Archived Mechanics Guides from Speedrun Academy

For those of you that do not know, I was an ambassador for the now defunct Speedrun Academy. The website has been down for a while now, but the mechanics guides I published to the site have now been archived!

Here they are:

- [Random Number Generation](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GVfG8awJ5_W0-JgxuTEGc2lS80JYYJ9rXsgT0zZ2hdc/edit?usp=sharing)
- [SnakeOil Bug](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ek-6AP9ZvHYs_2mmFsU5XUtcsUxPH8vOZ4MwmewBYZI/edit?usp=sharing)
- [Battle Rank + BR Manipulation](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FMb0lyUD8Jo4-X-0BiUwhhA3YbeimiUM_xv3gmpsOXY/edit?usp=sharing)
- [Junk Shop Manipulation](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HR_OF0G_GiuqlAjPJG-VwkvChGuZGpy2Cv60SCgh4E0/edit?usp=sharing)

Asellus' Story - Max Tiger Route (by sangorou35)

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1XLWTeRhrtF-3cjTmoBeRCRlR2_bISOBZ-pzybL3Sytc/edit?usp=sharing

This route uses extremely risky strategies that don’t have a high success rate in return for faster fights and more damage output. The main differences between this route and catklaw’s route are riskier strats at every Sage fight + LionPrincess I, a slightly safer strat for Skeletons, 4 DevilSquid fights for extra stats gains on Zozma, and spam TigerRampage + HideBehind at the final gauntlet, which deals big damage with slightly less consistency.

This route is not for beginners as these strats aren't that much better than the ones used in catklaw's route and have two more hard dodges inserted.

Asellus's Story Route

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kAu-5tercjKi9q6DLcofV8-mt30NhPaQx7oLbR82qDs/

Update: (529/2018)
Corrected mistakes and added a more detailed explanation of the new dodge in Omble.

Update: (5/21/2018)
Rewrote this document to reflect the route used by the current record holder, サンゴ朗.

Blue (Kylin Route)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kTAv5xFAnETOsUQ1faFxSt5O6Fog3OAAIrEE9-7jsN0/edit

Update (3/1/2020)
Wrote up a section on Junk Shop manipulation below the English route. Not a lot of whys, but the hows are covered.

Blue's Story - Glitchless Route (by noquickstarts and ffvd_games)

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ERgmWwV5CEOQlkPWMeToP09fXXxuu8g-RIio0cESybc/edit?usp=sharing

This route is extremely beginner-friendly, save for a few dodges. Fortunately, you can freely fail these dodges as it's extremely difficult to raise the Battle Rank to 2 with this route, let alone 3. This is basically noquickstarts' 36:31 with some modifications by me after the Duel that saves a minute or two over what he did.

Watch noquickstarts' run: https://youtu.be/G871xjlET6k

Blue's Story - Junk Shop-less Overdrive-less Route (by cl_op_s and ffvd_games)

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1kbT_UhkbwqK_VhgNTBYyLNSlZflohjqjI8DjCz2l-Ns/edit?usp=sharing

This route is somewhat similar to catklaw's Overdrive-less route. All the changes made to the route were made by cl_op_s. ffvd_games just translated it into English, made some vague things more clear, and double-checked everything to make sure the route can actually work. There are several changes made to cut Junk Shop entirely from the route. However, this comes at the cost of barely any time save due to slower battles. If there are any inaccuracies/errors/confusing points, contact @FFVDGames on Twitter and it will be fixed ASAP.

A big note: THIS ROUTE IS NOT FOR BEGINNERS

99% of this route was created by cl_op_s. The only change ffvd_games has made to the route is an alternate Hell'sLord strategy that doesn't require equipping the WindShell.

You can see cl_op_s' changes here: "https://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm36895925"
You can see an example run by me here: "https://youtu.be/h7esnbpAAjY"
-------------------------------
Update 6/15/2021: fixed typos and errors cuz i'm bad at everything

Update 3/15/2021: updated the chance to break the Heavenly Peace Divisor cuz I'm bad at math
Update 3/2/2021: updated the entire thing's formatting cuz idk how but I released this thing in a barely readable state and for that I deeply apologize. I also cleaned up a lot of things, changed the entire post-duel strat to keep track of JP and make WindShell optional, and added some more small technical details at the Hell'sLord fight. 
Update 2/7/2021 (2): updated the example to a 21:49 by me
Update 2/7/2021 (1): added an example 28:45 by me
Update 7/18/2020: Added an alternative strategy (VermillionSand) to the FlashFire strategy and conditions for when to use either, re-added the WindShell strategy since it's faster than the VermillionSand strategy
Update 7/16/2020: Removed WindShell from the route, changed the equip before Hell'sLord, changed the Hell'sLord fight strategy
Update 6/25/2020: Updated the TimeLord equip so the fight is more possible, added a secondary Hell and Hell'sLord strategy that doesn't require WindShell or NornsBangle
Update 5/23/2020 (2): Updated the Skulldrake strat so the Level 2 combo is more consistent
Update 5/23/2020 (1): Fixed formatting, updated the Japanese, changed the Skulldrake strat and the TimeLord prep equips (basically Skulldrake is faster now)
Update 5/22/2020: Fixed formatting, changed the Hell'sLord fight strategy since it is possible to deal enough damage to skip "THE END"

Blue's Story Route (Overdriveless TimeLord Route)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1b0MYE2HAtV3P-vOiW0NzgzwQUbKSYPkT5gmKQs5TP5M/

Update: (3/1/2020)
Clarified when you should use this route, and added a mention of my strategy for unclogging the doorway in Mu's Tomb and cl_op_s's strategy for the room after the WhipJelly fight in Hell.

Emelia's Story - Double LifeSprinkler Route (by cl_op_s)

[https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1LVh3wr8KjmBuOQUpyAPCB32tHmqlXFjOLwdgkKB2PLU/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1LVh3wr8KjmBuOQUpyAPCB32tHmqlXFjOLwdgkKB2PLU/edit?usp=sharing)

This is the route used in cl_op_s' 27:19. This route is intended for experienced runners who either can't save more time with catklaw's route or don't want to deal with squids. As the title suggests, this route manipulates RNG. Specifically, it manipulates Annie to spark WheelSlash during the Nidhegg fight and it manipulates the Diva fight to be possible in 3 turns with minimal equipment, all while b-lining the story quests, with a couple detours for specific items. If performed correctly, this route can save 6-7 minutes over catklaw's route. If there are any inaccuracies/errors/confusing points, contact @SkyeJudeShaw on Twitter and it will be fixed ASAP.

Emelia's Story - Single LifeSprinkler Route (by cl_op_s)

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1bddbB_j8iJV-UXVV23RJdQPFPnQonFzxNXwoqgoVtow/edit?usp=sharing

This is the route used in cl_op_s' 27:52 and SkyeSage's 27:21. This route is intended for experienced runners who either can't save more time with catklaw's route or don't want to deal with squids. As the title suggests, this route manipulates RNG. Specifically, it manipulates Liza to spark GiantSwing during the Nidhegg fight and it manipulates the Diva fight to be possible in 5 turns with minimal equipment, all while b-lining the story quests and only taking a detour for a ZeroSword before Forasken Chapel. If performed correctly, this route can save 6-7 minutes over catklaw's route. If there are any inaccuracies/errors/confusing points, contact @FFVDGames on Twitter and it will be fixed ASAP.

Update 3/15/2022: updated to say that this route should work on any Japanese PS2. I was able to get this route to work on an SCPH-50001 (US) that I used MechaPWN on to turn it into an SCPH-50000 (JP). Also updated the description of RNG as it's out of date given the knowledge I have now.

Update 1/22/2021: fixed an issue with the Diva notes that altiA pointed out (accidentally used the kanji for TotalShot instead of HardSlash on turn 4)
Update 12/28/2020: Added a safe strat for the GiantSwing manipulation, updated the reference run for ffvd_games, clarified some things about how to perform the GiantSwing manip, updated the Diva manip to have exact damage values

Emelia's Story Route

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1V0YqqpUQmH_aKkOpPEdbL9_DhuxY5Nbp_V7ddZ9aVdE/

Update (3/25/2020)
Updated reference runs, and elaborated on the NIdheg fight.

Update (3/1/2020)
Added some details about not recruiting Mesarthim.

Update (7/9/2019)
Added a faster method for cutting in line. This saves about 3 seconds if you can get it.

Update (6/18/2019)
Updated reference runs. Reworded a bunch of sentences. Changed the strategy for the Razorback fight in the 1st trip to Trinity Base. Added a dodging strategy for the two beast room in Despair. Elaborated on some edge cases for dodging in Despair and for the Diva fight/

Update: (5/29/2018)
Elaborated on the new LightBazooka strats, and added some encounter dodging advice for Despair and the Lord Manor's basement.

Emelia's Story Route - Cliff Notes

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1of0OKAhFiPJeC_783nmPFTbB0A5ztClGEulHfuit8BM/edit

7/2/2020 - Pared down version of main guide, focused more on menu, encounter, and split information. Main guide link included.

Lute's Story - No Junk Shop Route (by noquickstarts)

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1FTL9G-7fh04QNBII5KH7ZTDc1BnUCuJYdxtjj4hVgJw/edit?usp=sharing

This route is not recommended for beginners of speedrunning this game at it contains a few difficult dodges, but with the way Lute’s final boss works, you can freely fail as many dodges as you’d like. This route’s general pathing is get cash, get some party members set up, get the Rune Gift, get both Kylin and TimeLord and set them up, then cheese Spriggan via TimeLeap abuse. 

Basically, if you can do the Blue Glitchless route, odds are you can do this route as well with minimal extra effort.

Lute's Story - Thunder-ton Route (by cl_op_s)

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1mFgbfVP9jG17xLmzsZ5jqjmGwaau2IxhIw4N3xt9nmM/edit?usp=sharing

This route is almost exactly the same as the routes written by cha0s and haiji. The only difference is the Grand Mondo fight and a few tiny setup things leading up to the fight. cl_op_s created this alternative strategy for defeating Grand Mondo quicker on April 26, 2020. ffvd_games translated it into English and made some modifications to make things more clear and slightly safer. cl_op_s estimates that the best possible time with this route is a mid-33. If there are any inaccuracies/errors/confusing points, contact @FFVDGames on Twitter and it will be fixed ASAP.

cl_op_s' route for the fight can be found here: https://ch.nicovideo.jp/cl_op_s/blomaga/ar1892708
------------------------------
LARGE Update 2/22/2021: Fixed all the egregious errors that I missed up until now in the notes (thx SkankinGarbage). Also changed the strat for Grand Mondo phases 1+2 to a more consistent one by SkankinGarbage (start VitalityRune setup turn 2, move VictoryRune T260 to Turn 5, and use AcidBreath Turn 9 to switch back to GroundHit Turn 10). Also added the HP values for each phase.

Minor Update 8/27/2020: Updated the example runs to include ffvd_games' recent PB
Update 8/22/2020: Updated the Junk Shop strategy to be more consistent (buying 4 cures before going to Scrap), fixed various formatting/spelling mistakes
Update 5/19/2020: Removed the "humans can't die" reset clause of Phase 1 since the humans can't die on Phase 1, added a reset clause for Thunder dying on Phase 1, removed the attack choice on Turn 5 since SharpShot 5 times still deals enough damage, removed the "heal Thunder with only T260" clause of Phase 2, added a case scenario for accelerating the fight by one turn during Phase 2, and added a reset clause for Grand Mondo blocking 2+ attacks on Phase 3
Update 5/15/2020: modified Junk Shop slightly, changed when to buy Cures, clarified some things about the Black/RedDragon fight, modified the equips for Hamilton and T260 at Mondo's Base, clarified the early phases of the Grand Mondo fight, and clarified who to buy Rune magic for.
Update 5/10/2020: fixed the Japanese for Devin.

Red's Story - No Junk Shop Route (by noquickstarts)

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1GQaKrXyCWPISf9-vgM6Qp0rXENMPrboMj4gRf598Dxk/edit?usp=sharing

This is a more in-depth version of noquickstarts' original notes for this scenario. I added some light guidance to areas and BR1-2 HP values for the end-game bosses. Many thanks to @cha0sWR for helping me work through this scenario.

You can view noquickstarts' original route notes here: https://pastebin.com/au5beykL
=======================================================
Update 4/8/2021: added the true HP values for MBlackIII

Riki's Story - No Junk Shop (by noquickstarts and ffvd_games)

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1a21Um2s9dxeI-j0CflJb8VxY-waY60wtTBMnO709aiY/edit?usp=sharing

This route is not intended for beginners as it requires some basic knowledge of how monsters work and some more advanced dodging skills, though it is intended for runners doing their first Riki run and don’t want to deal with the RNG-heavy Sango-Route. 

This route differs from the Sango-Route in that, beyond just not using Junk Shop, it swaps around the order of some Ring quests and waits to remove Kylin’s mastery and recruit King Sei until just before you clear the final few rooms. This route basically spreads all the RNG associated with removing Kylin’s mastery at DevilSquid and spreads it all across the run up until you face Virgil. This route is obviously slower than the Sango-Route due to not getting OP mecs nearly as quickly, but it is much more consistent in a lot of areas, despite not being able to defeat MasterRing in 3 turns. I have made one change to this route at the MagmaSlime Gauntlet based on the Sango-Route that makes the Gauntlet much less scary and slightly more consistent.

Riki's Story - Sango-Route (by sangorou and cl_op_s)

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1KJk77Dn3fTgU2PKtHisPV_0SiBRQ-KkmWvm47YddX0A/edit?usp=sharing

This is the route used in sangorou's 55:41. This route is very similar to the other existing routes, but there are three major changes that speed up the run by several minutes. The first change is the Vulkan II fight is more consistent. The second change is the Nomad's Lackeys fight has been reduced to 2-3 turns. The final change is there are several new monster absorbs throughout the run. All of these changes also cut the Junk Shop fishing required in half. If performed well with good RNG, this route can save 7-8 minutes over FalconPunch's route and 6 minutes over cl_op_s' route. If there are any inaccuracies/errors/confusing points, contact @FFVDGames on Twitter and it will be fixed ASAP.

You can see cl_op_s' original write-up on the changes here: https://ch.nicovideo.jp/cl_op_s/blomaga/ar1897939?nicorepotwitter_upload_blomaga
------------------------------
Update 4/14/2021: Updated the safe strat for DevilSquid based on cl_op_s' 59:17

Update 3/5/2021: Included a reason for why you need to absorb Thunderbolt at DevilSquid thanks to some further elaboration from cl_op_s
Update 3/3/2021: Updated formatting cuz everything was super ugly and barely readable and updated the English High-Low table to use the real item names instead of Google Translate's. Should be much easier to navigate these notes now
Update 8/11/2020: Updated the equip at Shrike, fixed all the mistranslated kanji
Update 8/2/2020: Added a safe strat for the DevilSquid absorb
Update 8/1/2020: Fixed the Junk Shop strat, added a backup strat for Virgil after failing SaGa 2020 to not having a Virgil backup and making one up on the spot
Update 7/3/2020: Fixed a mistranslation in the Virgil fight
Update 6/26/2020: Fixed various names, clarified a ton of fights and absorbs, updated Junk Shop cuz am still stupid
Update 6/23/2020: Updated Junk Shop and the equip before MasterRing because I have big stupid
Update 6/17/2020: Updated the MasterRing strat to include how to beat it in more than 3 turns, fixed minor formatting issues
Update 6/16/2020: Fixed formatting from Owmi onward, fixed translation errors of the rings from Mosperiburg onward, clarified absorbs and reset conditions from DevilSquid onward
Update 6/12/2020: Fixed the formatting on Sei's Tomb, clarified the Mollasite fight, fixed an error with travelling to Despair, fixed which moves to use during the slime encounter
Update 6/9/2020: Updated formatting, removed the position swap before Vulcan II and the ring equip in Tanzer

T260G's Story - Junk Shop-less Route (by noquickstarts)

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1_b8ziPPF6nDWbQY3aNJC6RCttdxGAaCB00lucSIEjpU/edit?usp=sharing

This route is basically just noquickstarts' 1:05 with a slight optimization at HQ that ends up saving some time for almost no drawbacks. If there are any inaccuracies/errors/confusing points, contact @FFVDGames on Twitter and it will be fixed ASAP.
==============
Update 3/11/2021: updated the requirements for fight 7 of MecGod Gauntlet since i didn't know ShootingMastery was required for the run. thx SkankinGarbage

Update 2/18/2021: I didn't forget to credit noquickstarts you did
Update 2/4/2021: updated the Vulcan II strat to include a backup just in case the FiendRod doesn't drop from the henchmen

T260G's Story Route (Type Omega, Minimal Junk)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rbJAoLATUeW7uDO9nzC4Bmkxbg8cX3eViPmJw8q_MQ4/

Update (7/22/2019)
Added a section for the battle rank point manipulation near the end of the run.

Name	Author
Archived Mechanics Guides from Speedrun Academy	SkyeSage17 4 months ago
Asellus' Story - Max Tiger Route (by sangorou35)	SkyeSage17 4 years ago
Asellus's Story Route	catklaw 7 years ago
Blue (Kylin Route)	TheHDElder 5 years ago
Blue's Story - Glitchless Route (by noquickstarts and ffvd_games)	SkyeSage17 4 years ago
Blue's Story - Junk Shop-less Overdrive-less Route (by cl_op_s and ffvd_games)	SkyeSage17 4 years ago
Blue's Story Route (Overdriveless TimeLord Route)	catklaw 5 years ago
Emelia's Story - Double LifeSprinkler Route (by cl_op_s)	SkyeSage17 1 year ago
Emelia's Story - Single LifeSprinkler Route (by cl_op_s)	SkyeSage17 3 years ago
Emelia's Story Route	catklaw 5 years ago
Emelia's Story Route - Cliff Notes	Ganordan 5 years ago
Lute's Story - No Junk Shop Route (by noquickstarts)	SkyeSage17 4 years ago
Lute's Story - Thunder-ton Route (by cl_op_s)	SkyeSage17 4 years ago
Red's Story - No Junk Shop Route (by noquickstarts)	SkyeSage17 4 years ago
Riki's Story - No Junk Shop (by noquickstarts and ffvd_games)	SkyeSage17 4 years ago
Riki's Story - Sango-Route (by sangorou and cl_op_s)	SkyeSage17 4 years ago
T260G's Story - Junk Shop-less Route (by noquickstarts)	SkyeSage17 4 years ago
T260G's Story Route (Type Omega, Minimal Junk)	catklaw 6 years ago