How to Start Speedrunning: A Beginner’s Guide Inspired by Pokémon Blue

Speedrunning is an exciting and challenging hobby that transforms playing video games into a race against the clock. Whether you’re aiming for a world record or just a personal best, speedrunning involves optimizing routes, improving execution, and sometimes mastering RNG (random number generation). This guide introduces the basics of speedrunning and uses lessons from an epic Pokémon Blue speedrun to illustrate key concepts.

What Is Speedrunning?

Speedrunning is the art of completing a game as quickly as possible, often within a specific category. Categories define the rules for a run—like “Glitchless” in Pokémon Blue, where players can’t exploit game-breaking glitches.

Speedruns require:

• Skillful gameplay: Precision in movement and combat.
• Route planning: Knowing the most efficient way to complete objectives.
• Adaptability: Reacting to bad luck or mistakes mid-run.
• Persistence: Runs can take dozens (or hundreds) of attempts to succeed.

Getting Started with Speedrunning

1. Choose Your Game and Category: Start with a game you love. Pick a category that matches your interest and skill level, like “Any%” (complete the game by any means) or “100%” (complete all objectives).
2. Learn the Basics: Watch videos or read guides from experienced runners. For example, watching a Pokémon Blue speedrun shows how runners manage RNG, optimize battles, and plan item usage.
3. Practice Key Skills:
   • Movement: Master the game’s mechanics, like jumping or navigating tight spaces.
   • Combat: Learn strategies for bosses or tough encounters.
   • Menuing: Minimize time spent in menus by practicing efficient item and skill management.
4. Use Tools: Many speedrunners use tools like a timer to track progress or splits to measure performance across game sections.

Key Speedrunning Concepts Illustrated by Pokémon Blue

1. The Role of RNG in Speedruns

RNG determines random events in games, such as critical hits, encounter rates, or catch probabilities. Pokémon Blue is notorious for RNG-heavy segments:

• Encounters: Runners pray for favorable wild Pokémon encounters, like Paras in Mount Moon or Chansey in the Safari Zone.
• Critical Stats: A good Squirtle (the starter Pokémon) requires specific stats to progress efficiently. One runner reset dozens of times just to find a viable Squirtle.

Tip for New Runners: While RNG is uncontrollable, understanding probabilities helps you adapt. Practice scenarios where luck doesn’t go your way to improve resilience.

2. Reducing Time Loss with Efficient Routing

Every second matters in a speedrun. In Pokémon Blue, routing decisions include:

• Catching Paras in Mount Moon for HM Cut to save time later.
• Skipping unnecessary healing at Pokémon Centers by relying on potions to save movement time.
• Optimizing item pickups, like rerouting the lift key in Celadon City to save a single menu frame.

Tip for New Runners: Study the route from successful runs and practice it repeatedly. Over time, you’ll internalize efficient movement and minimize mistakes.

3. Managing Risks and Adapting on the Fly

Speedrunning often involves calculated risks. For example:

• Low HP (“Red Bar”): In Pokémon Blue, red bar triggers faster text scrolling, but it comes with the risk of fainting. Balancing risk and reward is critical.
• Bad Luck Mitigation: When a rare Pokémon like Chansey breaks out of Pokéballs repeatedly, experienced runners adapt by changing their strategy (e.g., skipping the encounter and trying again later).

Tip for New Runners: Expect setbacks and keep running. Each failed attempt teaches you how to handle adversity.

4. Attention to Detail in Execution

Small optimizations add up over time:

• In Pokémon Blue, one runner rerouted an entire segment to save a single frame by changing the order of item pickups. While this may seem excessive, these micro-optimizations are common at a high level.
• Even menu navigation is refined to the point where items are pre-ordered for minimal scrolling.

Tip for New Runners: Don’t focus on perfection right away. Prioritize big time saves first (e.g., skipping optional fights) before diving into minor optimizations.

The Emotional Journey of Speedrunning

Speedrunning isn’t just about skill; it’s also a test of patience and emotional endurance. The Pokémon Blue runner’s journey to achieve a sub-6:30 time exemplifies this:

• The Grind: They reset countless runs due to bad RNG or poor execution, sometimes losing hours of progress.
• The Payoff: After years of dedication, the runner achieved their goal—a euphoric moment that highlighted the rewards of perseverance.

Tip for New Runners: Celebrate small victories, like completing your first run or hitting a personal best. These milestones keep you motivated.

How to Improve Over Time

1. Analyze Your Runs: Record and review your runs to identify mistakes or inefficiencies.
2. Join the Community: Speedrunning communities on platforms like Discord or Twitch are invaluable for learning tricks, sharing tips, and staying motivated.
3. Experiment with Strategies: Once you’re comfortable with a route, experiment with riskier but faster strategies.
4. Set Realistic Goals: Whether it’s shaving off 30 seconds or learning a new category, having clear goals keeps you focused.

Final Thoughts

Speedrunning is a thrilling way to experience your favorite games in a whole new light. It’s not just about the destination (a world record or PB) but the journey—mastering skills, building resilience, and sharing your passion with a supportive community.

So pick a game, start a timer, and dive into the world of speedrunning. Who knows? Your next run could be the one where everything clicks, and you achieve a time you never thought possible.

Remember: Speedrunning is as much about fun as it is about speed. Whether you’re grinding Pokémon Blue or exploring another game, enjoy the process and celebrate the progress!