- Denshattack speedrun categories are primarily divided into Any%, 100%, and the community-favorite Testgrounds%.
- The 1-2-1 Skip is the most critical glitch discovered in 2026, saving over 40 seconds in Any% runs.
- Movement efficiency relies on dash-buffering and frame-perfect jump cancels to maintain maximum momentum.
- Testgrounds% requires a specific early-access trick to bypass intended progression gates.
- Top performance is currently achieved using a 144Hz refresh rate to stabilize physics-based movement glitches.
Denshattack Speedrun Categories and Records
The world of denshattack speedrun competition has evolved rapidly throughout 2026. As players dive deeper into the demo and full release mechanics, distinct categories have emerged to test different skill sets. Whether you are aiming for raw speed or completionist perfection, understanding the current leaderboard landscape is essential for any aspiring runner.
| Category | Current WR | Difficulty | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any% | 9m 40s | Very High | Glitch execution, 1-2-1 skip, Raw speed |
| 100% | 10m 09s | High | Route optimization, All collectibles, Dares |
| Testgrounds% | 4m 52s | Moderate | Early access glitch, Park completion |
| Glitchless | 14m 15s | Moderate | Movement precision, Intended routing |
Any% Run
- Goal: Reach the end credits as fast as possible.
- Strategy: Uses all available glitches and skips.
- Status: Most competitive category in 2026.
100% Run
- Goal: Collect all medals, dares, and items.
- Strategy: Requires a highly optimized pathing route.
- Status: Ideal for players who master the mechanics.
Testgrounds%
- Goal: Access and clear the trick park early.
- Strategy: Focuses on the Testgrounds early-access trick.
- Status: Popular community category for demo runners.
The current Any% World Record of 9m 40s was set by Francefullus, utilizing the newly discovered momentum-preserving dash on the 1-2-1 skip.
Core Movement Mechanics
To excel in a denshattack speedrun, you must master the physics engine. The game calculates momentum based on your input timing and the surface friction of the terrain. Standard walking is never optimal; instead, runners use a combination of dashing, jumping, and buffering to stay at the speed cap.
| Technique | Speed Multiplier | Complexity | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dash Buffer | 1.5x | Medium | Press dash 2 frames before landing |
| Jump Cancel | 1.2x | Low | Interrupt dash animation with a jump |
| Slope Launch | 2.0x | High | Dash into a 45-degree upward slope |
| Wall Kick | 1.1x | Low | Maintain height without losing horizontal speed |
Video Highlights:
- Demonstrating the visual cues for the 1-2-1 skip.
- Frame-by-frame breakdown of the Testgrounds early access glitch.
- Comparison between keyboard and controller input latency.
Always cap your frame rate to a consistent value (e.g., 60 or 120 FPS). Variable frame rates in Denshattack can cause inconsistent jump heights, which can ruin a perfect run during precision skips.
The Testgrounds Early Access Skip
The "Testgrounds%" route is a fascinating sub-category that relies on a specific glitch to access the trick park before the game intends you to. This skip is not just for completionists; it is also a fundamental component of the modern Any% route as it allows for a massive skip of level 1-2-1.
Initial Positioning
Navigate to the boundary wall near the entrance of World 1-2. Position your character exactly three pixels away from the corner of the collision box.
The Dash-Clip
Perform a dash directly into the corner while holding the 'Up' and 'Right' directional keys. If timed correctly, the character's hitbox will overlap with the wall's seam.
Jump Buffer
Immediately after the clip, spam the jump button to avoid falling into the "Out of Bounds" reset zone. This will propel you upward into the Testgrounds loading trigger.
Completion Criteria
To validate a Testgrounds% run, you must collect all dares, items, and achieve the high score medal within the park before exiting.
The Testgrounds clip is frame-sensitive. If you dash too early, you will bounce off the wall. If too late, you will simply move along the wall. Practice the visual cue of the character's shadow to master the timing.
Level-by-Level Speedrun Routing
Optimizing your route is what separates a top-tier denshattack speedrun from a casual playthrough. In 2026, the meta has shifted toward aggressive skips in the early game to build a time buffer for the more technical late-game sections.
| World | Key Skip | Time Saved | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| World 1-1 | Fence Hop | 5s | Low |
| World 1-2 | 1-2-1 Skip | 42s | Very High |
| Testgrounds | Early Entry | 15s | Medium |
| World 2-1 | Water Skip | 12s | Medium |
| Final Boss | Phase 1 Skip | 20s | High |
Early Game Strategy
Focus on the "Fence Hop" in 1-1. It is a simple jump-cancel that skips the tutorial dialogue triggers, saving approximately 5 seconds right at the start.
Late Game Strategy
The Final Boss Phase 1 skip requires you to deal damage during the intro animation. It is risky but essential for a sub-10 minute Any% time.
For 100% runs, the route is significantly different. You must prioritize the High Score medal in the trick park before the 1-2-1 skip, as backtracking is slower than following the natural progression path for certain items.
Speedrun Setup and Requirements
Before you begin your first denshattack speedrun attempt, ensure your hardware and software settings are optimized for the best possible performance. Input lag is the enemy of any speedrunner, and Denshattack is particularly sensitive to controller polling rates.
Runner's Preparation Checklist:
- Enable the in-game timer in the settings menu
- Set FPS cap to 120 for physics stability
- Disable V-Sync to reduce input latency
- Map 'Reset Run' to a dedicated hotkey
- Ensure your recording software is capturing at 60fps
While both keyboard and controller are viable, 2026 statistics show that 80% of the top 10 runners use a controller for smoother 360-degree movement control during the Testgrounds section.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1-2-1 skip possible on the console version?
Yes, the 1-2-1 skip is a physics-based glitch present in all versions of Denshattack as of the July 2026 patch. However, it is slightly harder to execute on consoles due to fixed polling rates.
Q: What is the most important skill for a denshattack speedrun?
Momentum management. Understanding how to carry speed from a dash into a jump without hitting the ground friction cap is the foundation of every world-record run.
Q: Can I submit a run if I use the Testgrounds glitch?
Yes, but you must ensure you submit to the correct category. The Testgrounds glitch is allowed in Any% and 100%, but it has its own dedicated category called Testgrounds% for specialized runs.
Q: Does the demo version have different skips than the full game?
The 2026 demo includes the Testgrounds skip and the 1-2-1 skip. The full game includes additional late-game skips that are not accessible in the demo version.