The Most Difficult Games to Speedrun: A List of the Games That Challenge Even the Most Skilled Players

As a passionate gamer and speedrunning enthusiast, I've always been curious about the toughest games to speedrun. With so many games available, the competition can be fierce, and only the most skilled players can complete them at record-breaking speeds.

After extensive research and personal experience, I've compiled a list of the most difficult games to speedrun. From classic games to modern titles, these games offer unique challenges that only the most skilled speedrunners can master.

Dark Souls

If you're a fan of challenging games, then it's highly likely you've heard of the hit classic, Dark Souls. The game's reputation as one of the most challenging games of all time is well-deserved. But, when it comes to speedrunning, Dark Souls is even more difficult.

The game's sprawling world is full of deadly traps, formidable enemies, and multiple branching paths. In addition, players have to contend with the game's infamous "death mechanics," which can make or break a run. One wrong move can end a speedrun before it even begins.

Despite these challenges, Dark Souls speedruns are highly competitive. The current world record is held by speedrunner Santzo84, who completed the game's Any% category in just 32 minutes and 45 seconds.

Celeste

Celeste is a modern indie platformer that's known for its challenging gameplay and stunning visuals. The game's speedrunning community is highly competitive, with dozens of players vying for the top spot on the leaderboards.

The game's levels require precise timing, split-second decision making, and quick reflexes. Speedrunners must also contend with the game's brutal "death mechanics," which send players back to the beginning of each level after every death.

Despite these challenges, Celeste speedruns are a joy to watch. The current world record holder, TGH_JC, completed the game's Any% category in just 23 minutes and 23 seconds.

Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels

Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels is a game that few speedrunners dare to attempt. The game is notorious for its high difficulty level, unforgiving death mechanics, and fiendishly challenging levels.

The game's levels require quick reflexes, precise movement, and some of the most difficult platforming you'll ever experience in a Mario game. To make matters worse, the game's multiple routes and secret areas make speedrunning even more challenging.

Despite these challenges, Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels speedruns are highly competitive. The current world record is held by Kosmicd12, who completed the game's Any% category in just 8 minutes and 7 seconds.

Mega Man 2

Mega Man 2 is a classic platformer that's known for its challenging gameplay and memorable soundtrack. The game's speedrunning community is highly competitive, with multiple players vying for the top spot on the leaderboards.

The game's levels require precise timing, quick reflexes, and strategic use of weapons and power-ups. Speedrunners must also contend with the game's unforgiving boss battles, which can make or break a run.

Despite these challenges, Mega Man 2 speedruns are incredibly entertaining to watch. The current world record is held by QWERTY_47, who completed the game's Any% category in just 27 minutes and 30 seconds.

Super Metroid

Super Metroid is a classic game that's known for its expansive world, challenging gameplay, and atmospheric soundtrack. The game's speedrunning community is highly competitive, with multiple players vying for the top spot on the leaderboards.

The game's levels require precise timing, quick reflexes, and strategic use of weapons and power-ups. Speedrunners must also contend with the game's "death mechanics," which can send players back to the beginning of the game if they're not careful.

Despite these challenges, Super Metroid speedruns are highly competitive. The current world record is held by Zoast, who completed the game's Any% category in just 41 minutes and 14 seconds.

Conclusion

As you can see, speedrunning is not for the faint-hearted. The games on this list are incredibly challenging, and only the most skilled players can complete them at record-breaking speeds. However, these games are also incredibly rewarding, both to play and to watch.

If you're interested in speedrunning, I highly recommend checking out these games and seeing how they stack up against your skills. Who knows, maybe you'll be the next world record holder!

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