How to Speedrun Fallout New Vegas: A Comprehensive Guide
Fallout New Vegas is an iconic RPG that has gained a new lease on life with the rise of speedrunning. In this article, we’ll guide you through the basics of speedrunning and provide you with a comprehensive guide to get you started.
What is Speedrunning?
Speedrunning is the art of completing a game as quickly as possible. It requires precision, skill, and a deep understanding of the game mechanics. Speedrunners use a variety of techniques to shave off precious seconds and minutes, making it an exciting and challenging hobby.
Why Speedrun Fallout New Vegas?
Fallout New Vegas is an excellent game for speedrunning due to its engaging story, diverse characters, and intricate gameplay mechanics. With a large community of speedrunners and plenty of guides available, it’s easier than ever to get started.
Setting Up Your Run
Before you start your speedrun, you’ll need to set up your game and configuration. Here are the basic steps:
- Emulator: Use an emulator like Dolphin or PPSSPP to run the game.
- Patches: Apply the necessary patches to fix bugs and optimize performance.
- Settings: Configure your graphics settings to reduce lag and increase performance.
- Controller: Use a controller with a high-speed response to improve accuracy and speed.
The Basics of Speedrunning
Here are the fundamental concepts to get you started:
- Any%: The goal is to complete the game as quickly as possible, regardless of the method used.
- 100%: The goal is to complete the game with every achievement, collectible, and side quest.
- Glitches: Exploits that allow you to bypass normal gameplay mechanics to shave off precious seconds.
Tips and Tricks for Speedrunning
Here are some essential tips to help you improve your speedrunning skills:
- Master your weapon: Familiarize yourself with your weapons and their firing patterns to improve accuracy and speed.
- Optimize your movements: Practice strafing, jumping, and vaulting to reduce your movement time.
- Use the environment: Take advantage of the game’s physics to push objects and activate switches.
- Coordinate with teammates: If you’re speedrunning with a partner, communicate to coordinate your actions and optimize your route.
Choosing a Route
There are several routes to take in Fallout New Vegas, each with its own challenges and rewards. Here are some popular options:
- New California Route: Complete the main story quests in a specific order to maximize efficiency.
- Brotherhood Route: Complete the Brotherhood of Steel quests to unlock new areas and collectibles.
- New Vegas Strip Route: Complete the quests in the New Vegas Strip to unlock new buildings and characters.
Common Challenges
Here are some common challenges you may encounter during your speedrun:
- Factions: Managing your relationships with factions like the NCR, Caesar’s Legion, and the Brotherhood of Steel.
- Quests: Completing quests efficiently without getting sidetracked by unnecessary dialogue or optional objectives.
- Enemies: Defeating enemies quickly and efficiently without wasting time on unnecessary battles.
Recording and Sharing Your Run
Once you’ve completed your speedrun, you’ll want to record and share your progress. Here are some tips:
- Recording software: Use software like OBS Studio or XSplit to record your gameplay.
- Editing software: Use software like Adobe Premiere or DaVinci Resolve to edit and trim your footage.
- Sharing platforms: Share your run on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, or Speedrun.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the fastest way to complete Fallout New Vegas?
A: Any% routes are generally the fastest, as they involve exploiting glitches and bypassing normal gameplay mechanics.
Q: How do I optimize my weapon usage?
A: Master your weapon by practicing your firing patterns and learning the most efficient way to take down enemies.
Q: Can I speedrun with a partner?
A: Yes! Coordinate with your partner to optimize your route and share resources.
Q: How do I fix bugs and glitches?
A: Use patches and updates to fix known issues and optimize performance.
Q: Can I use mods?
A: Yes, but be careful! Mods can affect game stability and performance, so make sure to choose reputable and optimized mods.
Q: How do I record my run?
A: Use recording software like OBS Studio or XSplit, and edit your footage with software like Adobe Premiere or DaVinci Resolve.
Q: Where can I share my run?
A: Share your run on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, or Speedrun.com to connect with the speedrunning community.
Conclusion
Speedrunning Fallout New Vegas is an exciting and challenging hobby that requires skill, patience, and dedication. With the right equipment, configuration, and mindset, you can optimize your gameplay and share your progress with the community. Remember to practice regularly, stay updated with the latest patches and guides, and most importantly, have fun!