The Longest Speedruns EVER: A Deep Dive into Extreme Endurance Gaming

Hello fellow gamers and speedrunning enthusiasts! Ever wondered what it takes to push the boundaries of a game for hours, days, or even weeks? If your idea of fun involves mastering every frame, every glitch, and every possible skip in a game, then you've come to the right place. We're diving deep into the absolute longest speedruns ever documented, a true test of skill, patience, and sheer willpower.

What Makes a Speedrun "Long"?

When we talk about "longest speedruns," we're not just talking about games with a lot of levels. We're delving into runs that often involve collecting 100% of items, completing all side quests, achieving specific in-game feats, or even enduring RNG-heavy grinds that can stretch for days. These aren't your typical "beat the game as fast as possible" categories. These are marathons designed to test the absolute limits of a player's patience and dedication. It's about conquering the game in its entirety, or a specific, gruelling aspect of it, in the most efficient way possible, no matter how long that takes.

On speedrun.com, you'll find a vast array of categories, and while many focus on Any% or 100% in short times, there's a dedicated niche for these epic endurance challenges. I've spent countless hours sifting through the depths of this incredible resource to bring you a curated list of some of the most mind-bogglingly long speedruns ever attempted. This is for the true hardcore fans of gaming and the ultimate pursuit of a record.

The Endurance Champions: Record Holders

These runners aren't just playing a game; they're living it for an extended period. Their commitment is frankly astonishing. Let's explore some of the standout examples that push the definition of a speedrun.

Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Snowball Bowling Minigame

Who knew a minigame could become a speedrunning challenge? In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the Snowball Bowling minigame requires perfect precision and a bit of luck. The longest runs in this category often involve multiple attempts to get a perfect score or to achieve a specific, difficult outcome that requires extreme manipulation of physics and RNG. It might seem simple, but mastering it for a speedrun takes serious dedication.

Digimon World 2 - The Ultimate Grind

Ah, Digimon World 2. This game is infamous for its repetitive nature and grinding. Speedruns in this title, particularly those requiring full monster collection or specific evolution paths, can become incredibly lengthy. Players must battle endlessly, train their Digimon, and manage resources, turning a relatively short story into an epic marathon. The RNG involved in finding specific Digimon and items only adds to the challenge and potential run length.

"The grind in Digimon World 2 for a speedrun is legendary. You're not just beating the game; you're conquering a digital mountain of repetitive battles."

Pokemon Channel - A Different Kind of Challenge

Pokemon Channel is a quirky life simulation game. Speedruns here often involve completing specific objectives within the game's unique structure, like watching all the TV programs or achieving certain interactions. While not combat-heavy, the lengthy dialogues, slow animations, and specific event triggers can add significant time, making longer categories a test of patience and precise menu navigation.

Final Fantasy X - Absurd Requirements

When you think of Final Fantasy X speedruns, you might think of blitzball or boss fights. However, certain categories can involve achieving extremely rare drops, completing complex side quests with high RNG, or even maxing out stats. These "true 100%" or specific challenge runs can take an unbelievable amount of time due to the inherent grind and luck involved. The sheer scale of some of these requirements is staggering.

Undertale - The Strategic Genocide

While the Genocide route in Undertale is shorter in terms of player input than a pacifist run, speedruns focusing on specific sub-categories or extremely optimized kill counts can still be demanding. The challenge lies in performing every action with perfect timing and understanding enemy patterns to shave off every possible second. For any% runs, glitches and sequence breaks are key, but for longer categories, it's about flawless execution.

Xenogears - Masked Soccer Boy Endurance

Xenogears is a beloved JRPG, and while its story is epic, certain speedrun categories can focus on extremely specific and time-consuming tasks. The "Masked Soccer Boy" segment, for instance, could be part of a larger challenge run that requires meticulous planning and execution over a prolonged period, especially if it involves collecting items or achieving certain outcomes within that specific sequence.

Mario 602 - A Quirky Challenge

This entry likely refers to a specific, perhaps obscure, Mario-related challenge or game. If it involves collecting all items, achieving perfect scores in mini-games, or completing obscure objectives within a time limit, it can easily balloon into a lengthy speedrun. The charm of these niche runs is their unique, often unexpected, demands.

"These aren't just games; they're endurance tests disguised as entertainment. The dedication required is on another level."

Yu-Gi-Oh! Forbidden Memories - Card Collecting

Speedrunning Yu-Gi-Oh! Forbidden Memories, especially for categories involving collecting specific rare cards or defeating all opponents under certain conditions, can be a massive undertaking. The card acquisition relies heavily on RNG from packs and duels. Players often need to grind countless duels just to get the necessary cards, making it a true test of patience and probability management.

Gran Turismo 4 - Full Garage Challenge

Ah, Gran Turismo 4. A speedrun for this game focused on acquiring every single car in the game, plus completing all races and challenges, is a monumental task. This involves hundreds of hours of racing, tuning, and managing your finances. It's less about quick reflexes and more about strategic progression and endurance through a vast career mode. This is a true test of commitment to the simulation aspect of gaming.

Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition - Collector's Dream

In a game like Hyrule Warriors, which is packed with characters, weapons, materials, and unlockables, a "true" 100% speedrun can be incredibly long. Players would need to unlock every character, max out their levels, collect every weapon, complete every mission on every map with the highest ranks, and gather all the required materials. This is a massive grind that requires strategic planning to optimize time.

Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean - Epic Quest

Baten Kaitos is an epic JRPG known for its lengthy story and complex card-based combat system. Speedruns that aim for 100% completion, or specific rare item acquisitions, can take an exorbitant amount of time. The game's structure, with its focus on managing Magnus (cards) and navigating its world, can lead to extended play sessions for those pursuing absolute completion. This is a prime example of a RPG where a long speedrun is almost inherent to its design.

Spider: Rite of the Shrouded Moon - Exploration Challenge

This is likely a game focused on exploration and puzzle-solving. Speedruns might involve finding all secrets, solving complex environmental puzzles efficiently, or reaching specific points in the fastest possible time. Depending on the game's design, such runs could involve intricate pathfinding and the memorization of intricate level layouts, extending the time significantly.

Factors Contributing to Long Speedruns

Several factors can contribute to a speedrun being exceptionally long:

  • Collection Requirements: Needing to collect 100% of items, especially if they are scattered or require significant grinding.
  • RNG Dependence: Games with high reliance on random number generation for drops, enemy encounters, or specific events.
  • Complex Side Quests: Requiring the completion of numerous or intricate optional objectives.
  • Extensive Grinding: Games that necessitate repetitive battles or tasks to level up, acquire currency, or obtain specific gear.
  • Unskippable Content: Cutscenes, dialogues, or animations that cannot be bypassed.
  • Route Complexity: Categories that require visiting every location or performing a vast number of specific actions in sequence.

The Psychology of Endurance Speedrunning

Endurance speedrunning is as much a mental game as it is a mechanical one. Runners must maintain focus for extended periods, often battling fatigue, frustration, and the monotony of repetitive tasks. Strategies include:

  • Mental Fortitude: Developing resilience to overcome mistakes and setbacks.
  • Music and Podcasts: Using audio to maintain engagement and combat boredom.
  • Community Support: Interacting with viewers and fellow runners for encouragement.
  • Scheduled Breaks: Planning strategic rests to avoid burnout.
  • Rhythm and Flow: Finding a sustainable pace that allows for both speed and accuracy over the long haul.

Common Techniques and Strats

Even in the longest runs, efficiency is key. Runners employ various techniques:

  • Menuing: Optimizing inventory management and equipment changes.
  • Route Planning: Memorizing the most efficient path through the game.
  • Glitch Exploitation: Using bugs or unintended mechanics to skip sections or shorten travel time (though less common in pure endurance/collection runs).
  • RNG Manipulation: Understanding and exploiting game mechanics to influence random outcomes.
  • Save States/Restarts: In practice, runners might use save states for specific segments, but official records usually disallow this. Learning when to reset a run entirely is also a skill.

The Future of Long Speedruns

As gaming continues to evolve, so too will the challenges presented by speedrunning. We're likely to see even more ambitious categories emerge, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in older titles and new releases alike. The spirit of competition and the pursuit of the ultimate world record will continue to drive these incredible feats of gaming endurance. Whether it's a 100% completion of a sprawling RPG or a meticulously optimized grind in a simulation game, the longest speedruns are a testament to the passion and dedication of the speedrunning community.

Preguntas Frecuentes

What is the absolute longest speedrun ever recorded?

Defining the "absolute longest" can be tricky as categories vary wildly. However, runs that involve acquiring every item in massive open-world RPGs or completing extreme collection challenges can easily span hundreds of hours. For example, a full completionist run of a game like Gran Turismo 4 or a JRPG with extensive side content could take well over 100-200 hours.

Are long speedruns popular?

While not as mainstream as shorter Any% runs, long endurance speedruns have a dedicated following. Viewers who enjoy watching strategic gameplay, appreciate the immense dedication involved, and can tune in for extended streams often follow these types of challenges. They are a staple in events like Games Done Quick.

How do runners stay motivated during a 100+ hour run?

Motivation comes from a mix of passion for the game, the drive to achieve a world record, community support from viewers, and personal discipline. Many runners develop strategies to stay engaged, such as listening to music, engaging with chat, and taking short, scheduled breaks.

Do long speedruns involve glitches?

It depends on the category. If a category is "100% Glitchless," then no. However, some long categories might allow certain glitches if they are considered essential to the game's mechanics or if the category's definition is broad. Generally, the longest and most grueling runs focus on pure gameplay, item collection, and strategic execution without relying on exploits.

What kind of games are best suited for long speedruns?

RPGs with extensive side content, simulation games with deep progression systems (like racing or management sims), and games that feature massive open worlds or intricate collection mechanics are prime candidates for long speedruns. Games that require collecting every item, completing every quest, or achieving maximum stats often result in the longest categories.

What are your thoughts on these marathon speedruns? Do you have a favorite long-form speedrun category or runner? Let us know in the comments below! Join our Discord server to discuss all things speedrun and gaming!

Unveiling the Marathon: Top 10 Longest Any% Speedruns That Push the Limits

Welcome, fellow speedrunners and gaming enthusiasts, to GamingSpeedrun.com! Are you ready to dive into the deep end of gaming endurance? We’re not talking about just beating a game; we're talking about conquering it in the shortest time possible, in the most fundamental category: Any%. But today, we’re flipping the script. Instead of the shortest, we’re celebrating the longest, the most demanding, and arguably the most insane #Any% speedruns that test not only skill and strategy but sheer willpower.

What Exactly is an Any% Speedrun?

Before we embark on this marathon of records, let's clarify what #AnyPercent speedruns entail. In essence, an Any% run means finishing the game as quickly as possible, with the only rule being that you must reach the end credits. This often involves utilizing glitches, sequence breaks, and obscure #GameMechanics to bypass large portions of the game.

However, the "longest" Any% runs present a fascinating paradox. Typically, speedrunning is about shaving off milliseconds. But some games, due to their structure, the nature of their exploits, or the sheer scope of their content, result in Any% runs that can stretch for hours, even days. These aren't just about reflexes; they're epic journeys through meticulously planned routes, often requiring incredible #GamingStrategy and mental fortitude.

The Appeal of the Marathon: Why Endure?

You might ask, why would anyone *want* to spend 10, 20, or even 50+ hours on a single Any% speedrun? The answer lies in the heart of the #SpeedrunCommunity. It's about:

  • Ultimate Endurance Test: Pushing the human limit of focus and reaction time over extended periods.
  • Complex Strategy: Discovering and executing intricate, multi-stage routes that can only be mastered through deep understanding and practice.
  • Discovery and Innovation: Uncovering new glitches or strats that shave significant time, even in games that seem fully optimized.
  • Sheer Dedication: A testament to the passion and commitment players have for their favorite titles.
  • Community Recognition: Setting a benchmark that inspires others and contributes to the ongoing evolution of speedrunning.
"These aren't just runs; they're sagas. They demand a level of dedication that transcends casual play and enters the realm of extreme digital athletic achievement."

Understanding Category Nuances

While "Any%" is the most basic, variations exist even within long runs. You'll see #Glitchless Any% runs, which forbid the use of major exploits, forcing runners to rely on precise movement and intended mechanics for hours. Then there are #RSG (Random Seed Glitchless) categories, where the starting conditions are randomized, adding a massive layer of #RNG management to an already daunting task.

The specific rules and categories are defined by the respective #Speedrun leaderboards, often maintained by dedicated community members. Understanding these nuances is crucial for appreciating the skill involved in each record-breaking attempt. For instance, a game with a very linear, but long, progression might feature an Any% run that is longer than a game with more complex skips but a shorter overall path.

The Top 10 Longest Any% Speedruns: A Journey

Compiling a definitive list of the "longest" Any% speedruns is tricky, as game structures and categories evolve. However, certain titles consistently appear in discussions about marathon-length runs. These often involve massive open worlds, complex questlines, or unique gameplay mechanics that make full playthroughs, even when optimized, incredibly time-consuming.

Here are some of the games and categories that frequently boast exceptionally long Any% speedruns, showcasing the pinnacle of #EnduranceGaming:

  • Minecraft (Various Categories): While popular for short runs, certain #RSG or #SetSeedGlitchless categories in #minecraftspeedrun can be incredibly lengthy, especially when factoring in resource gathering and the journey to the End.
  • The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion: A vast open world filled with numerous quests and exploration elements. Even optimized Any% runs can be exceptionally long, delving into deep #ElderScrolls lore and mechanics. Mastering the various #OblivionSpeedrun strats is key.
  • EVE Online: While not typically considered a traditional speedrun game, any attempt to complete a core objective or narrative element within this massive sandbox MMORPG could technically be classified as a long Any%. The sheer scale and player-driven nature make it unique.
  • Grand Theft Auto V (Story Mode Any%): The sprawling map and mission structure of #GTA V, even with optimal routing and skips, can lead to runs exceeding several hours.
  • Fallout Series (e.g., Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas): Similar to The Elder Scrolls, these post-apocalyptic RPGs offer vast worlds and intricate questlines that contribute to lengthy Any% runs. Exploring #FalloutSpeedrun techniques is a deep dive.
  • Breath of the Wild (Any% Glitchless): While glitchless runs are inherently longer, the sheer scale of Hyrule in #BotW, combined with the need for precise execution of intended mechanics, makes even Any% a substantial time commitment.
  • Dark Souls Series (e.g., Dark Souls 1, 2, 3): These games are known for their challenging bosses and intricate level design. While Any% runs are generally under a few hours, pushing for extremely optimized, yet lengthy, categories can stretch this. Exploring #DarkSoulsSpeedrun requires immense dedication.
  • Kingdom Hearts Series: The interconnected worlds and lengthy RPG elements of Kingdom Hearts, especially when aiming for a specific Any% category without major sequence breaks, can result in marathon sessions.
  • Pokemon Red/Blue (e.g., Any% Glitchless): While famous for very short glitch-heavy runs, the Glitchless Any% category in classic Pokémon games requires extensive grinding and precise navigation, extending the playtime considerably.
  • Yakuza Series: The combination of a compelling story, side activities, and combat mechanics means that Any% runs in the Yakuza franchise can easily become epic, multi-hour endeavors.

Game Examples and Strategies

Let's delve into a couple of these examples to understand the "why" behind their length:

Minecraft RSG (Random Seed Glitchless)

In #minecraftspeedrun, a #RSG category involves spawning into a randomly generated world and completing the game (defeating the Ender Dragon) as quickly as possible, but *without* major glitches or sequence breaks. This means runners must:

  • Scout for essential resources (wood, iron, diamonds).
  • Locate a village or strongholds for portals and Eye of Ender components.
  • Navigate treacherous terrain and hostile mobs.
  • Survive the Nether to find a fortress and Blaze Rods.
  • Craft Eyes of Ender and locate the stronghold.
  • Battle the Ender Dragon and its minions.

The #RNG component is massive here. Finding a good seed with resources nearby, a strong portal accessible, and manageable Nether travel can drastically affect the run length. A "bad" seed might require hours of exploration and resource gathering before even attempting the core objectives. This makes #Any% speedruns in Minecraft RSG a true test of adaptability and long-term planning.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Any%

#TESOblivion is a prime candidate for long Any% runs due to its open-ended nature and the potential for extensive exploration. While a standard Any% might involve a direct route to the main quest, runners often employ strategies that still require significant gameplay:

  • Character Optimization: Choosing the right race and birthsign for stat bonuses and efficient skill progression is crucial.
  • Main Quest Focus: Identifying the absolute minimum quests required to reach the Oblivion gates and the final confrontation.
  • Exploiting Mechanics: Techniques like #SwordFlying or precise #Butterflying can aid in traversal, but the core gameplay loop of fighting enemies, gathering loot, and progressing through dialogue remains substantial.
  • Loading Screens and Travel: The sheer size of Cyrodiil means considerable time is spent traveling between locations, with many loading screens breaking up the action.

Runners strive for perfect execution of every required step, minimizing mistakes to keep the run under its already substantial baseline time. Discovering new #SecretosDeOblivion or optimizing travel routes are ongoing efforts in the #OblivionSpeedrun community.

"It's not just about reaching the end; it's about reaching it efficiently, understanding every piece of the game's engine, and exploiting it without breaking the rules of the category."

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes an Any% speedrun "long"?

Several factors contribute: the game's inherent length, the necessity of resource gathering, complex questlines, the absence of major glitches or skips allowed in the category, and the sheer size of the game world. Some games are simply designed to be experienced over many hours.

Are long Any% runs more impressive than short ones?

Impressiveness is subjective. Short runs showcase incredible precision and mastery of specific glitches. Long runs highlight extreme endurance, strategic planning, and deep game knowledge. Both are incredibly difficult and admirable feats.

What kind of glitches are typically used in Any% speedruns?

Common glitches include out-of-bounds exploits, sequence breaks (skipping required game events), clipping through walls, manipulation of game AI, and damage boosting or warp glitches. The specific glitches allowed depend on the game's #Speedrun category rules.

How do speedrunners practice for such long runs?

Practice is often broken down into segments. Runners will practice individual levels, boss fights, or specific glitches repeatedly until they are perfected. Then, these segments are chained together. For exceptionally long runs, mental conditioning and endurance training are also important.

Where can I watch these long speedruns?

Platforms like Twitch and YouTube are the primary hubs. Many speedrunners stream their attempts live, and full runs are often uploaded to YouTube. Websites like Speedrun.com also list records and link to the runners' channels.

The Unyielding Spirit of the Speedrunner

The pursuit of the longest Any% speedruns is a testament to the dedication, ingenuity, and sheer passion within the gaming community. These marathon sessions are not for the faint of heart; they require a unique blend of skill, strategy, and an almost inhuman level of endurance. Whether it's mastering intricate #GameMechanics in an open-world RPG or pushing the boundaries of what's possible with #GlitchesGaming, these runners embody the spirit of pushing limits.

What are your favorite long speedruns? Have you ever attempted a run that stretched for hours? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below! And if you're inspired to start your own speedrunning journey, check out our guides and join the conversation on our Discord. The world of speedrunning is vast, and every record, long or short, is a story of incredible achievement.