Building a Route Sheet for First-Time Runners
A practical walkthrough of how experienced runners structure their route notes, from segment splits to backup strategies for common deaths.
Every Milestone, Every Route, Documented in Detail
From frame-perfect glitches to any% breakthroughs, our Alexandria writers track the runs that reshaped speedrunning history.
Browse ArchiveRecently Covered Runs
Fresh dives into routing, records, and the runners behind them
The Metroid Prime Reset Trick That Rewrote Routing
A close look at how a single sequence break shaved minutes off established Metroid Prime routes and forced top runners to relearn their category.
Inside the Chrono Trigger Any% Optimization Race
We trace the last three years of Chrono Trigger any% history, from route stagnation to a sudden wave of frame-perfect refinements.
Celeste's Hardest Category: Full Clear Breakdown
A segment-by-segment teardown of what separates a strong Celeste full clear attempt from a record-pace one, told through runner commentary.
Why Ocarina of Time Randomizer Runs Rewired the Community
Randomizer categories demanded new knowledge bases overnight. We look at how runners adapted their routing philosophy in response.
Tracking the Super Metroid Low% Community Split
Two competing route philosophies emerged for Super Metroid low%. We map the divide and what it means for future record attempts.
The Quiet Rise of Hollow Knight Speedrunning
Once a niche category, Hollow Knight speedrunning has built its own dense ruleset and terminology. Here's how it got there.
How do you verify a world record milestone before publishing?
We cross-reference submitted runs against category leaderboards, timing methodology, and available run footage before writing them up. If verification is still pending on the leaderboard side, we note that clearly in the article.
Do you accept guest posts or route write-ups?
Yes. We regularly feature route breakdowns and category analysis from community members. Submissions should include clear timing notes and, where possible, footage references so our editors can fact-check the details.
How often is the gaming database updated?
Our records archive is reviewed weekly, with major milestone articles published as soon as a run clears verification. Category guides and older entries get periodic revisions as routing knowledge evolves.
Do you cover esports records alongside speedrunning?
We cover esports records selectively when they intersect with our core focus, such as tournament pacing records or notable competitive milestones, but speedrunning remains our primary lens.
Can I request coverage of a specific category or game?
Yes, reach out through our contact page with the category and any context you think matters. We can't cover everything immediately, but reader suggestions shape a good portion of our editorial calendar.
Fresh From the Desk
This week's write-ups from the archive team
How Discord Verification Threads Actually Work
An inside look at the moderation process behind speedrun leaderboard submissions, including what verifiers check frame by frame.
What to Watch in the Next Marathon Schedule
A rundown of upcoming categories expected to headline the next major charity marathon, based on recent practice run activity.
Do Load Times Still Matter on Modern Setups
We examine how SSD upgrades and modern emulation-free hardware setups have quietly shifted certain loadless timing categories.
Chasing the Next Record Milestone With Us?
Follow the routing breakdowns, category history, and run analysis as they're published.
What Sets Our Coverage Apart
Why enthusiasts keep coming back to the archive
Timely Milestone Coverage
New record runs get written up quickly, often within days of verification, so readers aren't left digging through forums for context.
Original Route Analysis
Our writers break down routing decisions in detail rather than just reporting times, giving readers real insight into why a run worked.
Runner-Sourced Reporting
Many of our write-ups draw on direct conversations with runners and verifiers, not just leaderboard screenshots.
Alexandria-Based, Globally Focused
Our team works out of Alexandria, Egypt, but the archive tracks speedrunning communities and categories from every region.