Super Mario Bros., the iconic platformer that has captivated gamers for decades, lends itself perfectly to the exhilarating world of speedrunning. 

Mastering the art of maneuvering Mario through Mushroom Kingdom with unprecedented speed and precision requires an in-depth understanding of the game’s mechanics, glitches, and strategies.

Today, we unveil the strategies, techniques, and tips that will empower you to undertake a Super Mario Bros. speedrun journey like a true pro.

The Basics: Fundamental Movement Techniques

To start your speedrun on the right foot, you need to master the basic movement mechanics. 

Understand Mario’s acceleration, deceleration, and maximum speed. Utilize running and jumping effectively to traverse obstacles quickly. 

Practice wall jumps, shell jumps, and flagpole glitches to shave off precious seconds.

Choosing the Right Category

Super Mario Bros. offers various speedrun categories, including Any%, Warpless, and 100%. Determine which category aligns with your skill level and goals. 

Beginners may find Any% (completing the game with minimal constraints) a suitable starting point, while experienced players might embrace the challenge of Warpless or 100% completion.

Study and Memorize the Levels

Success in a speedrun heavily relies on familiarity with the levels. Study each level’s layout, enemy placement, power-up locations, and potential shortcuts. 

Internalize the rhythm of each stage to execute precise movements without hesitation.

Warp Zones and Glitches

Warp zones are a staple of Super Mario Bros. speedrunning. Memorize warp zone locations and perfect the timing needed to access them swiftly. 

Moreover, learn glitches such as flagpole glitches, vine clips, and wall clips to bypass sections and save valuable time.

Bullet Bill and Platform Boosting

In specific levels, Bullet Bills and platforms can be utilized to gain momentum and reach otherwise inaccessible areas. 

Master the art of Bullet Bill hopping and platform boosting to make daring leaps and soar through the game at lightning speed.

Peach’s Letter Trick

The Peach’s Letter trick is a classic speedrunning technique. 

In World 4-2, crouching on the edge of a pipe while holding Down for a specific amount of time causes the game to trigger the flagpole glitch, ending the level prematurely.

Dying to Save Time

Strategically sacrificing a life to save time is a common tactic in speedrunning. 

If dying propels you to a more advantageous position or closer to the end of a level, consider employing this technique to gain an edge.

RNG Management

Random Number Generation (RNG) elements, such as enemy spawns and power-up drops, can affect your speedrun. 

Practice adapting to different RNG outcomes to maintain your momentum and avoid unnecessary delays.

Use Save States for Practice

Emulators allow you to create save states that enable you to practice specific segments repeatedly without restarting the entire run. 

Utilize save states to perfect tricky maneuvers and optimize your performance.

Mastering Bowser Battles

The final boss battles require precise timing and pattern recognition. Study Bowser’s movement patterns, fireball timings, and bridge breaks. 

Practice the technique of duck-jumping on his axe to complete the run with style.

Stay Calm and Focused

Speedrunning can be intense, but maintaining composure is crucial. Avoid letting mistakes affect your concentration. 

Staying focused and executing clean inputs is key to a successful run.

Watch and Learn from Other Speedrunners

Study speedrunning videos and live streams of experienced Super Mario Bros. runners. 

Observing their techniques, routing choices, and glitch executions can provide valuable insights to improve your own skills.

Conclusion

Embarking on a Super Mario Bros. speedrunning journey is a thrilling endeavor that demands dedication, practice, and a profound understanding of the game’s mechanics. 

With patience, persistence, and the knowledge gained from this guide, you can aspire to reach new levels of speed and precision in your runs. 

By mastering movement techniques, glitches, and level layouts, you’ll be on your way to achieving impressive times and joining the ranks of Super Mario Bros. speedrunning legends.

So, grab your controller, channel your inner Mario, and prepare to set new records in the timeless world of Mushroom Kingdom.