In the realm of video gaming, Pokémon stands as one of the most enduring and successful franchises, captivating players since the late 1990s with its innovative gameplay and beloved roster of pocket monsters. Not to be outdone, a subset of Pokémon players has devoted their gaming prowess to the art of speedrunning—striving to complete these games in record times.
Speedrunning is more than just a test of quickness; it’s a tactical deconstruction of a game’s mechanics, an intimate exploration of its design, and a display of efficient strategizing and skill. The Pokémon franchise, with its complex RPG mechanics and vast world, presents an inviting challenge to speedrunners everywhere.
Popular Pokémon Games for Speedrunning
When discussing Pokémon speedruns, a few games rise to the forefront:
- Pokémon Red/Blue: As the original Pokémon games, Red and Blue hold a special place in the speedrunning community. Runners delve into these games’ mechanics, employing a variety of glitches and tactics to expedite their journey through the Kanto region.
- Pokémon Crystal: The enhancements made to Crystal’s gameplay mechanics, including the introduction of held items and special abilities, expanded the strategy required for speedrunning and sparked interest within the community.
- Pokémon Emerald: With a larger map and the addition of double battles, Emerald presents a unique speedrunning challenge that continues to attract players.
Milestones and Events in Pokémon Speedrunning
The speedrunning community within Pokémon has been responsible for several significant milestones. One of the most notable records belongs to speedrunner “WerpMark,” who completed Pokémon Red in 1 hour and 45 minutes in January 2022.
Moreover, events such as Pokémon Speedruns Marathon provide an avenue for speedrunners to showcase their talents. This annual event brings together Pokémon speedrunners from all over the globe, as they race to complete various games from the franchise in record time for charity.
Speedrunning Tricks in Pokémon Games
Speedrunning Pokémon games requires a deep understanding of game mechanics and optimal strategies. One commonly employed strategy involves manipulating the game’s RNG (random number generator) to ensure favorable outcomes, such as catching rare Pokémon or winning key battles.
Glitch exploitation also plays a significant role in Pokémon speedruns. In Pokémon Red and Blue, for example, runners often use the “trainer-fly” glitch to skip large portions of the game. In Pokémon Crystal, the “clone” glitch allows runners to duplicate their strongest Pokémon, giving them an edge in battles.
Your Essential Speedrunning Tool
No matter which Pokémon game you’re speedrunning, having an accurate and reliable speedrun timer is crucial. The timer available on this page is a perfect tool to assist you in your speedrunning journey. Keep track of your records, identify where improvements can be made, and watch as your times steadily improve.
In closing, speedrunning in the Pokémon franchise is a uniquely rewarding challenge that has captured the imagination of gamers across the world. This continuous pursuit of perfection and the quest for the fastest times reveals new strategies and depths to these games, ensuring their lasting appeal and relevance in the gaming community.
