In the modern era, organizations like Speedrun.com have strict guidelines. If a category requires a specific starting state, the "Seed" or save file is often publicly available. Every runner uses the exact same file. This levels the playing field, turning the game into a pure test of execution rather than a test of who found the best glitched file.
: The standard. Runners must start with a blank slate, meaning every item and upgrade must be earned during the timer. New Game+ (NG+)
: Clearing the short story mode unlocks new official courses. Community Perspectives on Progression
: Players seeking to unlock all characters and trails without the grind can use tools like the srprogression editor on GitHub to generate a complete save file. Troubleshooting :
: It's possible that the name "solid text" is a misremembering or misinterpretation of a game title, such as "Solid State," but more likely it could be confused with "Metal Gear Solid" or another game. speedrunners save file
If you are playing SpeedRunners on Linux or a Steam Deck via Proton compatibility, your save file is nested inside a virtual Windows directory structure (compatdata):
The run must start from a completely blank, unmanipulated save file. No data can be carried over from previous playthroughs.
As save file manipulation grew more powerful, the speedrunning community had to establish strict bureaucratic boundaries to keep competitions fair. This led to the structural split between different run categories based on the state of the save file prior to hitting the start button.
A speedrunner's save file is a specially crafted file that allows them to bypass certain parts of the game, access new areas, or acquire powerful items. These files are often created by manipulating the game's memory or by using specialized software to edit the save file data. By doing so, speedrunners can skip entire sections of the game, execute complex maneuvers, or perform glitches that would be impossible through normal gameplay. In the modern era, organizations like Speedrun
In emulation or certain modern PC ports, "save states" (instant snapshots of RAM) are widely used for training but are strictly prohibited in official competitive runs to ensure a level playing field. 4. Technical Troubleshooting for Runners
: Some users edit game files (like .xnb files) to replace textures or music. This is typically done using tools like GIMP for image manipulation [20, 37].
Speedrunning is divided into many categories. While "Any% Any New Game" requires starting from a completely blank slate, categories embrace the power of pre-existing save files.
Speedrunners don't just use save files to pause their game and return later; they use them as precision tools—meticulously crafted data structures to manipulate game state, skip tedious segments, and practice impossible maneuvers [1]. This levels the playing field, turning the game
However, debates still rage. Is a run "legitimate" if the runner has to download a third-party tool to create the starting save file? The community generally splits these into two camps: , which usually require a fresh game, and Tool-Assisted Speedruns (TAS) or Glitch Exhibition Categories , where the save file is a playground for chaos.
For a speedrunner, a save file is something entirely different. It is a tool. It is a calculated variable. In some cases, it is a weapon.
When a player saves the game, the engine records their coordinates. However, when the game reloads, it may check the player's position against the nearest "safe" ground. Runners use this to their advantage:
: If you create custom trails in the trail editor, you can find them as .srt files. Use the "Open my trails folder" button within the game to find them for sharing or manual backup [14]. 2. Common Troubleshooting for File Issues