What if I told you that a game as vast and intricate as *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild* could be conquered in less time than it takes to watch a sitcom episode? Sounds wild, right? Well, the speedrunning community doesn't deal in "wild," they deal in absolute precision and game-breaking mastery. Recently, runner Player5 shattered expectations, setting a new **World Record** for *Breath of the Wild* with a time that's frankly mind-blowing: under 24 minutes! This isn't just a personal best; this is a paradigm shift in how we understand the limits of Hyrule.
We're here to break down exactly *how* this legendary feat was achieved. Forget exploring every nook and cranny; this is about exploiting every frame, every mechanic, and every unintended shortcut the game has to offer. Prepare for a deep dive into glitches, insane execution, and the sheer dedication required for a run like this.
Unpacking the Hype: A Sub-24 Minute BOTW Run
The previous records were already pushing the boundaries of human capability and game knowledge. But a sub-24 minute run? This is the kind of time that makes even seasoned veterans scratch their heads and ask, "How?!" It implies that significant portions of the game, traditionally requiring hours of exploration and combat, are being completely bypassed. The entity here is clearly the game itself, *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild*, and the specific achievement is a new
World Record. This run isn't about a casual playthrough; it's about a meticulously crafted sequence of actions designed to shave off every possible second. We're talking about optimized routes and potentially game-altering glitches.
The sheer speed required for this run means any mistake, no matter how small, is catastrophic. It's a testament to the runner's skill and countless hours of practice.
This new record pushes the definition of "speedrunning" for *Breath of the Wild* and is a must-watch for anyone interested in
speedrunning or the game's deepest mechanics.
The Crucial Great Plateau Skip
One of the most significant time saves in any *Breath of the Wild* speedrun is skipping the Great Plateau. This introductory area, while beautiful, is designed to teach players the game's mechanics. For a speedrunner aiming for a world record, it's dead time. The current strat for achieving this involves a complex series of maneuvers that effectively break the game's intended progression, allowing the player to leave the Plateau before acquiring the necessary runes or even the paraglider. This often involves **out-of-bounds (OOB)** tricks and precise shield or bomb **bomb jumps**.
The exact sequence can vary slightly between runs and discoveries, but the goal is always the same: get off the Plateau as fast as humanly possible. Mastering this initial skip is fundamental to achieving these incredibly low times. Without it, a sub-24 minute run would be mathematically impossible.
Navigating Hyrule Field at Ludicrous Speed
Once off the Great Plateau, the runner is thrust into the vast expanse of Hyrule. Traditional playthroughs would involve careful navigation, perhaps using fast travel points or stealth. Speedrunners, however, employ entirely different tactics. **Windbombs** are king here. This exploit allows Link to propel himself forward at incredible speeds by canceling an updraft from a bomb jump with a shield parry. Mastering windbombs requires precise timing and positioning, but the speed gained is astronomical.
The route through Hyrule Field isn't just about speed; it's about minimizing combat and avoiding unnecessary interactions. Enemies are a time loss, and even simple obstacles can add precious seconds. Runners will meticulously plan their path to utilize terrain to their advantage, often taking routes that look impossible or suicidal in a normal playthrough. Think gliding across vast distances, clipping through small obstacles, and generally treating the game world as a series of physics puzzles to be solved in milliseconds.
Every single movement is calculated. The optimization involves not just knowing the fastest route, but also the fastest way to recover from a minor stumble or a failed trick.
The Hyrule Castle Gauntlet
Hyrule Castle is the final dungeon in *Breath of the Wild*, and in a speedrun, it's the final hurdle. The current
World Record strat often involves a direct assault, bypassing most of the castle's defenses and enemies. This section is typically where some of the most execution-heavy glitches are employed. The runner might need to perform complex **clip glitches** to pass through walls or utilize specific enemy AI patterns to their advantage.
The objective is to reach the Sanctum as quickly as possible to trigger the final boss sequence. Even the fight with Calamity Ganon is optimized to the extreme, often involving specific weapon setups and attack patterns to defeat him in mere seconds. The final moments are a blur of perfect inputs, aiming to secure that sub-24 minute time. This is where the **PB** (Personal Best) becomes a **WR** (World Record) through sheer, unadulterated skill.
Essential Glitches and Tricks
The speedrunning community for *Breath of the Wild* has discovered and refined numerous glitches that are crucial for these record-breaking runs. Some of the most prominent include:
* **Windbombing**: As mentioned, this is foundational for fast traversal across Hyrule.
* **Stasis Launches**: Using the Stasis rune to launch objects (or Link himself) across massive distances.
* **Out-of-Bounds (OOB)**: Exploiting game boundaries to clip through terrain and reach areas unintended by the developers. This is often key for the Great Plateau skip.
* **Duplication Glitches**: While some glitches are patched in later versions, older versions of the game might still be used for certain speedruns that rely on item duplication.
* **Input Buffering & Animation Cancelling**: Advanced techniques to queue up actions and cancel animations, allowing for faster sequences of moves.
These aren't just random bugs; they are tools that runners have learned to wield with incredible precision. The discovery and implementation of new glitches or optimizations can instantly change the landscape of the
speedrun.
The Role of RNG
While skill and strategy are paramount, the element of **RNG** (Random Number Generation) still plays a role in any *Breath of the Wild* speedrun. This can affect things like:
* The placement and behavior of enemies.
* The loot drops from chests or enemies.
* The success rate of certain physics-based glitches that rely on random chance.
A top-tier runner doesn't just need to execute perfectly; they need to be adaptable. They must be able to react to unfavorable RNG and still maintain a high level of performance, or even salvage a run that might otherwise be lost. The best runners minimize their reliance on good RNG, but acknowledging its presence is part of understanding the full picture.
When a new
World Record like this is set, especially one that shatters a significant time barrier like sub-24 minutes, the reaction from the
gaming and
speedrun community is immense. Streams spike, discussions erupt on forums and Discord servers, and fellow runners analyze every frame of the run. There's a mix of awe, inspiration, and sometimes, a competitive drive to immediately start practicing and aim for the next breakthrough.
This specific run by Player5 has likely reignited interest in the game's speedrunning scene, pushing other top runners to re-evaluate their strategies and practice routines. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of *Breath of the Wild* and the incredible dedication of its speedrunning community. Seeing such a massive game broken down into such precise, rapid actions is truly a spectacle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current World Record for Breath of the Wild?
As of the time of this analysis, the record is under 24 minutes, achieved by Player5. This specific time is a major breakthrough for the game's speedrunning category.
What is a "windbomb" in Breath of the Wild speedrunning?
A windbomb is an exploit where players use a shield parry immediately after triggering a bomb jump, causing Link to be propelled forward at extreme speeds. It's a fundamental technique for fast traversal.
Are glitches allowed in Breath of the Wild speedruns?
Yes, glitches and exploits like windbombs, out-of-bounds tricks, and animation cancels are fundamental to achieving low times in *Breath of the Wild* speedruns. The category typically followed is Any% Glitched.
How long does it take to learn a Breath of the Wild speedrun?
Mastering a *Breath of the Wild* speedrun, especially to the level of a world record, can take thousands of hours of dedicated practice. Learning the routes, glitches, and specific inputs requires immense commitment.
Is this World Record for any% or a specific category?
This record falls under the Any% category, meaning the primary objective is to reach the end of the game using any means necessary, with the fastest possible time.
In conclusion, Player5's sub-24 minute
World Record for *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild* is not just a time; it's a masterclass in exploiting game mechanics, precision execution, and sheer dedication. This run showcases the incredible depth of the speedrunning community and their ability to find the absolute fastest path through even the most expansive open worlds. It’s a performance that will be studied, dissected, and ultimately, strived against by runners worldwide.
What are your thoughts on this incredible run? Did you see any specific strat that blew your mind? Let us know in the comments below! And if you're inspired to push your own limits, join our
Discord community to connect with other passionate gamers and speedrunners.
