Alright, speedrunners and Prey enthusiasts, buckle up! You've landed here because you've likely seen the insane times posted for Prey (2017) and are wondering, "How is that even possible?" The "Any%" category, in particular, is a masterclass in exploiting game mechanics, pushing the boundaries of what the developers intended. This isn't just about finishing the game; it's about finishing it in a ludicrously short amount of time, often through clever tricks and deep game knowledge. If you're aiming to shave seconds off your own runs or simply want to understand the magic behind the fastest times, you've come to the right place. This is your deep dive into the Any% speedrun of Prey (2017).
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Prey's Any% Speedrun
- Version, Setup, and the Speedrun Save
- Early Game Exploits: Clipping and Movement Tech
- Mid-Game Strategies: Out-of-Bounds and Resource Management
- Advanced Glitches and Their Impact
- The Meta and Why It Works
- World Records and Community Impact
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction to Prey's Any% Speedrun
Prey (2017) might seem like a sprawling immersive sim, but within its intricate design lies a playground for speedrunners. The Any% category, by definition, means completing the game by any means necessary, with the primary objective being to reach the end credits as quickly as possible. This often involves skipping significant portions of content, utilizing glitches, and mastering movement techniques that would seem impossible in a casual playthrough. The Any% run of Prey is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of the speedrunning community, transforming a narrative-driven experience into a high-speed race against the clock.
Version, Setup, and the Speedrun Save
One of the crucial elements for achieving top-tier speedrun times in Prey (2017) is the specific game version used. Many top runners opt for version 1.0. Why? Because later patches introduced changes that either fixed or altered the behavior of certain glitches and exploits that are now integral to the Any% route. This means that to replicate the fastest times, you'll likely need to play on this older build of the game.
Furthermore, speedruns of this nature often employ a specially crafted speedrun save file. This isn't cheating; it's a standard practice in the community to bypass tedious early-game RNG. In Prey's case, this save file is designed to spawn essential items, like Psi Hypos, in a convenient locker near the start. This eliminates countless hours of resetting the game just to get the optimal item spawns, allowing runners to jump straight into executing their strategies. While the video showcases the in-game menu and intro for context, the actual run begins after loading this pre-made save.
Early Game Exploits: Clipping and Movement Tech
The Any% route for Prey heavily relies on precise movement and environmental manipulation. Right at the start, players will encounter techniques that defy normal traversal:
- Crouched Sprinting Across Gaps: Even when crouched, you can maintain sprint momentum. This allows for incredible leaps, like the one described from the shelves to the door with the chair. It's about maximizing horizontal distance by chaining these precise movements.
- Stairs Slide: As you approach the stairs, you'll notice stamina depleting. A well-timed slide as you reach the bottom allows you to maintain forward momentum without needing to sprint again, saving precious frames and maintaining speed. This is a subtle but vital technique for keeping the pace high.
Mid-Game Strategies: Out-of-Bounds and Resource Management
As the run progresses, the strategies become even more ambitious, venturing beyond the game's intended boundaries:
- Clipping with the GLOO Cannon: This is a prime example of how settings can impact gameplay. To clip through walls with the GLOO Cannon, the 'Object Detail' setting needs to be at least on 'Medium'. This affects the object's hitbox, extending it just enough to allow for clipping into geometry. It's a critical detail that highlights the importance of understanding a game's engine.
- Out-of-Bounds Exploration: Once out of bounds, the path isn't always straightforward. Runners will navigate ledges and perform slides to avoid unseen obstacles, like a deceptively placed rock, ensuring they don't get stuck or lose momentum. Precision is key when you're not supposed to be there!
Advanced Glitches and Their Impact
Resource management in speedruns can be just as crucial as any glitch. In Prey's Any%, if a runner doesn't acquire the necessary amount of materials (specifically, three of each type), they can utilize a clever recycling exploit.
- Material Duplication Glitch: By recycling a material and then splitting the stack in half during the recycling process, you can effectively gain more materials than you put in. This is a powerful way to ensure you have enough crafting resources without grinding.
This particular glitch is a significant reason why version 1.0 is preferred. Arkane patched this "mass balance equation" issue in subsequent updates, making it a cornerstone of the original speedrun meta. Understanding these specific version dependencies is what separates casual play from competitive speedrunning.
The Meta and Why It Works
The current meta for Prey (2017) Any% is a testament to thousands of hours of gameplay, analysis, and community collaboration. It revolves around:
- Minimizing Combat: Engaging in fights takes time. The optimal routes aim to bypass enemies and combat encounters entirely.
- Exploiting AI and Physics: Techniques like clipping and out-of-bounds movement are not just shortcuts; they are precise manipulations of the game's engine that allow players to traverse areas much faster than intended.
- Resource Optimization: Knowing exactly which materials are needed and how to acquire them efficiently (or duplicate them) is vital for crafting key items or abilities required to progress quickly.
- Version Dependency: As mentioned, specific versions of the game allow for unique glitches that are essential for the fastest times.
This combination of movement mastery, glitch exploitation, and deep game knowledge allows runners like seeker to achieve world-class times.
World Records and Community Impact
The pursuit of the World Record (WR) in Prey (2017) Any% is a constant battle of optimization. Runners are always looking for ways to shave off milliseconds, refine their execution, and discover new, albeit sometimes minor, advancements. The community around Prey speedrunning is active, sharing strategies, analyzing runs, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Sites like speedrun.com are the hubs where these records are tracked and debated.
The title of Any% World Record Holder is a badge of honor, signifying an unparalleled understanding and execution of the game's mechanics. It’s a collaborative effort, with many runners contributing to the collective knowledge base.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest category for Prey (2017)?
The Any% category is generally considered the fastest, as it allows players to use any in-game mechanics, including glitches and exploits, to reach the end credits as quickly as possible.
Why is version 1.0 so important for Prey speedruns?
Version 1.0 of Prey (2017) contains specific glitches and exploits, such as the material duplication glitch, that have been patched in later updates. These exploits are crucial for optimizing the Any% speedrun route.
How do speedrunners get Psi Hypos so early?
Top runners utilize a pre-made speedrun save file that is specifically designed to spawn essential items, like Psi Hypos, in convenient locations near the beginning of the game, bypassing the need for random spawns.
Is clipping with the GLOO Cannon a common strategy?
Yes, clipping through certain geometry with the GLOO Cannon is a key strategy in the Any% run. However, it's dependent on specific graphics settings, namely having 'Object Detail' set to 'Medium' or higher.
Where can I find the current World Record for Prey (2017) Any%?
You can find the most up-to-date World Records for Prey (2017) Any% and other categories on speedrun.com.
Mastering the Any% speedrun of Prey (2017) is a journey that requires immense dedication, technical skill, and a deep understanding of the game's intricate mechanics. From precise movement techniques and out-of-bounds exploration to exploiting specific version-dependent glitches, every second counts. This guide has aimed to illuminate the core strategies and mindsets behind these incredible runs. Now, it's your turn to hit the Talos I and see how fast you can truly go!
What are your personal best times in Prey? Are there any other speedruns you'd like us to break down? Share your thoughts and achievements in the comments below! Join our Discord server to discuss strategies with fellow runners and get tips from the best!
