Minecraft players usually spend hours and hours of their time creating their best worlds, but not everyone plays the same way. Some prefer ending the game as soon as possible, also known as speedrunning. The idea is simple, but the practice is complex. Players must plan every action, gather resources in the right order, and fight with perfect timing. The speedrunning community is large, and leaderboards track the best times. Here is everything you need to know about Minecraft speedrunning categories and more!

What is Minecraft speedrunning?

Minecraft speedrunning is the attempt to complete the game in the shortest time possible. The standard target is to kill the Minecraft mob Ender Dragon and trigger the game credits. Players use timer software that starts when the world loads and stops when the dragon dies. Speedrunning rewards skill, focus, and knowledge of the game. Small mistakes can waste minutes. Clean moves can place a runner among the best.

The community usually runs Minecraft Java Edition, since it allows consistent timing and has the broadest support for competitive play. Official leaderboards track runs and divide them into categories. Verification ensures every run follows the same rules.

What are Minecraft speedrunning categories?

Categories split speedruns into groups so players compete under the same rules. The most important factors are the type of seed and the use of glitches. Here is a table covering almost all of the popular Minecraft speedrunning categories:

Times vary by version, rules, and player skill. Treat these ranges as directional.

The most popular Minecraft speedrunning categories

Random Seed Glitchless, also called RSG, is the most popular category. Each run begins in a brand-new world. The player must adapt to what they see, whether it is a village, a desert, or a forest. They collect resources, find a lava pool, enter the Nether, and build a path to the dragon. RSG is exciting because no two runs are the same. Top players can finish in under 20 minutes, while beginners usually take longer.

Set Seed Glitchless, also called SSG, works differently. Everyone plays on the same world. The layout is known, so runners can prepare exact routes. They know where to find iron, food, or the stronghold. The focus is on flawless execution. Runners who make no mistakes can finish in less than 10 minutes.

Other categories also exist. Random Seed Glitched and Set Seed Glitched allow advanced tricks and skips. All Advancements requires unlocking every advancement in the game. Hardcore runs add survival pressure since death ends the attempt.

How Minecraft speedruns work

Speedruns follow clear rules. The timer starts when the world loads and stops when the Ender Dragon dies. Runs must follow the version and category rules set by the community. Most leaderboards focus on Java Edition, and some versions are preferred because of balance or structure generation.

Players must record their attempts with video. Moderators review each run to confirm it followed the rules. Only then does it appear on the leaderboard. This system keeps the competition fair and gives credibility to every time posted.

A typical run has a set structure. First, the player gathers tools and food. Then they find a lava pool and build a Nether portal. Inside the Nether, they collect blaze rods and trade with piglins for ender pearls. They use these to locate the stronghold, open the portal to the End, and defeat the dragon.

How to get started with Minecraft speedrunning

Starting a speedrun may look intimidating, but the first steps are simple. The most important decision is which category to attempt. Random Seed Glitchless works well for players who enjoy unpredictable challenges and reacting to whatever the world gives them. Set Seed Glitchless is better for those who prefer practicing a known path and refining it until it feels perfect.

Once the category is chosen, the next step is setting up a timer program. LiveSplit is the most widely used tool because it allows runners to track progress with precision. Many players also adjust game settings to improve speed. Changing keybinds, streamlining inventory use, and enabling the debug screen for coordinates are common steps.

Practice forms the foundation of progress. Few runners succeed on full attempts at the start, so many break the run into smaller parts. They might spend time practicing Nether portal construction, fortress fights, or the Ender Dragon battle.

By repeating these segments, each skill becomes faster and more reliable. Watching experienced runners is also valuable. Guides on YouTube, live attempts on Twitch, and community Discord servers provide insights that help beginners improve.

Strategies for Random Seed Glitchless runs

Random Seed Glitchless focuses on adaptability. Since each run begins in a new world, success depends on recognizing resources quickly and choosing the right path forward. Villages are valuable because they provide food and iron from golems. Shipwrecks and ruined portals can also give a head start with loot. Finding a lava pool early is often the key to building a fast Nether portal.

The Nether stage brings the most critical tasks. The runner must locate a fortress, defeat blazes, and gather blaze rods. They also need ender pearls, which are usually obtained by trading with piglins. With these resources, the player returns to the overworld and crafts eyes of ender. These lead them to the stronghold, where the portal to the End is located.

Strategies for Set Seed Glitchless runs

Set Seed Glitchless highlights consistency and preparation. Every runner uses the same world, so the outcome depends on how well they know the map and how accurately they execute their route. Players often spend hours planning their steps, noting where every important item and structure can be found. This allows them to move from one objective to the next without hesitation.

Inventory management is a central part of the strategy. Successful runners keep their hotbars arranged in the same way during every attempt, which reduces wasted time when switching items. Tools, blocks, and beds are placed in set positions so they are always ready at the right moment.

Part of the prep involves choosing top gear, so you might see what works best in the best Minecraft armor enchantments guide and apply that logic to your loadout.