Speedrunning First-Person Shooters: Precision and Speed Combined

18 January 2026

Gaming has come a long way. From pixelated sprites jumping over pits to hyper-realistic worlds where you can smell the virtual gunpowder hanging in the air, things have evolved. But let’s talk about something truly incredible—speedrunning. Specifically, speedrunning First-Person Shooters (FPS). It's not just about rushing through the game; it's an art form where precision and speed collide to create something magical. If you’re here for some heart-pounding tales, tips, or just to marvel at the weird and wonderful world of FPS speedrunning, buckle up. This is going to be a wild ride.

What is Speedrunning, Anyway?

Before we dive headlong into the action, let's clear the air. What's speedrunning? In simple terms, it's the practice of completing a game as fast as possible. That’s it. No coffee breaks, no sightseeing, no long chats with NPCs—just pure, unfiltered speed. It’s like a digital sprint, except the obstacles are fire-breathing dragons, enemy robots, or, in the case of FPS games, hordes of bad guys with unnervingly good aim.

Now, take that high-stakes pressure and layer it over games like DOOM, Quake, or Counter-Strike. You're not just running anymore; you're running while everything, literally everything, is trying to kill you. It’s chaos. And honestly? It’s beautiful.

Why FPS Games? The Appeal of Speedrunning With Guns Blazing

You might be wondering: why would anyone volunteer to speedrun a genre already known for its intensity? Great question. FPS games are unique. They demand fast reflexes, perfect aim, and the mental acrobatics of calculating strategies on the fly. Mix that with the adrenaline rush of trying to beat the clock, and you've got a recipe for addictive gameplay.

Here’s why FPS games shine in the speedrunning community:

1. Movement Mechanics Are King

FPS games often provide unparalleled freedom in movement. Techniques like bunny-hopping (yes, it’s as fun as it sounds), strafe-jumping, and rocket-jumping allow players to zoom through levels faster than the developers probably intended. Mastering these moves takes practice. It's kind of like learning to dance, except your partner is a grenade launcher.

2. Combat Under Pressure

Shooting isn’t just mindless clicking. Speedrunners have to chain headshots, leverage weapon-switching mechanics, and rely on pixel-perfect precision. It's like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle—there’s no room for error.

3. The Perfect Blend of Chaos and Strategy

FPS games are chaotic. Enemies pop out of nowhere, ammo is scarce, and every second counts. The challenge lies in finding the optimal path—balancing those moment-to-moment decisions that decide whether you'll break a record or rage quit for the day.

Tools of the Trade: Tricks Every FPS Speedrunner Knows

Speedrunning FPS games isn't just about natural talent; it's about working smarter, not harder. Here are some techniques that’ll blow your mind.

1. Bunny Hopping

This isn’t just a cute name—it’s a legit strategy. By jumping repeatedly while strafing and turning your camera, players can maintain momentum and move faster than walking. Games like DOOM Eternal and Counter-Strike reward players who master this rhythmic movement.

2. Glitch Exploits

Sometimes, games are like that friend who always leaves their front door unlocked. Speedrunners look for glitches—areas where the developers inadvertently left a loophole. Whether it's clipping through walls or skipping boss fights entirely, exploiting these moments can shave minutes (or hours!) off a run.

3. Frame-Perfect Timing

Not all games are forgiving. You know that one pixel-wide ledge in some levels? Yeah, speedrunners not only land on it but do so consistently. That’s what "frame-perfect" means: timing actions down to milliseconds.

4. Knowledge is Power

Speedrunning is part muscle memory, part encyclopedic knowledge. Current world-record holders often spend hundreds (if not thousands) of hours analyzing game mechanics, enemy AI behaviors, and level layouts. To speedrun an FPS, you don’t just play the game; you study it like you're cramming for an exam.

The Most Legendary FPS Speedruns of All Time

There’s a long history of jaw-dropping FPS speedruns out there. Here’s a quick list of some iconic moments:

1. DOOM (1993)

DOOM laid the foundation for the FPS and speedrunning communities alike. The fluid movement, open-ended levels, and nerve-wracking enemies made it perfect for speedrunners. Some players have completed entire “Ultra-Nightmare” runs (the hardest difficulty) in under 20 minutes. Let that sink in.

2. GoldenEye 007 (1997)

Speedrunning wouldn’t be where it is today without GoldenEye 007. From nailing perfect shots through windows to crouch-sliding across floors, this game became a breeding ground for creative strategies.

3. Half-Life Series

No list is complete without mentioning Gordon Freeman. The Half-Life games brought environmental puzzles into the mix, and boy, did speedrunners find their way around them. Prop-flipping, grenade-jumping, and abusing the physics engine defined this era of FPS speedrunning.

4. Quake (1996)

Perhaps one of the most movement-heavy games out there, Quake introduced speedrunning to the concept of “optimal movement paths.” Rocket-jumping to skip long distances became the gold standard for completing levels.

Why Watch FPS Speedruns?

You might be thinking, "This sounds nuts, but why would I sit and watch someone else play?" Let’s break it down:

- It’s Like Watching a High-Stakes Action Movie
Speedrunners turn games into pulse-pounding thrill rides. It’s explosive, unpredictable, and, honestly? It’s hard to look away.

- You’ll Learn a Thing or Two
Ever wondered how to execute that insane trick you saw in a game trailer? Speedrunners are like magicians pulling back the curtain. You’ll pick up tips and strategies that’ll make you a better gamer.

- The Community is Amazing
The world of speedrunning isn't just about competition. It's about community. Events like Games Done Quick (GDQ) showcase mind-blowing runs while raising millions for charity. It’s wholesome, fast-paced fun.

Getting Started: Yes, Even YOU Can Try It

If all this talk has you itching to speedrun your favorite FPS, you’re in luck. Here’s a nudge in the right direction:

1. Pick Your Game: Start with one you already know well. Love Call of Duty? Perfect. Obsessed with Titanfall 2? Even better. Familiarity makes a difference.

2. Watch Runs: Study how the pros do it. Platforms like YouTube or Twitch are goldmines for learning tricks.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice: This isn’t a “pick it up and go” kind of deal. The first time you attempt a bunny-hop, you’ll probably feel like Bambi on ice. Stick with it.

4. Join the Community: Online forums, Discord servers, and Reddit threads are full of people who want to see you succeed.

The Thrill of the Run

Speedrunning FPS games isn’t just a hobby; it’s a passion. It’s for those who crave adrenaline, who love walking the razor’s edge of chaos and control, and who aren’t afraid to fail a hundred times in pursuit of shaving a single second off their time. There’s a certain poetry to it—a blend of strategy, skill, and raw determination. Whether you’re a player or just an appreciative viewer, there’s no denying: speedrunning FPS games is one of the coolest niches in gaming.

So, why not dive in? Grab your keyboard, crack your knuckles, and see how fast you can fly through your favorite FPS. Who knows—you might just set the next world record!