Pixel Speedrun is an addictive platformer that is easy to learn but tough to perfect. This step-by-step guide reveals the pro techniques you need to speed from novice to top-ranked speedrunner.
Imagine this: You are racing through a pixelated world, adrenaline rushing, avoiding spikes and jumping over moving platforms. Your speed and precision are all that stand between you and victory. Pixel Speedrun isn’t just a game. It is an exciting race against time, a test of reflexes, and a thrilling journey through some of the most creatively designed platforming challenges.
With its retro style, simple design, and easy-to-learn mechanics, Pixel Speedrun has become a favourite among gamers who enjoy the excitement of overcoming challenges. But don’t be misled. While it may look easy at first, the game will challenge you, requiring perfect timing and flawless execution.
What is Pixel Speedrun?
Pixel Speedrun is a minimalist 2D platformer where your goal is simple: race through each level as quickly as you can while avoiding various obstacles. The game has a retro pixel art style that reminds you of classic platformers, but don’t let the simplicity trick you; it’s tough! Players need to jump, slide, and navigate through challenging levels, all while aiming for the fastest time.
While the mechanics may seem easy at first, mastering Pixel Speedrun demands great precision, quick reflexes, and a good grasp of the game’s subtle movement mechanics. With each level you complete, you’ll feel a rush of achievement. As you strive for even faster times, you’ll also enjoy the excitement of competing against other speedrunners worldwide.
The basics: Getting started
Before getting into the fast-paced action, it’s important to understand the basic gameplay mechanics. Pixel Speedrun focuses on speed, precision, and reaction time. Here’s what you need to know to start playing:
Controls
Pixel Speedrun keeps things straightforward with an easy control scheme. Here’s how you can navigate the world:
- Arrow Keys or WASD: Move your character left and right.
- Spacebar or Up Arrow: Jump.
- Down Arrow: Crouch or slide.
- P or Esc: Pause the game.
The objective
Your main goal in Pixel Speedrun is to finish each level as fast as you can, usually by reaching the end goal or checkpoint in record time. Along the way, you’ll face various obstacles like moving platforms, spikes, and traps. The quicker you complete a level, the higher your ranking will be on the leaderboards.
Mastering the gameplay: Strategies for success
Once you’ve learned the basic controls, it’s time to explore the details of Pixel Speedrun gameplay. This is where the fun really begins. As you advance in the game, you’ll encounter tougher obstacles, so it’s important to develop some strategies to improve your performance.
Momentum is everything
One key aspect of the game is keeping your momentum. Many levels are designed so that your speed will directly affect your ability to jump farther or perform various movements. Here’s why momentum is important:
- Speed boosting: If you keep your momentum, you’ll be able to jump farther, clear obstacles, and pass through tight spaces.
- Avoid slowing down: Losing speed in Pixel Speedrun can significantly increase your time. Always keep moving and use your surroundings to maintain or gain speed.
Timing is crucial
In platformers, timing is everything, and Pixel Speedrun is no different. Timing your jumps, slides, and interactions with obstacles can mean the difference between a good run and a failed attempt. Here are a few timing-based mechanics to master:
- Perfect jumps: Some obstacles require you to jump at just the right moment, especially with moving platforms or spikes.
- Wall interactions: Many levels include walls that you need to time your jumps for, helping you reach higher platforms or avoid hazards.
Practice makes perfect
There’s no avoiding it: practice is the only way to get better at Pixel Speedrun. As you progress, the levels become trickier, but each failure brings you closer to success. Here are some tips for improvement:
- Replay levels: Don’t let failure discourage you. The more you attempt a level, the better you’ll understand its layout and obstacles.
- Focus on one level at a time: Instead of rushing through each level, spend time perfecting one at a time. This will help you become more comfortable with the challenges of each stage before moving on to the next.
Techniques for experienced players
Once you’re comfortable with the basics and have practiced a few levels, it’s time to explore some techniques that can improve your speed and efficiency. Here are a few to get you started:
Bunny hopping
Bunny hopping is a technique where you continuously jump while moving forward to maintain speed and momentum. It’s a useful method on flat terrain. Bunny hopping is ideal for maintaining your speed while avoiding obstacles or covering long stretches of flat ground. To perform a bunny hop:
- Move forward: Start by running forward and make sure you have some momentum.
- Jump repeatedly: Right before you land, press the jump button again. This helps you keep your speed without losing momentum.
Wall jumps
In some levels, you’ll encounter vertical spaces that you can’t reach by jumping alone. This is where wall jumps come in. To perform a wall jump:
- Move towards a wall: Run towards a wall and jump up close to it.
- Press jump again: As you touch the wall, quickly press the jump button again to push off the wall and reach a higher platform.
Slide jumps
The slide jump allows you to slip under obstacles without losing speed. This technique is especially helpful when navigating narrow spaces or passing under low platforms. Here’s how you do it:
- Press down: First, press the down arrow to crouch and slide.
- Jump: While in the crouch position, press the jump button to slide under obstacles.
Navigating level design
As you progress, you’ll see that each level is unique. They feature different obstacles, layouts, and environmental elements. Understanding the level design is essential for improving your speed. Here’s how to tackle different types of levels:
- Know the layout: Every level has its own challenges. Some obstacles follow predictable patterns, while others demand quick thinking. Spend time learning the layout. Pay attention to moving platforms, where spikes show up, and the overall flow of the stage.
- Look for shortcuts: Some levels have hidden paths or shortcuts that can save you valuable time. These shortcuts might require you to jump to higher platforms, avoid obstacles, or find hidden doors. As you get more familiar with the game, watch for these opportunities.
- Change strategies for each level: Not every level needs the same approach. For instance, some levels may require you to move quickly and keep your momentum, while others may be slower and more deliberate. The key to success in Pixel Speedrun is changing your strategy based on the specific challenges of each level.
Joining the speedrunning community
The world of speedrunning is lively and competitive, and Pixel Speedrun has a growing community. Here are some ways you can get involved:
- Leaderboards: Every time you finish a level, your time gets recorded. If you want to see how you stack up against other players, submit your time to the official Pixel Speedrun leaderboards. The higher your rank, the more recognition you’ll gain within the community.
- Discord and forums: The Pixel Speedrun community includes passionate players who share tips, discuss strategies, and compete for the fastest times. Joining the game’s Discord server or other speedrunning forums is a great way to meet other players, share your runs, and improve your skills.
- Streaming and sharing: Another excellent way to get involved is by streaming your runs on platforms like Twitch or YouTube. Many players stream their speedruns, offer advice, and showcase their latest achievements. You can also watch others to learn new techniques and find inspiration for your own runs.
Final tips for success
Here are a few last tips to help you on your journey:
- Warm-up before big runs: Start with a few practice runs to get into the groove of the game before attempting your fastest times.
- Stay calm and focused: Speedrunning can be intense, but don’t let frustration take over. Focus on improving with each run, and eventually, you’ll get that perfect time.
- Watch replays and learn: After completing a run, watch the replay to see where you lost time and how you can improve. Learning from your mistakes is essential for progressing.
