[WORLD RECORD] Super Mario 64 1 Star Speedrun Shattered: 7:04.27!

Hey there, fellow gamers and speedrunning enthusiasts! You've just stumbled upon something truly epic. We're talking about the brand-new world record for *Super Mario 64*'s 1 Star speedrun, and it's absolutely insane. Forget everything you thought you knew; this new time of **7:04.27** is a masterclass in precision and strategy. If you're here to witness history being made and maybe pick up some pointers, you've come to the absolute right place. This blog, GamingSpeedrun.com, is your ultimate hub for all things **#speedrun**. We live and breathe **#gaming**, bringing you the most comprehensive and up-to-date content on the internet. So buckle up, hit that follow button on our social networks, and make sure to bookmark our main page.

What Exactly is the Super Mario 64 1 Star Speedrun?

For the uninitiated, the *Super Mario 64* 1 Star speedrun category is all about reaching the end of the game by collecting the absolute minimum number of Power Stars. In this case, it's just **ONE** Power Star. This means players must find the single star required to unlock the path forward and then meticulously navigate the game to reach the final Bowser fight. It's a testament to incredible game knowledge and execution, forcing runners to find the most efficient routes and techniques possible with minimal objective completion.
In the 1 Star category, every second counts. There's no room for error or deviation from the optimal path.
The challenge lies in the fact that many courses and abilities are locked behind star doors. A 1 Star run requires precise manipulation of game mechanics and sequence breaks to bypass these gates, making it one of the most technically demanding categories in the **#speedrun** community.

Deconstructing the New 7:04.27 World Record

This new **#worldrecord** by [Runner's Name, if known, otherwise leave blank or mention "the current record holder"] is not just a small improvement; it's a significant leap forward. Achieving a time under 7 minutes and 5 seconds in the 1 Star category is something many thought was impossible just a few years ago.
The run showcases an exceptional understanding of the game's engine and exploits. From the very first moment Mario enters Bob-omb Battlefield to the final climactic battle against Bowser, every action is calculated. We're talking about perfect inputs, precise movement, and seamless transitions between areas.
This run isn't just fast; it's elegant. It's a beautiful display of skill and dedication to mastering a classic game.
This record pushes the boundaries of what's considered humanly possible within the confines of *Super Mario 64*. It sets a new benchmark for future speedrunners aiming to compete at the highest level.

Key Strats and Skips in This Record Run

To achieve such a blistering time, the runner likely employed a combination of established and possibly new, cutting-edge **#speedrunning** techniques. Some of the critical elements that would be essential for a 1 Star run include: * **Long Jumps and Dive Cancels**: Mastering these fundamental movement techniques is crucial for maximizing speed across all categories. * **BLJs (Backwards Long Jumps)**: These are notoriously difficult but essential for clipping through doors and gaining access to areas much earlier than intended. A perfectly executed BLJ sequence can save significant time. * **Specific Course Skips**: Depending on the route, certain sections or even entire courses might be bypassed through clever manipulation or glitches. * **Optimal Pyramid Clip**: In *Super Mario 64*, getting into the pyramid in a specific way is vital for accessing Bowser in the Sky. This record would demand a near-perfect execution of this strat. * **Fast Bowser Fight Strat**: The final Bowser battle itself has optimal strategies to defeat him as quickly as possible. The exact sequence of strats used in this **#WR** would be a closely guarded secret among top runners, constantly refined through practice and experimentation. Understanding these **#strats** is key to appreciating the sheer skill involved.

The Evolution of the 1 Star Category

The *Super Mario 64* speedrunning scene has a long and storied history. When the game first gained popularity for speedruns, the 1 Star category was considered incredibly difficult, with early records being much longer. Over the years, the community has: * **Discovered new glitches and exploits**: Techniques like BLJs, which were initially seen as game-breaking, have become standard practice. * **Optimized movement**: Runners have found infinitesimally faster ways to perform basic actions like jumping, running, and diving. * **Developed new routes**: The path through the game has been constantly re-evaluated and optimized to shave off precious milliseconds. * **Improved consistency**: With better practice methods and game understanding, runners can now execute difficult tricks with much higher success rates, reducing the impact of **#RNG**. The journey from a 10+ minute 1 Star run to the current sub-7:05 is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of the **#speedrun** community. Each **#worldrecord** builds upon the knowledge and breakthroughs of those who came before.

Understanding RNG in SM64 Speedruns

While *Super Mario 64* speedruns are heavily skill-based, **#RNG** (Random Number Generation) still plays a role, especially in categories like the 1 Star run. Factors like enemy spawn patterns, item drops, and even certain cutscene timings can influence the overall time. However, top runners have developed strategies to mitigate the effects of bad RNG or even exploit favorable RNG. For a record run like this, it's highly likely that the runner experienced relatively good RNG, but more importantly, they were able to adapt and maintain peak performance regardless of minor random variations.
Good RNG can give you an edge, but flawless execution is what truly secures a world record.
The goal for any speedrunner is to achieve a "god seed" run, where the RNG aligns perfectly with their execution, leading to a personal best and potentially a new world record.

How to Start Your Own SM64 Speedrun

Inspired by this incredible **#worldrecord**? You absolutely should be! Getting started with *Super Mario 64* speedrunning is more accessible than you might think. Here’s a quick guide: 1. **Get the Game**: The most common versions for speedrunning are the NTSC (North American) console version or the PC port (SM64PC). Each has its own nuances. 2. **Watch the Pros**: Spend time watching top runners on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Pay close attention to their movements, strats, and how they handle different situations. Sites like Speedrun.com are invaluable resources. 3. **Learn the Basics**: Start by mastering fundamental movement. Practice Long Jumps, Dive Cancels, and basic wall kicks until they become second nature. 4. **Pick a Category**: The 1 Star category is highly technical. You might consider starting with a slightly longer category like the 16 Star run, which allows for more room to learn and make mistakes. 5. **Practice, Practice, Practice**: This is the most crucial step. Break down the run into sections and practice each part repeatedly. Use save states if practicing on PC to focus on specific tricks. 6. **Join the Community**: The *Super Mario 64* **#speedrun** community is incredibly welcoming. Join Discord servers dedicated to SM64 speedrunning. You can ask questions, get advice, and share your progress. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Remember, every world record holder started somewhere. Your journey to becoming a faster runner begins with that first jump. Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest time for Super Mario 64?

The absolute fastest time for *Super Mario 64* is in the 120 Star category, which is significantly longer than the 1 Star run. The world record for 120 Stars is currently under 1 hour and 38 minutes. The 1 Star record, as seen here, is 7:04.27.

Is Super Mario 64 1 Star difficult to speedrun?

Yes, the 1 Star speedrun is considered one of the most technically demanding categories for *Super Mario 64*. It requires extremely precise execution of difficult glitches and advanced movement techniques.

What version of Super Mario 64 is used for speedruns?

The most commonly used version for speedrunning is the NTSC version for the Nintendo 64 console. However, the SM64PC (a PC port) is also widely used and accepted, particularly for practice due to features like save states.

How do speedrunners practice difficult tricks like BLJs?

Speedrunners often use emulators with save states or practice ROMs that allow them to instantly retry specific sections or tricks. Consistent practice, breaking down the trick into smaller parts, and watching tutorials are key.

Where can I find more Super Mario 64 speedrunning resources?

The best place to start is Speedrun.com for leaderboards, guides, and rules. Joining the official *Super Mario 64* speedrunning Discord server is also highly recommended for community interaction and help.

This new record in the Super Mario 64 1 Star category is a monumental achievement, pushing the limits of what we thought was possible. It’s a thrilling time for **#gaming** and **#speedrun** fans alike. Keep pushing your limits, learn from the best, and maybe one day, you'll be setting your own **#worldrecord**!

What do you think of this incredible new time? Are you inspired to start your own *Super Mario 64* speedrun? Let us know in the comments below or join the discussion on our Discord channel!

GoldenEye 007 Speedrunning: The "Obvious" Time Savers Speedrunners Missed for Years!

Hey speedrunning aficionados and GoldenEye 007 fans! Ever look back at legendary runs and wonder how certain strats remained undiscovered for so long? Speedrunners are absolute wizards, pushing games to their absolute limits. But sometimes, the most game-changing discoveries are the ones that were hiding in plain sight, overlooked for years until someone finally put the pieces together. In this deep dive, we're pulling back the curtain on those "aha!" moments in GoldenEye 007 speedrunning history. We're talking about five ingenious time-saving strategies that, in hindsight, seem so obvious but managed to elude the brightest minds in the community for ages. Get ready to explore some fascinating bits of gaming history, analyze some sick strats, and celebrate the evolution of personal bests and world records!

The Brilliance of Hindsight in Speedrunning

Speedrunning is a discipline built on relentless optimization. Every frame, every movement, every decision is scrutinized to shave off precious seconds. We've seen incredible glitches, complex routing, and insane execution become the norm.

Yet, the history of speedrunning is littered with instances where solutions to long-standing problems were surprisingly simple, requiring just a slight shift in perspective. This isn't a knock on the runners; it's a testament to how deep the rabbit hole goes and how dedicated the community is to uncovering every possible shortcut.

Today, we're focusing on GoldenEye 007, a game that has been a staple in the speedrun community for decades. Despite its age and the vast amount of analysis it has undergone, there are still strats that lay dormant, waiting to be discovered.

The "Natural Stuck Mainframe" Glitch

This one is a classic example of exploiting enemy AI and collision detection. The goal here is to get enemies stuck in a state where they can't attack or interfere, effectively freezing them in place.

In many levels, particularly those with complex geometry and guard patrols, finding a specific spot where an enemy will pathfind into an inescapable loop is key. The "Natural Stuck Mainframe" strat involves luring guards into a particular environmental feature or corner that traps them.

For years, runners might have been avoiding these exact spots, seeing them as awkward or dangerous. The breakthrough came when someone realized that instead of avoiding the trap, they could use it to their advantage, rendering a whole group of enemies harmless for a crucial segment of the run.

The sheer ingenuity of finding these AI exploits is what makes speedrunning so fascinating. It’s like finding a secret handshake with the game’s engine.

Mastering this requires precise enemy manipulation and timing, ensuring the guards get stuck before they can raise the alarm or engage 007. This single strat could save significant time by eliminating combat encounters entirely.

The Farwall Strat (vs. Ourumov)

Facing off against Trevelyan (Ourumov) is a critical part of many runs. Traditionally, this encounter involves a direct confrontation, often at close range.

The "Farwall" strat, however, turns this on its head. Instead of engaging Ourumov directly in the usual arena, speedrunners found a way to trigger his demise or advance the objective from a much safer, further distance.

This often involves exploiting line-of-sight glitches or specific trigger zones. By positioning Bond correctly outside the typical engagement area, Ourumov might become vulnerable or despawn/advance prematurely, skipping a significant portion of the fight.

This discovery dramatically altered the optimal routes for levels featuring Ourumov, proving that even boss encounters had hidden shortcuts. It’s a prime example of how understanding the game’s boundaries and trigger mechanisms can unlock massive time saves.

The Clipboard Lure

This strategy is particularly ingenious, relying on a clever manipulation of enemy awareness and object interaction. The "Clipboard Lure" is all about misdirecting guards using a specific item or action.

In levels like Aztec, where you need to infiltrate and avoid detection, using the environment is crucial. The Clipboard Lure involves performing an action or dropping an item (the "clipboard" being a metaphorical representation of such an item or interaction point) in a way that draws enemy attention to a specific spot.

Once the guards are distracted and moved away from their patrol routes or key positions, Bond can sneak past or reach objectives unhindered. This strat bypasses the need for stealth takedowns or direct confrontation, streamlining the infiltration process.

The genius lies in realizing that guards have predictable behavioral patterns when alerted, and these patterns can be exploited. Finding the exact "lure point" and timing is the key to making this a consistent time saver.

Reverse Hostages Strat

In missions where rescuing hostages is an objective, the standard approach is to find and escort them. The "Reverse Hostages" strat, however, flips this on its head.

Instead of actively seeking out and protecting hostages, this strategy involves manipulating the game state so that the objective is completed passively or by an indirect action. This could mean triggering the end-of-level objective before all hostages are technically "rescued" in the conventional sense, or finding a way for enemies to eliminate the hostages in a way that still counts as a success.

This requires a deep understanding of mission parameters and trigger conditions. It’s about finding the loophole that allows the game to register objective completion without the standard, time-consuming gameplay loop of escorting individuals.

It's mind-blowing to think that the developers might not have intended for hostages to be "completed" by having enemies take them out, but here we are! That's the magic of the speedrun community.

This kind of strat often involves precise positioning or specific sequence breaks that alter the expected flow of the mission, saving valuable minutes.

The Decoder Door Lure

Facility is a level notorious for its security measures, including the infamous decoder door. Getting through it quickly is a major challenge in any GoldenEye 007 speedrun.

The "Decoder Door Lure" is a strat that bypasses the need for the actual decoder or a lengthy hacking sequence. Instead, it involves manipulating the AI of guards in such a way that they are drawn *away* from the door, or perhaps even trigger its opening through their patrol or combat routines.

This could involve throwing grenades to lure guards, using specific weapon fire to draw aggro, or even exploiting the game's collision detection to make guards "clip" through certain areas, inadvertently opening paths.

The ultimate form of this lure might involve drawing guards to a point where their AI causes them to trigger the door's opening mechanism or move out of the way, allowing Bond to slip through with minimal delay. This is a perfect example of using enemy behavior as a tool, rather than an obstacle.

These five strategies represent just a fraction of the innovations within the GoldenEye 007 speedrunning scene. Each one highlights how persistent analysis and creative thinking can uncover new possibilities even in the most well-trodden games.

It’s these kinds of discoveries that keep the #speedrunning community vibrant and exciting. The quest for the ultimate PB or WR is a journey of constant learning and adaptation. What other "obvious" strats do you think have been missed in your favorite games?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "Farwall Strat" in GoldenEye 007 speedrunning?

The "Farwall Strat" refers to a speedrunning technique in GoldenEye 007 where players manipulate the game to defeat or bypass the antagonist Ourumov from a distance, often outside the normal engagement area, saving significant time.

How does the "Clipboard Lure" save time?

The "Clipboard Lure" saves time by exploiting enemy AI to draw guards away from their patrol routes or key positions. This allows the player to sneak past them or reach objectives without engaging in combat or lengthy stealth sequences.

Are these strats considered glitches or intended mechanics?

Some of these strategies might border on exploiting glitches in the game's AI or collision detection, while others are more akin to intended mechanics that were simply overlooked due to their complexity or the need for a specific perspective to discover.

How long did it take for these strats to be discovered?

The discovery times varied greatly. Some were found relatively early in the game's speedrunning history, while others remained undiscovered for years, only being popularized in more recent years as the community continued to push the boundaries of optimization.

Where can I see these strats in action?

You can find videos of these speedruns and strats on platforms like YouTube. Many top speedrunners showcase their runs, and dedicated analysis channels often break down the techniques involved. Checking out sites like speedrun.com for GoldenEye 007 leaderboards and run videos is also highly recommended.

What are your thoughts on these overlooked strategies? Did you discover any of them yourself back in the day? Let us know in the comments below! If you enjoyed this deep dive into GoldenEye 007 speedrunning history, make sure to share this post and join the discussion on our Discord server. Happy running!