Ever stared at the clock in Dishonored 2, wondering how those lightning-fast speedrunners shave off so much time? If you're aiming to conquer Dunwall as Emily Kaldwin in under 20 minutes, you've landed in the right place. Forget leisurely strolls; this is about pure, unadulterated efficiency, utilizing every trick, glitch, and exploit in the book. We're diving deep into the strategies that have led to world-record performances, dissecting the incredible skill and precision required.
Table of Contents
The Core of the Speedrun: Efficiency and Exploitation
The speedrun community for Dishonored 2 is a testament to dedication and ingenuity. When you see a run completed in under 20 minutes, it's not just about playing the game well; it's about understanding its engine inside and out. The objective for an "Any%" run, especially with Emily, is to reach the end credits as fast as possible, often by any means necessary. This involves precise movement, aggressive use of powers, and exploiting game mechanics that were never intended by the developers. We're talking about skipping entire sections of levels, clipping through walls, and achieving unbelievable speeds that redefine how the game can be played.
The current world record holder, Cearadeth, has not only mastered Emily's run but also holds records in almost every other category. This speaks volumes about their dedication and understanding of the game's intricate systems. This isn't just about fast reflexes; it's about calculated risks and flawless execution.
"The essence of this speedrun is to break the game's intended path and flow, turning its designed obstacles into mere stepping stones."
Understanding the interplay between Emily's unique abilities and the game's physics is paramount. What might seem like a bug to a casual player is a fundamental tool for a speedrunner. This guide aims to demystify those techniques, offering insights into how these incredible times are achieved.
Emily Kaldwin's Arsenal and Abilities: More Than Just Blink
Emily Kaldwin is no stranger to supernatural powers, and in a speedrun, these abilities are amplified to their extreme. While Corvo's powers are powerful, Emily's kit offers unique avenues for exploitation and speed.
- Blink: The quintessential movement ability. Speedrunners push Blink to its absolute limits, chaining it to traverse vast distances in mere seconds. Advanced techniques involve Blink-canceling and using it in conjunction with other movement mechanics for absurd velocity.
- Far Reach: This ability is a game-changer for speedrunners. It allows Emily to pull objects, enemies, and even herself across the environment. In speedruns, Far Reach is used to grab distant levers, pull enemies out of the way, or even "grapple" to specific environmental points for rapid traversal.
- Domino: While often associated with non-lethal or stealth approaches, Domino can be used to instantly incapacitate or kill multiple targets simultaneously. In speedruns, this can quickly clear pathways or deal with troublesome guards, saving precious seconds.
- Shadow Walk: This power allows Emily to become a small, shadowy creature, ideal for stealth. Speedrunners can use Shadow Walk to slip through tight gaps, bypass patrols, or reach areas that are normally inaccessible without significant detours.
- Mesmerize: This ability can charm enemies, turning them against each other or creating distractions. In a speedrun context, Mesmerize can be used to create openings, pull guards away from key objectives, or even manipulate them into activating mechanisms.
The choice of powers and bonecharms significantly impacts the run. Loadouts are meticulously crafted to maximize damage output, movement speed, or the effectiveness of specific glitches. For instance, a build focused on maximizing the range and pull strength of Far Reach can drastically alter route planning.
Key Strategies and Glitches: The Speedrunner's Toolkit
Achieving a sub-20-minute run requires mastering a repertoire of advanced techniques. These aren't just minor optimizations; they are fundamental strategies that rewrite the intended gameplay. Here are some of the most impactful:
- Void Skips/Glitches: The Dishonored series is renowned for its physics engine, which allows for incredible feats. "Void Skips" involve manipulating Emily's movement and powers to pass through barriers, walls, or obstacles that would normally block progression. This often involves precise Butterflying (a rapid series of directional inputs) or precise Blink/Far Reach activations to "clip" into geometry.
- Object Manipulation: Using powers like Far Reach to rapidly move objects, such as crates or even dead bodies, can be crucial. These objects can be used as platforms, to block line-of-sight, or even to trigger pressure plates from afar, bypassing entire puzzles or enemy encounters.
- Guard Manipulation: Guards are not just obstacles; they can be tools. Speedrunners often use powers or environmental cues to lure guards into specific positions, causing them to activate mechanisms, block enemy vision, or even get themselves into trouble.
- Fast Menuing and Inventory Management: While seemingly minor, quick access to items and powers is critical. Speedrunners practice rapid menuing to switch between powers, equip items, and consume elixirs with minimal delay.
- Combat Exploitation: Even though many runs aim for a low-chaos or ghost approach, sometimes combat is unavoidable or even faster. Utilizing AOE powers like Domino or high-damage attacks with specific armas poderosas can clear threats instantly.
- Specific Power Synergies: Combining powers in unexpected ways can lead to significant time saves. For example, using Domino to link enemies that are about to trigger an alarm can prevent the alarm from sounding while still taking them out.
These strategies are honed through countless hours of practice. A single misplaced Blink or an mistimed Far Reach can cost valuable seconds, making the pursuit of perfection a constant challenge.
Level-Specific Strats: Navigating Dunwall's Dangers
Each level in Dishonored 2 presents unique challenges and opportunities for speed. The strategies employed will vary drastically depending on the map and objectives.
- Aramis Stilton's Manor: This level is a prime example of how a speedrunner can manipulate the environment. The time-shifting mechanic is often exploited to skip entire sections or bypass complex puzzles. Glitches that allow Emily to reach out-of-bounds areas can bypass the need to find keys or solve logic puzzles.
- The Dust District: This area is a maze of rooftops, alleyways, and guarded compounds. Speedrunners will utilize Sword Flying and Blink chains to navigate this complex urban environment at breakneck speed, often bypassing main objectives entirely by finding alternate routes.
- Crystal-Eyed Crow's Lair: Reaching the Crow requires efficient traversal and avoiding detection. Speedrunners might use Shadow Walk to bypass guards or Far Reach to quickly ascend to objectives, minimizing exposure to hazards.
- The Lighthouse: The final objective often involves a climactic encounter. Depending on the category (Any% vs. Glitchless), the strategy can range from a quick assassination using powerful abilities to a more complex sequence involving environmental manipulation.
Every corner of Dishonored 2 has been studied and optimized. The community constantly discovers new skips and strats, pushing the boundaries of what's possible. What was a world record route a year ago might be obsolete today due to a new discovery.
RNG and Precision: The Unpredictable Element
While speedrunners strive for perfect execution, the element of RNG (Random Number Generation) can never be fully eliminated. This refers to randomized elements within the game, such as:
- Guard patrol patterns.
- The spawn locations of key items.
- The availability of specific environmental interactions.
- Enemy reactions to player actions.
A skilled speedrunner learns to recognize and adapt to unfavorable RNG, or even attempt to manipulate it. For example, if a required item spawns in a less-than-ideal location, the runner must have a backup plan or adjust their route on the fly.
"The true mark of a speedrunner is not just executing the optimal route, but also adapting to the game's whims and still coming out on top."
The difference between a world record and a good run often comes down to a few critical seconds saved by flawless execution of a difficult trick or a fortunate RNG roll. This constant battle between planned strategy and random chance is what makes speedrunning so compelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of an Any% speedrun in Dishonored 2?
The primary goal of an Any% speedrun is to reach the game's ending credits as quickly as possible, typically by utilizing any glitches, skips, or exploits available within the game's mechanics.
How important are Emily's specific powers for this speedrun?
Emily's powers, particularly Far Reach and Blink, are absolutely crucial. They are fundamental to achieving the incredible movement speeds and skipping large sections of the game that define this speedrun category.
Is it possible to achieve these times without exploiting glitches?
While "Glitchless" categories exist and are also incredibly challenging, the sub-20-minute Any% run relies heavily on exploiting game mechanics and physics glitches. These skips are what allow for such drastic time reductions.
How do speedrunners practice such precise movements?
Practice involves repetition, segmenting the run into smaller parts, studying top runs, and often using save states or practice tools to refine specific tricks and sequences until they are muscle memory.
What is the role of RNG in this speedrun?
RNG, or random elements like guard positions and item spawns, can affect the run's speed. Runners must be adept at adapting their strategies on the fly to overcome unfavorable RNG or capitalize on lucky spawns.
The speedrun of Dishonored 2 as Emily Kaldwin is a masterclass in game exploitation and precision movement. It transforms a stealth-action game into a high-speed chase, pushing the limits of what players thought was possible. Witnessing these runs is not just about seeing a game beaten quickly; it's about appreciating the deep understanding and dedication of the speedrunning community. From intricate glitches to perfectly timed power usage, every element is honed for maximum efficiency.
What are your favorite speedrunning tricks in Dishonored 2? Have you ever attempted a speedrun yourself? Share your experiences and strategies in the comments below! We're always eager to hear from the community and discover new ways to push the boundaries. If you enjoyed this breakdown, consider sharing it with your fellow gamers!