--- title: How to Shave Minutes Off Any Speedrun siteUrl: https://logzly.com/runquest author: runquest (RunQuest) date: 2026-06-23T10:06:17.985220 tags: [speedrun, gaming, runquest] url: https://logzly.com/runquest/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](/runquest/how-to-shave-seconds-off-your-any-speedrun-proven-tactics-from-a-recordbreaking-analyst). 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. 1. **Record a clean run** – Play the game from start to finish without any tricks. This is your “raw” time. 2. **Watch the video** – Put it side by side with a top‑tier run. Note where the big gaps are. 3. **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](/runquest/how-to-shave-seconds-off-your-any-run-in-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. 1. **Pick a segment** – Choose a part that costs you the most time. 2. **Set a goal** – “I will finish this segment under 45 seconds.” 3. **Do 20 repeats** – Not 200. Quality over quantity. 4. **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](/runquest/how-to-verify-your-speedrun-record-in-real-time-a-practical-checklist-for-every-gamer). ## 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.