Hobby
Speedrunning
Speedrunning is a gaming hobby where players aim to complete a video game, level, or specific challenge as fast as possible. The goal is not just to finish the game, but to do it in the shortest time by learning routes, techniques, and strategies that save seconds or minutes.
Speedrunning can be done casually at home and covers many types of games, from classic titles to modern releases. Some players compete for world records, while others speedrun simply to improve their own personal best times.
Why try this hobby?
One of the best things about speedrunning is that it adds a fresh challenge to games you may already own. Instead of playing through a game once, speedrunning encourages you to replay it in new ways, improving your skills and understanding of how the game works.
Speedrunning is also very flexible. You can practise for short sessions or spend hours refining a run. Many people enjoy the problem-solving aspect—figuring out faster routes, better timing, or smarter strategies—while others enjoy the excitement of beating their own records.
Who is this hobby best for?
Speedrunning is ideal for people who enjoy video games, challenges, and personal improvement. It's well suited to beginners because you can start with simple goals, such as completing a game faster than last time, without needing to compete against others.
This hobby is great for people who enjoy focus, repetition, and learning through practice. It can be a solo activity, but it also has a strong community aspect, with players sharing tips, watching runs online, and supporting each other's progress. Whether you enjoy casual gaming or competitive challenges, speedrunning can grow with your skill level.
Equipment you need to start
You don't need much equipment to start speedrunning. A gaming console or PC, a controller or keyboard, and a game you enjoy are enough to begin. A basic timer or timing app is useful for tracking your completion times, but even that can be optional at first.
As you get more involved, you may choose to use specialised timing software, watch tutorial videos, or record your runs. However, none of this is required to start. The most important things are patience, practice, and enjoying the process of getting faster over time.