Live Preview
BeginnerHow a Speedrun Category Generator Helps
A speedrun category defines the exact challenge a runner must complete. Clear rules reduce disputes and help new runners understand expectations. This generator combines objectives, restrictions, timing rules, and verification standards into one structured result. It can be used for established games, community events, races, challenge runs, or experimental category ideas.
Building Fair and Understandable Categories
Good categories balance creativity with consistent verification. A category should state exactly when timing starts and stops. It should also explain which glitches, skips, tools, platforms, versions, and modifications are accepted. Restrictions should be easy to test from a submitted video. Avoid rules that depend on hidden information unless save files or input displays are required. Short category names are helpful, but the written rules should remove ambiguity.
Choosing Difficulty and Run Length
Difficulty can depend on route knowledge, execution, randomness, and technical tricks. Beginner categories usually have forgiving strategies and limited rule complexity. Advanced categories may require tight movement, difficult glitches, or complex resource management. Estimated run length matters because very long categories create different verification and endurance demands. Use presets for a fast starting point, then adjust individual settings for the game.
Sharing and Reviewing Generated Rules
Generated categories should be reviewed by runners and moderators before becoming official. Community feedback can reveal unclear wording, impossible combinations, or unintended shortcuts. CSV export is useful for spreadsheets and category databases. PDF export creates a convenient rules document for races, tournaments, or community archives. The generator is best treated as a planning tool, while final authority remains with the relevant speedrunning community.
Testing a New Category
Before publishing rules, run the category several times. Testing exposes vague start conditions, inconsistent timing, and unintended route advantages. Ask runners with different skill levels to review the setup. Their feedback can improve fairness, readability, and long-term leaderboard stability.
Example Category Structure
| Category | Typical Goal | Common Rule Focus | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any% | Reach the ending quickly | Most legal skips allowed | Intermediate |
| Glitchless | Finish without defined glitches | Movement and intended mechanics | Beginner–Advanced |
| 100% | Complete all required content | Collectibles and completion checks | Advanced |
| All Bosses | Defeat every listed boss | Boss order and encounter rules | Intermediate |
| Low% | Finish with minimum progression | Strict item or upgrade limits | Expert |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a speedrun category?
A speedrun category is a defined ruleset describing what must be completed and which techniques are permitted.
What does Any% mean?
Any% generally means reaching the required ending as quickly as possible without needing full completion.
What is the difference between glitchless and no major glitches?
Glitchless usually prohibits defined glitches broadly. No Major Glitches may permit smaller tricks while banning category-breaking techniques.
Can I create challenge-run categories?
Yes. Modifiers such as no damage, no healing, pacifist, or starter weapon only can be combined with standard goals.
Which timing method should I choose?
Use the timing method accepted by the relevant community. RTA, IGT, and loadless timing are common choices.
Are generated rules automatically official?
No. Generated rules are suggestions and should be reviewed by the community or leaderboard moderators.
What do CSV and PDF exports contain?
Both exports include the generated category name, objectives, timing rules, restrictions, verification requirements, and notes.