How to Shave Minutes Off Any Speedrun

You’ve just watched a world record video and thought, “I could do that… if I cut a few minutes.” That feeling hits every runner, and it’s why RunQuest is all about finding real, doable tricks. For those chasing frame‑perfect gains, learn how to shave seconds off your Any% speedrun. Below is a step‑by‑step guide you can start using today. No fancy math, just plain actions that work for any game.

1. Know Your Baseline

Before you can improve, you need to know where you stand.

Record a clean run – Play the game from start to finish without any tricks. This is your “raw” time.
Watch the video – Put it side by side with a top‑tier run. Note where the big gaps are.
Write it down – On a piece of paper or a simple spreadsheet, list each major segment and its time.

RunQuest always says the first step is the hardest because it forces you to be honest. When I first tried to beat my own Super Mario 64 record, I wrote down every door I opened. Turns out I was spending 30 seconds on a hallway that most runners skip entirely.

2. Trim the Fat

Now that you see the slow spots, start cutting the obvious waste.

a. Skip Unnecessary Cutscenes

Many games let you press a button to skip dialogue or animation. If the game doesn’t allow it, look for a “skip” mod or a hidden skip command. On RunQuest we’ve posted a list of common skip keys for popular titles. Our walkthrough for Super Mario Odyssey shows how to bypass cutscenes efficiently.

b. Optimize Your Route

Sometimes the “obvious” path isn’t the fastest. Use the map, watch other runners, and try a few variations. Write down the time for each version. The route that saves even 5 seconds is worth repeating.

c. Reduce Backtracking

Backtracking is a time‑eater. If you can collect an item on the way forward instead of coming back later, do it. In my first run of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, I kept going back to the same forest three times. Cutting that down saved me over a minute.

3. Master the Core Mechanics

Every game has a handful of moves that make up most of the run. Focus on those.

a. Practice the “Hardest” Move

Identify the single move that costs you the most time. It could be a tricky jump, a precise grapple, or a combo attack. Spend 10‑15 minutes each day just on that move until it feels natural.

b. Use the “Timing Window”

Many actions have a perfect timing window. For example, in Celeste the dash can be released early for a faster turn. Watch the frame‑by‑frame video on RunQuest to see exactly when the window opens.

c. Learn the “Reset” Technique

If you mess up a segment, resetting quickly can be faster than trying to recover. Practice the button combo that brings you back to the checkpoint in under two seconds.

4. Use the Right Tools

Your hardware and software can be a hidden time sink.

Controller vs Keyboard – Some games feel faster with a controller. Try both and see which lets you react quicker.
Input Lag – Use a low‑latency monitor or TV. Even a 5 ms difference can add up over a long run.
Timer Software – RunQuest recommends using LiveSplit because it’s lightweight and lets you split instantly.

I once switched from a cheap Bluetooth controller to a wired one and shaved 12 seconds off a Metroid run. Small changes add up.

5. Practice with Purpose

Random grinding won’t help. Structure your practice.

Pick a segment – Choose a part that costs you the most time.
Set a goal – “I will finish this segment under 45 seconds.”
Do 20 repeats – Not 200. Quality over quantity.
Review – Watch the last repeat and note any slip‑ups.

RunQuest’s community events often include “segment sprints” where everyone focuses on the same part. It’s a great way to learn from each other.

6. Keep a Log and Review

Your notes are gold. After each run, write down:

What went well
What felt slow
Any new glitch you tried

Every few weeks, read through the log. Patterns appear – maybe you always lose time on the same boss, or a certain weapon slows you down. On RunQuest we keep a shared Google Sheet so anyone can add tips. Seeing the same problem from another player’s angle can spark a solution. When you’re ready to submit, follow our step‑by‑step guide on how to verify your speedrun record in real time.

7. Stay Healthy and Focused

Speedrunning is a mental sport. Fatigue, eye strain, and bad posture can cost you seconds without you even noticing.

Take short breaks – 5 minutes every hour. Stretch, look away from the screen.
Stay hydrated – Dehydration makes reaction time slower.
Sleep well – A rested brain makes split‑second decisions easier.

I once tried to marathon a Dark Souls run on zero sleep. I kept missing the perfect dodge timing and ended up 3 minutes slower than my rested attempt. Lesson learned: a clear mind is a fast mind.

8. Put It All Together

Here’s a quick checklist you can copy into a note app:

[ ] Record baseline run
[ ] Identify three biggest time sinks
[ ] Try route alternatives for each sink
[ ] Practice the hardest move for 15 min daily
[ ] Switch to low‑lag hardware if needed
[ ] Log each run and review weekly
[ ] Take breaks, drink water, sleep

Follow this plan for a week and you’ll likely see a few minutes drop off your time. It won’t make you a world record holder overnight, but it will put you on the right track. RunQuest is all about those steady, real improvements.

Remember, speedrunning isn’t just about raw skill; it’s about smart work, good tools, and a clear head. Use the steps above, keep tweaking, and you’ll keep shaving minutes off any run you tackle.