Gaming Subreddits That Spotlight Speedrunning

7 September 2025

It’s no secret—gaming is more than just a casual pastime. For many, it’s a thrilling challenge, a competition, and even a lifestyle. Among the most intense and exciting aspects of gaming is speedrunning. You’ve probably tripped down a YouTube or Twitch rabbit hole at some point, watching someone beat a game in record time using wild glitches, pinpoint precision, and a level of dedication that’s downright mind-blowing.

But beyond YouTube highlight reels and marathon charity runs like Games Done Quick, there’s another place where speedrunners gather, share secrets, and push limits together: Reddit.

Yep, Reddit is a goldmine for gamers, especially if you’re into shaving seconds off your PB (that’s Personal Best, by the way). It’s where memes meet mechanics, and where friendly competition fuels some of the most jaw-dropping runs. So grab a snack, settle in, and let’s break down the gaming subreddits that shine a spotlight on speedrunning—and why you should be paying attention to them.

What Makes a Good Speedrunning Community?

Before we dive into specific subreddits, let’s talk real quick about what makes a gaming subreddit great for speedrunning fans. It’s more than just watching people go fast.

Here's what to look for:
- Active Discussions: Are people constantly talking about new strategies, routes, or glitches?
- Community Vibes: Is it beginner-friendly or full of gatekeepers?
- Helpful Resources: Are there guides, tutorials, and tool links pinned or frequently shared?
- Live Run Sharing: Can you easily catch live runs, or is it mostly clip compilations?

Now that we’ve got our checklist, let’s run down the top subreddit picks that you don’t want to miss.

1. r/speedrun – The Core of the Speedrun Universe

At the heart of it all is r/speedrun, the main hub for speedrunning fans. If Reddit was the Olympics, this subreddit would be the stadium where the magic happens.

Why It's a Must-Follow

- Wide Variety: From retro classics like Super Mario 64 to modern titles like Elden Ring, the variety is endless.
- World Record Highlights: Users frequently post WRs (World Records), often with detailed breakdowns.
- Beginner-Friendly: You’ll find tons of guides and advice for getting into speedrunning, no matter the game.
- Event Coverage: Get the lowdown on events like AGDQ, SGDQ, and more.

This place is like the water cooler for speedrunners—it’s where buzz starts, where knowledge is shared, and where you can geek out with folks who get just as hyped about a two-second time save as you do.

2. r/speedruning – For the Up-and-Comers and Meme Runs

Yes, it’s spelled differently—and no, it's not a typo. r/speedruning (missing an extra “n”) is a smaller, more laid-back version of r/speedrun but with a fun twist.

Why It’s Worth Your Scroll

- Less Pressure: This isn't the subreddit where every post is a WR or a 500-hour grind. It's where you can post a “98% Banana Collection” run and still get some love.
- Meme Runs Galore: Ever thought of speedrunning a dating sim or a calculator app? This place is full of whacky categories and just-for-laughs attempts.
- Beginner-Vibes: Fewer members means less noise, and that’s great if you're starting out and don’t want to be drowned out by elite runners.

Think of r/speedruning like the speedrunning equivalent of a local barcade. It’s informal, fun, and you might just stumble upon something gloriously strange.

3. Game-Specific Speedrunning Subreddits

While r/speedrun and r/speedruning are all about speedrunning in general, individual games have their own dedicated subreddits. These are gold mines of niche knowledge and tight-knit communities.

Some Popular Ones to Check Out:

▶️ r/sm64 (Super Mario 64)

- Home to the kings and queens of platforming speedruns.
- Obsessed with precision—you'll find frame-perfect jump discussions galore.
- Tons of tutorials and route comparisons.

▶️ r/zelda (Zelda Series)

- Ideal if you're into Link’s various adventures.
- Discussions on glitchless vs. glitch-heavy runs.
- Ocarina of Time and Breath of the Wild are especially active.

▶️ r/metroidprime (Metroid Prime Series)

- Often overlooked but full of techy, sequence-breaking goodness.
- Deep dives into movement mechanics and route mapping.

These game-specific subreddits are like tight garages where mechanics tweak their engines. The knowledge is deep, the passion is real, and the feedback is ultra-specific.

4. r/gamesdonequick – Where Charity Meets Competition

If you're into speedrunning, you've heard of Games Done Quick (GDQ). Their subreddit, r/gamesdonequick, is where the community gathers to talk about charity speedrunning events, share memorable moments, and prep for upcoming marathons.

What’s So Great About It?

- Event Hype: Get behind-the-scenes info and schedules.
- Run Recommendations: Missed an event? Hop in here for curated highlights.
- Discussion Threads: Deep dives into specific runs, commentators, and glitches.

This subreddit feels like the Olympics press box—buzzing with excitement, brimming with expertise, and full of passionate fans rooting for their favorite runners.

5. r/SpeedrunTools – For the Tech-Savvy Runners

Speedrunning isn’t just about crazy controller skills—there’s a whole world of timers, hardware mods, scripts, and emulators behind the scenes. That’s where r/SpeedrunTools shines.

Why Tech Geeks Love It

- Timer Recommendations (like LiveSplit, WSplit)
- Hardware Guides: Capture cards, mods, input displays—whatever boosts your setup.
- Automation & Scripts: Things that simplify splits or even auto-reset when needed.

If speedrunning were a sport, this subreddit is the locker room full of gearheads optimizing their tools. It's all about gaining an edge with tech, and it’s insanely useful for newcomers and veterans alike.

6. r/TAS – The Art of Tool-Assisted Speedruns

Okay, here’s where things get a bit wild. r/TAS (short for Tool-Assisted Speedruns) explores the world of theoretical perfection. These aren't your typical runs—they're constructed with tools like emulators that allow saving and redoing inputs for frame-perfect results.

Why TAS is Fascinating

- Inhuman Precision: Watching a TAS is like seeing a machine play a game like a god.
- Testing Limits: These runs often help real speedrunners discover new tricks or impossible-looking strategies that are actually doable.
- Entertainment Factor: TAS runs are jaw-dropping—think of them as choreographed stunts.

Even if you're a purist who only likes "real-time" speedruns, this subreddit showcases the creative and technical side of what’s possible in gaming.

Honorable Mentions: Speedrun-Adjacent Subreddits

Not every useful subreddit is solely focused on speedruns, but some are still super helpful to the community.

- r/gaming – Giant community where speedrun clips often trend.
- r/twitch – For runners who stream, it offers tips on overlays, bots, and growth.
- r/GameTheorists – Ever wonder about the science or lore behind glitches? This community loves that stuff.
- r/glitches – A playground for finding and exploiting game-breaking bugs that might lead to new speedrun categories.

Tips for Diving Into the Reddit Speedrun Scene

Feeling inspired? That’s awesome. Here’s how to make the most of these subreddits:

1. Be Respectful – These communities are full of hardcore fans. If you're new, lurk for a bit before engaging.
2. Use the Search Bar – Chances are, someone’s already asked your question.
3. Ask For Feedback – Got a run you’re proud of? Post it and ask for tips to improve.
4. Join Discords – Many subreddits link to game-specific Discord servers with faster responses and real-time chats.
5. Keep It Chill – At the end of the day, speedrunning is about fun. Don’t stress perfection from the start.

The Final Lap

So there you have it—an entire ecosystem of Reddit communities devoted to speedrunning. Whether you're aiming to break a world record or just want to see someone beat Skyrim in under 30 minutes while walking backwards, there’s a subreddit for you.

These online spaces are more than just forums—they’re digital arenas where legends are made, strategies are shared, and every millisecond counts. So jump in, pick a game, and maybe someday we’ll all be watching your run at the next GDQ.

After all, greatness starts with curiosity... and maybe a little bit of Reddit scrolling.