Introduction
Speedrunning might sound intense—and it definitely can be—but it doesn’t have to be all about leaderboards, frame-perfect inputs, or world records. In fact, for many gamers, speedrunning is simply a fun way to rediscover favorite games, set personal challenges, and enjoy a fresh sense of progression.
Whether you’re a casual gamer or just curious about the scene, you don’t have to compete with pros to enjoy speedrunning. This guide is all about getting started for the fun of it—no stress, no pressure, just play.
Why Speedrunning Appeals to All Types of Gamers
At its core, speedrunning is about one thing: mastery through repetition. It’s not just for elite players—it’s for anyone who enjoys:
• Learning a game inside and out
• Turning a familiar experience into a new kind of challenge
• Watching your times improve little by little
You don’t need to stream, submit your times, or follow strict rules unless you want to. Speedrunning can be as personal and flexible as you make it.
Choosing the Right Game to Speedrun
When starting, choose a game you already love. You’ll be playing it over and over, so it better bring you joy.
What Makes a Great Beginner Speedrun Game?
Short completion time – Under 1 hour is ideal to start Tight controls – A smooth, responsive feel helps with consistency Active community – More runners = more tips, tricks, and fun categories
Popular First-Time Speedrun Games:
• Celeste – Quick resets, rewarding movement, rich community
• Portal – Short, puzzle-based, and speedrun-friendly
• Super Mario Odyssey – Huge variety of categories for all skill levels
• Hollow Knight – Great for those who love routing and challenge
No matter what you choose, start with the game that excites you most.
Setting Goals That Keep It Fun
One of the most common speedrunning traps? Comparing yourself to the leaderboard too early. Instead, focus on your own goals:
• Beat your own time by 30 seconds
• Learn a new route or trick
• Finish a run without dying
Explore different categories too—“Any%” means beating the game as fast as possible, but there are many others:
• Glitchless – No major exploits or bugs
• 100% – Collect every item or achievement
• Low% – Complete with the bare minimum
Speedrunning is flexible—you can make your own goals and categories as long as you’re having fun.
Tools and Tips for Getting Started
Basic Speedrunning Setup: A stopwatch or split timer like LiveSplit Screen recording software (OBS is free) A notebook or doc for tracking routes and notes
If you want to dive deeper, platforms like Kodex can help you:
• Track personal bests and segment splits
• Analyze your trends over time
• Spot areas where you’re gaining or losing time
Even if you’re just running for fun, seeing your improvement laid out visually is super motivating.
Common Mistakes New Speedrunners Make
Speedrunning should be fun—not frustrating. Keep an eye out for these common missteps:
Getting caught up in leaderboards too soon – Focus on your own growth, not where you rank Practicing one section to death – Balance is key—sometimes run the game in full to build endurance and flow Burnout from perfectionism – Take breaks. Switch categories. Try new games. Speedrunning should feel rewarding, not like a chore
Sharing Your Journey (If You Want To)
You don’t have to stream or record your runs—but if you do, it can be gratifying.
• Use platforms like Twitch or YouTube to archive your runs
• Join Discord servers or Reddit threads to share progress and get feedback
• Celebrate your personal records—even if they’re far from world-class
Speedrunning communities are often supportive, fun, and filled with people who love pushing games to their limits.
Conclusion
Speedrunning doesn’t have to be about stress, comparison, or competition. It can be about: rediscovering the joy of your favorite games setting fun personal challenges and mastering something just for you
You don’t need to be fast—you just need to start. Go at your own pace, track your progress (tools like Kodex make this easy), and enjoy the ride.
Because in the end, speedrunning for fun is another way to love the games you already do—even more.
FAQs
What is speedrunning?
Speedrunning is the act of playing a video game with the goal of completing it as quickly as possible, often following specific rules or categories.
Do I need to stream or record my runs?
Nope! You can keep your runs completely personal, or share them if you want to. It’s entirely up to you.
What’s the easiest type of speedrun for beginners?
“Any%” categories on shorter games (under an hour) are great for beginners. These categories have fewer restrictions and allow for creative routing.
Is it okay to make my own speedrun rules?
Absolutely. You can set your own personal goals, make up fun categories, and skip tricks you don’t want to learn. It’s your experience!
How can I improve my speedrunning skills?
Practice, watch other runners, take notes, and review your own runs. Use platforms like Kodex to track progress and refine your strategy.
