p

 

The Most Popular Games for Speedrunning at Events Like AGDQ

EsportsHeaven 2025-07-17 07:57:18
Speedrunning, the art of completing video games as quickly as possible, has become a global phenomenon, with events like Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) showcasing the skill, creativity, and dedication of speedrunners. These charity marathons, which raise millions for causes like the Prevent Cancer Foundation, feature a variety of games that captivate audiences with their mix of technical mastery, clever glitches, and thrilling races. Here’s a look at some of the most popular games for speedrunning at events like AGDQ, based on their prominence in the community and their frequent appearances at these marathons.1. Super Mario 64 A cornerstone of speedrunning, Super Mario 64 is a fan favorite at AGDQ due to its versatile movement mechanics and wealth of glitches. Runners exploit Treasured Stars, 70 Stars, or even 0 Star categories showcase everything from Backwards Long Jumps (BLJs) to reality-breaking skips, allowing players to bypass entire sections of the game. With over 43,000 runs logged on Speedrun.com, its massive community and constant innovation keep it a staple at events, offering both accessibility for beginners and depth for veterans. 2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Another titan in the speedrunning world, Ocarina of Time is beloved for its intricate glitches and sequence breaks that let runners finish the game in mere minutes in Any% runs. Categories like No Logic Randomizer and 100% runs highlight the game’s replayability and the community’s creativity in finding new exploits. Its 25-year legacy and engaging commentary, as seen in iconic AGDQ runs, make it a must-watch. 3. Super Metroid A pioneer of speedrunning, Super Metroid remains a hallmark of AGDQ. Its non-linear design allows for sequence breaking, where runners skip intended paths using precise techniques. The game’s 30-year history and glitches like the “mockball” make it a technical showcase, with top donation incentives like “save or kill the animals” adding emotional stakes to the runs. 4. Celeste This modern indie gem has cemented itself as a speedrunning classic since its 2018 release. Known for its precise 2D platforming and forgiving checkpoint system, Celeste offers a well-paced Any% run around 30 minutes, with runners executing near-flawless routes. Unique challenges, like PeekingBoo’s AGDQ 2021 run using a Dance Dance Revolution pad, highlight its versatility and community passion. 5. Portal Portal’s physics-based puzzles and glitch-friendly Source engine make it a speedrunning masterpiece. Runners exploit techniques like “portaling through walls” and momentum flings to complete Any% runs in under 10 minutes or Glitchless runs in just over 20. Its compact design and built-in level select make it ideal for practice and execution, ensuring its frequent AGDQ appearances. These games shine at AGDQ for their blend of accessibility, depth, and spectacle, drawing massive crowds both in-person and on Twitch. Whether it’s the nostalgia of Super Mario 64, the technical wizardry of Ocarina of Time, or the modern polish of Celeste, these titles embody the spirit of speedrunning: breaking games in creative ways while supporting a good cause. Check out the Games Done Quick Twitch channel or YouTube VODs to catch these incredible runs in action
 

Latest Poll

first poll

What is better competitively, CS2 or CSGO?
Vote

Breaking News