perfection in SM64 is a never-ending journey. Runners like Dwhatever, Akki, Simply, and Cheese constantly pushed the limits, shaving off fractions of seconds and perfecting fundamental movement techniques. The iconic "triple jump," "long jump," and the legendary "BLJ" (Backwards Long Jump), which continues to be a vital part of many Any% strategies, are just a few examples of the mastery involved.

The collective knowledge within the Super Mario 64 speedrunning community is truly staggering. Years of intense research have been poured into understanding every minute detail of Mario's physics and the game's level design. Even with established routes, runners are perpetually seeking out the tiniest optimizations. The sheer number of world-record-breaking attempts and achievements in 2020 for this title is a testament to its enduring legacy and the passion of its dedicated player base. It’s a game that rewards unwavering dedication like few others.

5. Unexpected Breakthroughs: The Surprises of 2020

While perennial favorites like Doom Eternal, Super Metroid, Ocarina of Time, and Super Mario 64 consistently deliver thrilling moments, 2020 also saw some unexpected games and rising stars capture the speedrunning spotlight. Perhaps a challenging indie title was finally conquered, or an older favorite experienced a resurgence thanks to an innovative new strategy. For instance, the exceptional runs in games like Runway Agent, pioneered by runners like Eric Bergmann, showcased a different kind of challenge, blending precise platforming with clever puzzle-solving. These moments are vital because they highlight the ever-expanding universe of speedrunning, constantly proving there's always a new frontier to explore and new legends waiting to emerge. While specific "dark horse" instances can vary, the thrill of discovery and witnessing less-common games reach new speedrunning heights is always a highlight of any year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Any% and 100% speedruns?

Any% focuses on finishing the game as quickly as possible, allowing any glitches or exploits. 100% usually requires collecting every item, completing all missions, or reaching a specific game completion percentage before ending, which typically results in much longer runs.

What is RNG and why is it crucial in speedrunning?

RNG stands for Random Number Generator. It governs random elements in games, such as enemy placement, loot drops, or critical hit probabilities. Speedrunners aim to manipulate or benefit from favorable RNG outcomes, as a lucky sequence can significantly reduce run times.

What constitutes a 'glitch' in the context of speedrunning?

A glitch is an unintended bug within a game's code that players can exploit. Speedrunners leverage these glitches to skip levels, bypass challenges, or speed up completion. However, certain categories, like "glitchless" runs, explicitly prohibit their use.

How do speedrunners typically practice?

Practice involves segmenting runs, drilling specific tricks or glitches repeatedly, studying optimal routes used by other players, and conducting full run attempts to build stamina and consistency. Many utilize tools like save states or specialized practice ROMs.

What defines a World Record (WR)?

A World Record (WR) signifies the fastest time ever officially achieved for completing a specific game or category within the speedrunning community. These records are generally verified by community moderators and meticulously tracked on dedicated platforms like speedrun.com.

2020 was an unforgettable year for the speedrunning community, showcasing the incredible talent and innovation thriving within the gaming world. From the mind-bending glitches in Doom Eternal to the timeless precision of Super Metroid, and the continually evolving landscapes of Super Mario 64 and Ocarina of Time, these moments were more than just about finishing games quickly. They were about shattering perceived limits, both mechanically and creatively. What were your standout speedrunning moments from 2020? Did we miss any epic runs? Drop your thoughts and your own speedrunning triumphs in the comments below! And for more in-depth strategy discussions and to connect with fellow speedrunning enthusiasts, join our Discord server!