Speedrun Strategies: Breaking Down the Most Popular Categories

1 February 2026

Ever watched someone blaze through a game in mere minutes, leaving you sitting there scratching your head, wondering, "Wait, what just happened?" That’s the magic of speedrunning—a passionate corner of gaming where players push their favorite titles to the absolute limit. If you’ve ever entertained the thought of dipping your toes into this high-octane world, one thing is clear: understanding speedrun categories is essential. They’re the backbone of this fascinating hobby and the key to mastering specific strategies.

So, buckle up. We’re diving deep into the most popular speedrun categories, unraveling what makes each one unique, and offering some insights into how runners blitz through games at breakneck speeds.

What Exactly Is a Speedrun?

For the uninitiated, a speedrun is essentially a race against time. The goal? Finish a game as quickly as humanly possible (or sometimes, inhumanly possible—looking at you, TAS). However, it’s not just about rushing to the end credits. Speedrunning is an art form, requiring precision, patience, and a borderline-obsessive attention to detail.

You’re not just “playing” the game—you’re dissecting it piece by piece, exploiting every glitch, mastering intricate mechanics, and crafting the perfect route. It’s part science experiment, part athletic competition, and part chaotic fun. But not all speedruns are created equal. That’s where the concept of categories comes in.

Popular Speedrun Categories (And Why They Matter)

Speedrunning isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. Different games have different rules, and speedrunners like to mix things up. Over time, the community has established specific categories to keep things fair and, well, interesting. Here are the most popular ones you’ll encounter:

1. Any%

Ah, the bread and butter of speedrunning. Any% is often seen as “the default” category for most games. The goal is simple: finish the game as fast as possible, by any means necessary. Glitches? Go for it. Skipping levels? Yep, that’s fair game. Sequence breaks? Absolutely.

Any% is where you’ll see some of the most jaw-dropping exploits, as runners bend the game’s rules in every conceivable way. For example, in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, runners use a technique called “Wrong Warp” to catapult themselves straight to the final boss, skipping enormous chunks of the game.

But don’t be fooled into thinking this category is easy. It takes immense skill to pull off these strategies under pressure, especially when milliseconds count.

2. 100%

On the flip side, we have 100%. The challenge here? Complete everything the game has to offer. That means collecting every item, unlocking every secret, and ticking every box. Sounds simple, right? Not so fast.

In games like Super Mario 64, this means collecting all 120 stars, an effort that demands precise execution and intimate knowledge of each level. While glitches aren’t outright banned in most 100% runs, they’re usually not as dominant as they are in Any% runs. After all, you can’t skip collectibles if you’re trying to grab them all!

100% runs are perfect for those who like a more comprehensive, methodical approach to speedrunning. It’s less about breaking the game and more about mastering it from start to finish.

3. Glitchless

Some folks prefer to keep it clean. Glitchless runs are exactly what they sound like—no exploits, no cheats, no game-breaking shenanigans. You’re playing the game as the developers intended, relying solely on pure skill.

But don’t think this makes things easier. Glitchless runs can be brutal, especially in challenging games like Dark Souls or Celeste. Without shortcuts or sequence breaks, you’re at the mercy of the game’s natural difficulty curve. That means learning optimal movement, perfecting combat strategies, and embracing every grueling moment.

This category is a great starting point for newcomers who want to focus on mechanics before diving into the wilder side of speedrunning.

4. Low%

If 100% is about doing everything, Low% is about doing the absolute bare minimum. The goal here is to complete the game while picking up as few items or upgrades as possible. Think of it as a minimalist approach to speedrunning.

Low% runs are challenging because they often leave you underpowered and outmatched. In Metroid games, for example, runners will deliberately skip energy tanks, missile upgrades, and even critical power-ups like the Varia Suit. The result? A nerve-wracking run where mistakes aren’t just costly—they’re catastrophic.

5. No Major Glitches (NMG)

Somewhere between Glitchless and Any% lies No Major Glitches. This category allows runners to use small, unintended techniques (like clipping through walls or skipping animations) but bans anything game-breaking. It’s a compromise that offers a more natural flow without the chaos of heavy glitch abuse.

NMG runs are particularly popular for games like Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, where minor exploits can save time but don’t bypass massive portions of the game.

6. Category Extensions

Now, here’s where things get wild. Category extensions are like the experimental playground of speedrunning. These challenges don’t necessarily aim to finish the game but instead focus on quirky goals or unusual tasks.

For example:
- “All Bosses”: Beat every boss in the game as quickly as possible.
- “Pacifist Run”: Complete the game without killing any enemies.
- “Reverse Boss Order”: Tackle bosses in the opposite order of what’s intended.

These categories are great for spicing things up or showcasing niche skills. Plus, they’re a reminder that speedrunning isn’t just about beating times—it’s about having fun in the most creative ways possible.

Key Strategies for Speedrunning Success

Now that we’ve covered the categories, you’re probably wondering: How do these runners do it? Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some common strategies across categories:

1. Route Planning

Every successful speedrun starts with a solid plan. Runners meticulously study the game, mapping out the fastest routes and figuring out which skips or tricks will save the most time. It’s like plotting the ultimate road trip—except instead of GPS, you’re using spreadsheets and frame data.

2. Practicing Tricks and Glitches

If you want to pull off flashy Any% runs, you’ll need to practice glitches until they’re second nature. Timing is everything here; even a fraction of a second can make or break a run.

3. Optimizing Movement

Even in Glitchless or NMG runs, mastering movement is critical. That might mean learning to “bunny hop” in Half-Life, perfecting wall jumps in Super Metroid, or shaving tiny fractions off your platforming in Celeste.

4. Resetting Runs

Here’s a hard truth about speedrunning: you’re going to fail. A lot. Speedrunners often restart dozens (or even hundreds) of times to get that perfect run. It’s all part of the process.

Why Speedrunning Is More Than Just a Race

At its core, speedrunning is about community. Whether it’s sharing discoveries, competing for world records, or just cheering each other on, the speedrunning scene thrives on collaboration. Events like Games Done Quick (GDQ) showcase this perfectly, bringing runners together to celebrate their shared passion while raising money for charity.

So, even if you’re just starting out, remember: you’re part of something bigger. Every PB (personal best) you set, every glitch you learn, and every run you stream contributes to the ongoing evolution of this incredible hobby.

Final Thoughts

Speedrunning is more than just a test of skill—it’s a celebration of creativity, determination, and the love of gaming. Whether you’re drawn to the crazy exploits of Any%, the meticulous grind of 100%, or the quirky charm of category extensions, there’s something here for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your favorite game, fire up the timer, and start running. You might just discover (oops, I mean find) a whole new way to enjoy the games you love.