A groundbreaking technique has emerged in the realm of speedrunning for the classic video game Super Mario 64, potentially transforming how players approach the 1 Star Speedrun category. This new trick, dubbed the “crackslide,” was uncovered by speedrunners FramePerfection and Crackhex, who found a way to bypass the long-standing side backwards long jump (SBLJ) method, a maneuver that has been a staple for nearly three decades.
Historically, the SBLJ allowed players to skip the 30-star door in the basement of Peach’s Castle. Mastering this technique was crucial for achieving faster run times, but the newly discovered crackslide offers an alternative that simplifies the process significantly. The technique has garnered attention for its potential to reshape strategies in both general and blindfolded speedruns, with the latter category striving to break the elusive ten-minute barrier.
In a recent video, speedrunner Bubzia, known for his expertise in blindfolded runs, showcased the crackslide technique. The demonstration revealed that players can now perform the trick by aligning themselves against a specific wall in the basement, executing a backflip, and then butt sliding along a railing. This maneuver allows players to propel themselves through the wall directly to the door, dramatically reducing the complexity involved in the speedrun.
Bubzia’s own attempts with the new technique have yielded impressive results. He recently completed a run in under 11 minutes, closing in on the current world record, despite making several mistakes during the attempt. The emergence of the crackslide has invigorated the speedrunning community, indicating that the competition in Super Mario 64 is set to intensify as players adapt to this innovative approach.
The discovery highlights the enduring popularity of Super Mario 64, which has maintained a strong following nearly 30 years after its original release. As speedrunners continue to refine their techniques, the community anticipates that the race to achieve faster times will become increasingly competitive.
For those interested in trying the crackslide themselves, Bubzia has provided a comprehensive tutorial at the end of his video, offering step-by-step instructions to guide players through the new technique. As the speedrunning landscape evolves with such discoveries, it raises the question: how will future players adapt to the ongoing changes in this classic game? The excitement surrounding Super Mario 64 speedruns is clearly far from over, with new challenges and milestones awaiting enthusiastic gamers in 2025 and beyond.
