How to Get Involved in Speedrunning Communities and Events

29 March 2025

Have you ever watched someone blaze through a video game at lightning speed and thought, “Wow, I’d love to try that”? Or maybe you’re simply amazed by the dedication and skill it takes to dissect a game down to its bare essentials and complete it faster than anyone thought humanly possible. That, my friend, is speedrunning—a passion-fueled hobby where gamers challenge themselves to finish games as quickly (and often as creatively) as possible.

But here's the thing: speedrunning is so much more than just the thrill of finishing a game fast. It’s about the shared camaraderie, the intense discussions over frame-perfect tricks, and the excitement of competing in live events. Wondering how you can dive into this adrenaline-charged world? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. Let’s break it all down.

What Exactly Is Speedrunning?

Before we leap into the how, let’s quickly touch on the what. Speedrunning is the art of completing a game or specific sections of a game in the fastest possible time. But it’s not just a personal endeavor; it’s a culture, a craft, and—most importantly—a community-driven phenomenon.

Speedrunners push games to their limits. They uncover glitches, refine strategies, and engage in friendly competition to shave milliseconds off their runs. Think of it as solving a complex puzzle but with a stopwatch running in the background. It’s intense, exhilarating, and oddly rewarding.

Why Join Speedrunning Communities?

You might be asking yourself, “Can’t I just speedrun on my own and call it a day?” Sure, you could absolutely go solo. But where’s the fun in that? Speedrunning communities amplify the experience tenfold.

Here’s why:
- Support and Motivation: It’s easy to feel stuck when a trick seems impossible to pull off, but a community can offer tips, tutorials, or just plain encouragement.
- Shared Knowledge: Ever heard the saying, "two heads are better than one"? In speedrunning, thousands of heads come together to discover new glitches, skips, and time-saving strategies.
- Friendly Competition: Nothing beats a good-natured rivalry to keep you striving for the perfect run.

Plus, joining a community makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger. It’s not just about beating the game; it’s about being part of a movement that redefines how games are played.

How to Find Speedrunning Communities

Alright, so you’re sold on the idea of joining a community. But where do you even begin? Luckily, speedrunners are a social bunch, and there are plenty of places to connect with them.

1. Discord Servers

Discord is the hub for speedrunning communities. Whether it’s a game-specific server or a broader speedrunning group, you’ll find plenty of other runners eager to chat, strategize, or just hang out. Start by searching for Discord links on platforms like Speedrun.com.

2. Speedrun Forums

The OG meeting spot for speedrunners! Websites like Speedrun.com host forums where gamers discuss routes, glitches, and upcoming events. Think of it as the digital version of a coffee shop for speedrunners.

3. Twitch and YouTube

Watching other speedrunners is not only inspiring but also a surefire way to connect with them. Check out live streams on Twitch or leave a comment on a YouTube video. Most runners are happy to chat—after all, they’re just as passionate about speedrunning as you are.

4. Reddit Communities

Subreddits like r/speedrunning are goldmines of information, memes, and like-minded gamers. It’s a great place to ask questions, share achievements, or get feedback on your runs.

Getting Started with Speedrunning

Alright, now that you know where to find your people, let’s talk about how to actually start speedrunning. Don’t worry if you’re feeling overwhelmed—it’s easier than it seems!

1. Choose Your Game

First things first: pick a game that you love. It doesn’t have to be the most popular speedrunning title ever—just something you’re passionate about. The more you enjoy the game, the easier it’ll be to stick with it when things get tricky.

2. Watch Existing Runs

Before diving in, check out some existing speedruns of your chosen game. Head to Speedrun.com or Twitch and watch how the pros do it. You’ll pick up on the general strategies, glitches, and routing techniques.

3. Start Small

Instead of tackling the entire game right away, try focusing on smaller segments or “categories.” For example, many games have categories like “Any%” (beat the game as fast as possible) or “100%” (complete everything in the game). There are even fun, niche categories like “Glitchless” or “All Bosses.”

4. Practice, Practice, Practice

Speedrunning is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice. Don’t get discouraged if your early attempts are more “slowrun” than speedrun. Everyone starts somewhere!

5. Record Your Runs

Once you’re ready, record your runs and submit them to websites like Speedrun.com. Even if you’re not the fastest yet, it’s a great way to document your progress and get feedback.

How to Get Involved in Speedrunning Events

Joining a community is one thing, but participating in events? That’s where the real magic happens. There’s nothing quite like the energy of a live speedrunning marathon or an online competition.

1. Local Meetups

If you’re lucky enough to live near other speedrunners, local meetups can be a fantastic way to connect in person. Check forums or Discord servers to see if there are any events happening in your area.

2. Online Marathons

Many speedrunning communities host online marathons where runners stream their games for an audience. These events are often for charity, so not only do you get to show off your skills, but you also support a good cause.

Events like Games Done Quick (GDQ) are the cream of the crop, drawing massive audiences and raising millions for charity. While they’re highly competitive, many smaller marathons are beginner-friendly.

3. Leaderboards and Competitions

If marathons aren’t your thing, you can still compete for leaderboard glory. Websites like Speedrun.com track top runs for countless games, so you can challenge yourself to climb the ranks.

Insider Tips for Thriving in the Community

Speedrunning may seem like all strategy and technical execution, but thriving in the community requires some finesse. Here’s how to be a top-notch community member:

- Be Respectful: It’s fine to be competitive, but don’t put others down. Speedrunning is all about mutual respect and shared passion.
- Share Your Knowledge: If you discover a new technique or trick, share it! Collaboration is the heart of the community.
- Stay Humble: No one likes a show-off. Whether you’re a beginner or a record holder, always keep a friendly attitude.
- Celebrate Others’ Wins: When someone beats your time or sets a world record, celebrate with them. After all, their success only pushes the community forward.

Wrapping It Up

Getting involved in speedrunning communities and events is more than just pressing buttons faster—it’s about making friends, challenging yourself, and contributing to a global movement. Whether you’re a casual gamer or someone dreaming of breaking world records, there’s a place for you in the speedrunning world.

So, what are you waiting for? Fire up your favorite game, join a Discord server, and start chasing those frame-perfect tricks. Who knows? Maybe one day it’ll be your name on the leaderboards.