Speedrunning is an exhilarating experience, and when it comes to a game like Super Mario Odyssey, it is a journey filled with creativity, skill, and meticulous planning. I embarked on this adventure not just to finish but to conquer the game in the fastest way possible. Throughout my time speedrunning Super Mario Odyssey, I have explored various techniques that enhance my speed and efficiency. Here, I will share insights into the unique methods and strategies I've learned along the way.
Understanding the Fundamentals
Before diving into advanced techniques, I made sure to master the game mechanics. Understanding Mario’s movements, the physics of jumps, and the various power-ups available is crucial. In Super Mario Odyssey, timing my jumps and using the environment to my advantage became my primary focus. The game allows for a variety of movements, including long jumps, wall jumps, and rolls, each with its own strategic uses.
Optimal Route Planning
One of the first things I tackled was planning an optimal route through the game. I realized that by studying the maps and identifying which moons to collect in each kingdom, I could significantly decrease my overall playtime. I created a route that minimized backtracking and maximized gathering the necessary moons without needing to explore every nook and cranny.
Mastering the Long Jump
The long jump is one of the most effective techniques I discovered early on. By pressing crouch and then jump while moving, Mario can cover larger distances. This technique became invaluable for traveling quickly across different terrains and avoiding obstacles. I practiced the timing until it became second nature, allowing for fluid movement throughout the game.
Utilizing Cappy Effectively
Cappy, Mario’s companion, plays a vital role in speedrunning. I learned to use Cappy for quick movement between areas and to capture certain enemies or objects. Capturing a Bullet Bill or a Cheep-Cheep can propel me to areas much faster than Mario alone could manage. Timing the throw and jump right after capturing is essential for maintaining speed.
Jump Canceling
Jump canceling became a technique I worked hard to master. It involves performing actions such as Cappy throws and jumps in quick succession, essentially canceling one action with another. This helps in maintaining momentum, and I found that it made platforming sections more fluid, allowing me to navigate through kingdoms with ease.
Using the Cap Return Trick
The Cap Return Trick is another game-changer for speedrunners. By throwing Cappy and quickly jumping right after, I could make Cappy return to Mario instantaneously, gaining height or distance. This trick is especially useful in timed sections where every second counts. Moreover, it helps in accessing hard-to-reach areas without the need for complicated jumps.
Cap Jumping for Speed
I also learned about Cap Jumping, which takes advantage of Cappy’s mechanics. When I throw Cappy and jump right after, I can gain additional height and distance. The timing is crucial, as it helps to extend jumps and traverse gaps rapidly. This technique proved to be particularly effective during boss fights and challenging platforms.
Dodge Rolling to Gain Speed
Dodge rolling not only looks stylish but is a fantastic way to maintain speed. I discovered that performing a roll while moving can grant Mario a burst of speed. This technique allows me to accelerate quickly, especially when navigating flat areas. Practicing the timing of the rolls helped me to incorporate them seamlessly into my runs.
Kingdom-Specific Strategies
Each kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey presents unique opportunities and challenges. As I studied each area, I crafted specific strategies tailored to the terrain and obstacles. For instance, in the Sand Kingdom, utilizing the quicksand and avoiding unnecessary enemy encounters become paramount, whereas the Metro Kingdom required a different approach altogether, emphasizing swift movement through the bustling cityscape.
Mastering the Glide On Mechanic
Glide On, a mechanic introduced in certain kingdoms, adds an extra layer of strategy to speedrunning. I learned to hop onto the Glide On platform and use it to traverse large gaps without losing much speed. Understanding where Glide On sections are located and timing my jumps accurately ensures that I make the most of this mechanic in my speedruns.
Practice, Practice, Practice
No speedrunning technique can replace the need for practice. I dedicated hours refining my skills, playing through levels repeatedly to perfect timing and execution. I utilized tools like practice sessions and recorded runs to analyze mistakes, allowing for targeted improvement. Watching experienced speedrunners also provided invaluable insights into strategies I hadn’t considered.
Equipment and Setup
A solid gaming setup makes a difference when speedrunning. I optimized my controller settings for quicker inputs and reduced latency. Using a high-refresh-rate monitor improved my response time, allowing me to execute jumps and throws more accurately. It may seem like a minor detail, but it contributes significantly to overall performance.
Utilizing Save Points Wisely
In Super Mario Odyssey, save points play an essential role in speedrunning. I learned to utilize them to my advantage by knowing when to save and when to reset in case of mistakes. This strategic planning allows me to save time during practice runs, minimizing resets that would otherwise elongate the overall duration of my attempts.
Community and Competition
The speedrunning community is one of the most supportive environments I have ever discovered. Engaging with fellow runners, sharing tips, and participating in competitions pushed me further. Watching others run the game motivated me to refine my strategies while also inspiring new approaches I hadn’t thought of before.
Staying Adaptable
No run is ever the same, and I learned quickly the importance of adaptability. Whether it's adjusting mid-run to overcome an unexpected obstacle or changing strategies based on my performance, flexibility is key. Accepting that mistakes happen and not losing momentum during runs has been a challenging yet necessary mindset shift.
Tracking Progress and Goals
To improve, I tracked my progress meticulously. Setting short-term and long-term goals kept me motivated and focused on specific areas to work on. By breaking the game down into segments, I could concentrate my efforts on particular sections while continuously assessing my overall run quality.
Finding Joy in the Journey
Finally, I never forgot to enjoy the journey. Speedrunning Super Mario Odyssey has been an incredible experience full of learning, growth, and connecting with an amazing community. Every time I hit a new personal record or master a technique, I remember why I started this journey. It’s not just about speed; it’s about the passion for the game and the endless possibilities it presents.