Speedrunning Super Mario Odyssey isn’t just about playing the game quickly—it’s about dissecting every movement, exploiting every glitch, and optimizing every second to achieve the fastest possible completion time. This guide is designed for both beginners who are just dipping their toes into speedrunning and advanced players looking to refine their techniques.
The world of Super Mario Odyssey speedrunning is vast, with multiple categories, intricate strategies, and a dedicated community constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or dreaming of a world record, this guide will walk you through every aspect of speedrunning the game, from fundamental movement tricks to frame-perfect glitches.
We’ll start by breaking down the different speedrunning categories, then dive deep into essential techniques, advanced skips, route optimization, and training methods. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how to approach Super Mario Odyssey as a speedrunner, along with the tools and resources to track your progress and connect with the community.
Super Mario Odyssey Speedrunning
Speedrunning Super Mario Odyssey is a structured challenge where players compete to finish the game as quickly as possible. Unlike casual play, speedrunning emphasizes efficiency, precision, and often exploits unintended game mechanics to bypass large sections of the game.
1.1 Speedrunning Categories
There are several main categories in Super Mario Odyssey speedrunning, each with its own rules and challenges:
- Any%: The most popular category, where the goal is to complete the game as fast as possible using any means necessary, including glitches and sequence breaks. World records for Any% are fiercely competitive, with top runners constantly finding new optimizations.
- 100%: This category requires collecting every Power Moon, completing every objective, and finishing the game in its entirety. It’s significantly longer than Any% but offers a different kind of challenge.
- No Major Skips: A beginner-friendly category that prohibits the most game-breaking glitches, making it more accessible for new runners.
- Dark Side%: A niche category focused on reaching the Dark Side of the Moon as quickly as possible.
1.2 Rules and Timing
Speedruns are meticulously timed, with the clock starting from the first input (usually when Mario gains control in the Cap Kingdom) and ending when the final cutscene begins. Runners often use tools like LiveSplit to track their time and compare it to their personal bests or world records.
- Emulator vs. Console: Some leaderboards separate runs performed on original Nintendo Switch hardware from those done on emulators, as emulators can sometimes offer advantages like save states or faster load times.
- Version Differences: The game has been updated since its release, and certain glitches may only work on specific versions. Most speedruns are performed on version 1.0, where the most skips and exploits are available.
2. Essential Movement Techniques
Movement is the backbone of any speedrun. Mastering these techniques will save you seconds—or even minutes—over the course of a run.
2.1 Roll Cancelling
Roll cancelling is one of the most fundamental techniques in Super Mario Odyssey speedrunning. Here’s how it works:
- Perform a roll by pressing ZL + B.
- Immediately press B again to cancel the roll animation.
- This gives Mario a burst of speed, allowing you to maintain momentum.
Why It’s Important: Roll cancelling is used constantly throughout the run to keep Mario moving at top speed. It’s especially useful in open areas where you need to cover ground quickly.
2.2 Cappy Dive Boosting
Cappy dive boosting is a technique that propels Mario forward at high speed. Here’s the step-by-step:
- Throw Cappy by pressing Y.
- While Cappy is in the air, perform a dive by pressing ZL + B.
- If timed correctly, Mario will dive into Cappy, launching himself forward.
Advanced Tip: Skilled runners chain multiple dive boosts in a row to traverse large distances almost instantly. This is known as “dive boost chaining” and requires precise timing.
2.3 Ground Pound Cancelling
Ground pound cancelling allows Mario to descend quickly without the lag of a full ground pound animation.
- Perform a ground pound by pressing ZL + Y in mid-air.
- Immediately press B to cancel the animation.
- This lets Mario land faster and resume movement.
Application: This technique is crucial for platforming sections where every millisecond counts, such as the Metro Kingdom’s skyscraper jumps.
2.4 Wall Jumping and Cliffside Movement
Wall jumping isn’t new to Mario games, but Super Mario Odyssey introduces new ways to use it for speed.
- Corner Climbing: By repeatedly wall jumping in a corner, Mario can ascend vertically at high speed.
- Momentum Preservation: Properly executed wall jumps maintain Mario’s forward momentum, making them essential for certain skips.
3. Key Skips and Glitches
Skips and glitches are what separate casual play from speedrunning. These tricks allow runners to bypass entire sections of the game, shaving off precious minutes.
3.1 Cap Kingdom Skip
One of the first major skips in the run, the Cap Kingdom Skip allows you to bypass the entire bridge section.
How to Perform It:
- After the initial cutscene, head to the right side of the bridge.
- Use a well-timed jump and Cappy throw to clip onto an out-of-bounds ledge.
- From there, navigate around the intended path and drop into the next area.
Time Saved: ~30 seconds.
3.2 Sand Kingdom Early Exit
Instead of collecting all required moons in the Sand Kingdom, runners use a clip to leave early.
How to Perform It:
- Head to the inverted pyramid.
- Perform a precise jump near the pyramid’s edge to clip out of bounds.
- Fall into the void to trigger the kingdom exit.
Time Saved: ~5 minutes.
3.3 Luncheon Kingdom Potion Clip
This advanced glitch involves clipping through a wall using a cooking pot, skipping a major boss fight.
How to Perform It:
- Interact with a cooking pot to enter “potion mode.”
- Maneuver Mario into a specific wall.
- Exit potion mode at the right moment to clip through the wall.
Time Saved: ~3 minutes.
4. Route Optimization
A well-optimized route is the difference between a good run and a great one. Here’s how top runners plan their paths.
4.1 Moon Selection
Not all Power Moons are created equal. In an Any% run, you only need the bare minimum to progress, so choosing the fastest moons is key.
- Cap Kingdom: The first moon is obtained by ground pounding a hat symbol.
- Cascade Kingdom: Use the dinosaur to reach a high ledge for a quick moon.
4.2 Warp Painting Order
Warp paintings are used to travel between kingdoms quickly. The optimal order is:
- Cap Kingdom → Cascade Kingdom.
- Cascade Kingdom → Sand Kingdom.
- Sand Kingdom → Lake Kingdom.
Why It Matters: Proper painting order minimizes backtracking and load times.
5. Advanced Strategies for World-Record Runs
If you’re aiming for the top of the leaderboards, these high-level strategies are essential.
5.1 Pixel-Perfect Jumps
Some skips require frame-perfect precision, where even a single misaligned pixel can ruin the attempt.
- Practice Tips: Use save states to repeat the same jump until it’s consistent.
5.2 Damage Boosting
Intentionally taking damage can launch Mario further, allowing for otherwise impossible skips.
- Example: In the Metro Kingdom, a well-timed hit from an enemy can send Mario over a barrier.
5.3 Controller Tricks
Rebinding buttons or using specialized controllers can improve input speed.
- Pro Tip: Map dive to a shoulder button for quicker access.
6. Training and Practice Tips
Consistency is key in speedrunning. Here’s how to train effectively.
6.1 Segment Practice
Break the run into small sections and practice each one until it’s flawless.
- Example: Spend an hour mastering the Cap Kingdom Skip before moving on.
6.2 Watch World Records
Study runs from top players like nedeahS or Smallant to learn their techniques.
- What to Look For: Movement patterns, skip execution, and recovery strategies.
6.3 Use Save States
Emulators allow you to save and reload at any point, making it easier to practice tough sections.
7. Tools and Resources
- LiveSplit: A timer for tracking splits and comparing runs.
- Speedrun.com: The hub for leaderboards and community guides.
- Discord Communities: Join channels like the Super Mario Odyssey Speedrunning Discord for real-time help.
FAQ
Q: How long does it take to learn speedrunning?
A: Beginners can learn basic runs in a few weeks, but mastering advanced glitches takes months of practice.
Q: Do I need a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller?
A: While not required, its ergonomic design can help with precise inputs.
Q: Are emulator runs allowed on leaderboards?
A: Some categories separate emulator and console runs—always check the rules.
Conclusion
Speedrunning Super Mario Odyssey is a deeply rewarding challenge that combines technical skill, creativity, and perseverance. Whether you’re just starting or refining your world-record attempts, this guide provides the foundation you need to succeed. Remember, every second counts, and even the smallest optimizations can lead to massive improvements.
Now, it’s your turn. Grab your controller, start practicing, and join the vibrant community of Super Mario Odyssey speedrunners. The leaderboards are waiting—how fast can you go?
