Livesplit: Start From Any Split | Speedrun Tool

For gamers diving into the world of speedrunning, LiveSplit is an invaluable tool, which allows runners to accurately track and record their splits. A speedrunner might want to begin their run not from the very beginning, but from a different segment or part of the game, due to practice purposes or due to mistakes in previous attempt. Understanding how to start LiveSplit in a different split will allow you to optimize your practice sessions, analyze specific sections, and improve overall efficiency.

Okay, so you’re thinking about diving into the wild world of speedrunning? Awesome! First things first, you’re gonna need a trusty sidekick, a digital Swiss Army knife that can handle all your timing needs. That’s where LiveSplit comes in. Think of it as the Batman to your speedrunning Bruce Wayne (or maybe Robin, depending on your current skill level!). It’s the industry-standard tool for speedrunners, and trust me, you don’t want to be caught speedrunning without it.

But what is speedrunning, anyway? Simply put, it’s the art of beating a game as fast as humanly (or inhumanly!) possible. Whether it’s glitch hunting in Ocarina of Time, mastering the movement tech in Hollow Knight, or finding that perfect seed in Minecraft, speedrunning is all about pushing games to their absolute limits. It’s fun, it’s challenging, and it’s a whole lot more satisfying than just casually strolling through a game.

Now, why is LiveSplit so essential? Well, in speedrunning, every millisecond counts. A sloppy time can be heartbreaking. LiveSplit ensures that your times are accurate, reliable, and can be easily shared with the community, and the software allows you to organize a speedrunning run by timing the separate parts that combine to a run. Think of it as your personal speedrunning data center.

This blog post is your all-access pass to LiveSplit mastery. We’ll start with the basics, then work our way up to the advanced stuff. You’ll learn how to set up your splits, customize your layout, and even use autosplitters to automate the entire process. By the end of this, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer any game you set your sights on…one split at a time.

Understanding the Core: Key Speedrunning Concepts and LiveSplit Terminology

Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Before we dive headfirst into the wonderful world of LiveSplit, let’s make sure we’re all speaking the same language. Speedrunning has its own lingo, and understanding it is crucial to making the most of your runs (and this guide!). Think of it like learning the spells before you try to defeat the dragon – you could flail wildly, but you’ll probably just get roasted.

Splits and Segments: The Bread and Butter

First up: Splits and Segments. These two are the dynamic duo of speedrunning, but they’re not quite the same thing. Imagine a video game level by level. A segment is a specific section of the game you plan to time, and a split is when you press the button to record your time for that segment. So, you play Segment 1, nail it (hopefully!), and then hit that Split button. Boom! Time recorded. You move on to Segment 2, and repeat. So, basically, splits mark the end of segments. Think of segments as the journey, and splits as the milestones along the way.

The Timer: Your Trusty Timekeeper

Next, we have the Timer. This is the heart and soul of LiveSplit. It’s the digital stopwatch that meticulously tracks your progress, from the very first start to the glorious (or sometimes not-so-glorious) finish. The timer is what provides the backbone of speedrunning. It is what decides if you won or lost or if you got a personal best.

Start/Stop: Beginnings and Endings

Speaking of starting and stopping, let’s talk about those Start/Stop actions. These are pretty self-explanatory: Start kicks off the timer at the beginning of your run, and Stop halts it at the very end. Binding these actions to easy-to-reach keys is super important, because every millisecond counts!

Split: Marking Your Progress

Now for the Split action. As we touched on earlier, this is your lifeline during a run. Pressing the Split button tells LiveSplit that you’ve completed the current segment and are ready to move on to the next. It’s how you divide your run into manageable, measurable chunks. Mastering the split is very important since you need to make sure that you remember the key you set for this.

Reset: When Things Go South

Sometimes, things don’t go according to plan. Maybe you messed up a jump, got eaten by a monster, or accidentally triggered a game-breaking bug (it happens!). That’s where the Reset function comes in. Hitting Reset wipes the current run data and prepares LiveSplit for another attempt. Don’t be afraid to use it – everyone resets, even the pros.

Skipped Splits (or Segment Skips): The Strategic Maneuver

Finally, let’s discuss Skipped Splits, sometimes called Segment Skips. In some games, it’s possible to bypass sections entirely through skillful play or clever glitches. When this happens, you might choose to skip a split in LiveSplit, acknowledging that you didn’t complete that particular segment. This is most common with a game that has a lot of movement and exploration. Be aware that skipped splits can affect your comparison data, so be sure to understand the implications for the specific speedrun you’re doing.

Getting Started: Essential LiveSplit Functionalities

Alright, you’ve got LiveSplit installed and staring back at you – now what? Don’t worry, it’s way less intimidating than it looks! This section is your friendly guide to getting those essential functionalities down. Think of it as learning to ride a bike – once you’ve got the basics, you’ll be pulling off wheelies (or setting record times) in no time!

Managing Those **Splits**

Splits are the backbone of any good speedrun. They’re like checkpoints in your race against the clock, marking progress and letting you analyze where you’re shining (and where you might be face-planting).

• Edit Splits: So, you’ve got a game in mind, and you need to tell LiveSplit what those segments are. The Edit Splits option is your best friend here. Think of it as building your speedrunning roadmap. You can manually input each segment name (like “First Level,” “Boss Fight,” “Secret Area”) and even put in your expected best time for each. Don’t sweat it if you don’t know those times yet; just throw in estimates for now. You can always tweak them later.

• Loading Splits: Maybe you’re not the first brave soul to speedrun a particular game. Awesome! Chances are, someone’s already created a split file for it. These files usually come in the form of a .lss extension. To load them into LiveSplit, simply use the Load Splits function and point it to that .lss file. Boom! Pre-made splits, ready to go. This is a huge time-saver! A speedrunning community will often share their .lss files so you are likely to find what you need here.

• Saving Splits: You’ve painstakingly crafted the perfect split setup. Don’t lose it! Saving Splits is your insurance policy. By saving your splits as a .lss file, you can easily load them up again later, share them with friends, or even use them as a template for similar runs. Think of them as a recipe for speedrunning success.

Customization and Control: Your Personal Speedrunning Command Center

LiveSplit isn’t just about splits; it’s about making the timing process as seamless and efficient as possible. That’s where customization comes in.

• Hotkeys: Hotkeys are your speedrunning superpowers. They let you control LiveSplit with the tap of a key, so you can focus on the game. Head into the settings, and you’ll find options to assign keys to actions like Start/Split, Reset, and Skip Split. Experiment to find what feels natural for your keyboard layout and speedrunning style.

• Global Hotkeys: Ever tried to hit a split while frantically dodging enemies? It’s tough! That’s why Global Hotkeys are a game-changer. These let you control LiveSplit even when it’s not the active window. You can set them up the same way as regular hotkeys, but with the added benefit of always being available. Just be careful you don’t accidentally reset your run while typing a message to your friends!

• A World of Customization: LiveSplit is highly customizable. You can tweak the layout, change the colors, even add custom components to display extra information. I won’t go deep into that here, but feel free to experiment, head to the Layout Editor, and make LiveSplit your own! Look for community themes and plugins, too!

Level Up Your Runs: Advanced Techniques and Tools

So, you’ve got the basics down? You’re splitting like a pro, maybe even rocking some snazzy custom layouts? Awesome! But if you really want to shave those milliseconds and potentially seconds off your runs, it’s time to dive into the exciting world of advanced LiveSplit techniques. Think of it like this: you’ve been driving a manual, now it’s time to get into a self-driving car…for speedrunning! Let’s explore the automation features that can revolutionize your speedrunning experience.

Automation with Autosplitters: The Future is Now!

Ever wish you didn’t have to hit that split button every time you grabbed a power-up or finished a level? Enter autosplitters! These nifty tools are like tiny speedrunning robots, programmed to automatically split your timer based on in-game events. We’re talking level loads, boss defeats, item pickups – anything the game can tell the computer is happening. Instead of mashing that hotkey, you can focus entirely on the game!

• Diving Deeper: How Autosplitters Work

  • Think of an autosplitter as a tiny detective, constantly watching the game’s memory for specific changes. When it sees, say, the boss health drop to zero, it automatically triggers a split. It’s like magic, but with code! Most autosplitters are game-specific, meaning someone has had to meticulously figure out what data to watch for in the game’s code. You can usually find these community-made gems on speedrunning resources.

• The Scriptable Autosplitter: Unleash Your Inner Coder (Maybe)

  • Now, if you’re feeling adventurous (or just can’t find an autosplitter for your obscure game), there’s the Scriptable Autosplitter. This bad boy lets you write your own autosplitter logic using scripting languages like Lua. Yes, it requires a bit of coding knowledge, but the possibilities are endless. You can create super-specific splits based on complex conditions. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a coding wizard! There are plenty of tutorials and communities out there to help you get started.

In-Game Events: The Triggers of Speedrunning Magic

Whether you’re using an autosplitter or still relying on manual splits (more on that in a bit), understanding in-game events is crucial. These events are the landmarks of your run. Knowing when a level ends, when a cutscene plays, or when you grab a key item allows you to plan your splits effectively. For autosplitters, these are the triggers they’re programmed to react to. For manual splits, they’re the cues that tell you when to smash that split button.

Manual vs. Automated: Finding the Perfect Balance

So, autosplitters are amazing, right? Should you just ditch manual splits altogether? Not so fast! While autosplitters offer incredible convenience, there are times when manual splits are still the way to go.

• Pros of Autosplitters: Accuracy, consistency, hands-free splitting, and more focus on gameplay.
• Cons of Autosplitters: Can be complex to set up, may not exist for all games, and can sometimes miss splits if the game glitches.
• Pros of Manual Splits: Full control, flexibility to adapt to unexpected situations, and no reliance on external tools.
• Cons of Manual Splits: Prone to human error, requires constant attention, and can be less precise than autosplitters.

The best approach is often a combination of both! Use autosplitters for the reliable, consistent splits, and keep your finger on the split button for those tricky, unpredictable moments. Knowing when to trust the machine and when to trust your instincts is the key to speedrunning success. Think of it as having both autopilot and the ability to take the wheel when needed.

Practice Makes Perfect: Optimizing Your Speedrunning Practice

Okay, you’ve got LiveSplit fired up, your game is ready to go, and you’re buzzing with adrenaline. But hold your horses (or should I say, your warp pipes?)! Raw talent only gets you so far. To truly crush those personal bests and dominate the leaderboards, you need to practice smart, not just hard. And LiveSplit is your ultimate training partner.

Segment Practice: Your Secret Weapon for Route Mastery

Ever get stuck on a particular part of a game? Maybe it’s a tricky jump, a complicated puzzle, or just a segment where you always seem to lose precious seconds. That’s where segment practice comes in.

Think of it like this: instead of running the entire game every time, you isolate the problem areas and drill them repeatedly. LiveSplit lets you reset to the start of any split instantly, turning those frustrating sections into your personal training ground. You’ll memorize enemy patterns, nail those pixel-perfect jumps, and optimize your execution until it becomes second nature. Trust me; this is the secret sauce for consistent runs.

Unleash the Power of Split Time Analysis

So, you’ve been putting in the hours, but are you really improving? Don’t just rely on gut feelings. LiveSplit provides a wealth of data that can reveal hidden insights into your performance.

After each run (or even during a practice session), take a close look at your split times. Are there any segments where you’re consistently losing time compared to your best segment? Those are your priority targets. Maybe you need to tweak your route, refine your movement, or simply practice that section more.

LiveSplit can also compare your current run to your personal best, highlighting where you’re ahead or behind. This real-time feedback can be incredibly motivating and help you stay focused during a run. You can learn from those data to improve your strategies.

Consistent Practice and Realistic Goals: The Key to Long-Term Success

Look, speedrunning is a marathon, not a sprint. You’re not going to become a world record holder overnight (unless you’re some kind of speedrunning prodigy, in which case, congrats!). The key to long-term success is consistent practice and setting realistic goals.

Start by focusing on small, achievable milestones. Maybe your first goal is to beat your current personal best by a few seconds. Once you’ve achieved that, set a new, slightly more ambitious goal. This incremental approach will keep you motivated and prevent burnout.

And remember to be patient with yourself. Everyone has bad days. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes, keep practicing, and never give up on your dreams of speedrunning glory. Oh and don’t forget to have some fun!

File Management: Taming the Wild West of Your Splits

Okay, let’s talk about something that might not sound super exciting, but trust me, it’s crucial: file management! Think of your .lss files (those LiveSplit split files we’re about to dissect) like precious artifacts. You wouldn’t just toss the Mona Lisa in a bin, right? Same goes for your painstakingly crafted split files. So, let’s dive into keeping them safe, sound, and, dare I say, organized.

Decoding the Mystery: What’s Inside a .lss File?

First, what exactly is a .lss file? Simply put, it’s the file extension that LiveSplit uses to save all the juicy details of your splits. Think of it as a time capsule holding all the information about your speedrun attempts. Inside, you’ll find:

• Your game and category.
• The names of all your splits (that’s each segment)
• Your best times for each split and your overall best time
• Comparison data to see how you are measuring against your best runs (or other comparison types)
• Layout settings (although these are saved separately in .lsl files)

Basically, everything that makes your LiveSplit setup, well, yours. Knowing what’s inside helps understand why keeping these files safe is so important, right?

Split Files Gone Wild: Naming Conventions and Folder Structures

Now, let’s talk organization. Imagine your computer’s file system as a vast jungle. Do you want to hack your way through it every time you need a specific split file? Nah, let’s build some roads!

• Naming Conventions: This is where you can get creative! Here’s a pro tip: include the game name, category, and maybe even a date in the filename. For example, SuperMario64_120Star_RTA_2024-10-27.lss tells you exactly what’s inside at a glance.
• Folder Structure: Nesting folders keeps things tidy. You might have a main “Speedruns” folder, then subfolders for each game, and even sub-subfolders for different categories or versions of the game. Think “Speedruns > Super Mario 64 > 120 Star > No Skips.” Okay, maybe that’s overkill, but you get the idea!

Don’t Be a Statistic: Backup Those Splits!

Finally, the golden rule: backups are your best friend. Imagine spending hours perfecting your splits, only for your hard drive to decide it’s time for retirement. Nightmare scenario, right?

• Cloud Storage: Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive are your friends. Drag and drop your split files into the cloud, and they’re safe and sound, even if your computer explodes (hopefully, it won’t!).
• External Hard Drives: An old-school but reliable option. Copy your “Speedruns” folder to an external drive regularly, and you’re golden.
• Version Control (Advanced): If you’re feeling fancy, Git and platforms like GitHub can track changes to your split files. This is a bit overkill for most, but it’s an option for the truly dedicated!

By following these simple steps, you’ll keep your split files organized, safe, and ready for your next record-breaking run! You’ll also be thanking yourself later.

So, there you have it! Now you’re all set to dive into the world of speedrunning with different splits. It might seem like a lot at first, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be setting up splits like a pro. Happy running, and may your splits be ever in your favor!