Hold Your King Speedrun Guide: Tips and Routes for Fast Times

Understanding the Speedrun Meta in Hold Your King

Speedrunning in Hold Your King is a unique challenge due to its physics-based co-op mechanics. Unlike traditional platformers, your primary obstacle is not just the level design but the temperamental King you must carry. The current speedrun meta focuses on "King Momentum," where you use the King's weight and physics to launch your character forward. Key techniques include the "Royal Toss" (throwing the King at a precise angle to clear gaps) and the "Crown Slide" (using the King's crown as a temporary platform). The fastest runs currently average around 12 minutes for the main campaign, but top players are pushing for sub-10 minute times.

For beginners, it is essential to first master the basics of movement and coordination. Check out our beginner guide to get started. The speedrun community has identified that the most significant time saves come from skipping entire trap sequences by using physics exploits. For example, in the "Spike Pit" level, a well-timed Royal Toss can bypass the first two checkpoints entirely.

Essential Speedrun Techniques

To achieve a competitive time, you must practice several core techniques. The most critical is the Wall Jump Boost. By jumping off a wall while holding the King, you can gain a significant vertical boost, allowing you to skip staircases. Another vital technique is the Co-op Launch, where one player stands on the other's shoulders and uses the King as a projectile to activate distant levers.

Here is a checklist of techniques you should master before attempting a full run:

• Royal Toss: Perfect the angle and timing for maximum distance.
• Crown Slide: Use the King's crown as a temporary platform to cross lava pits.
• Co-op Launch: Coordinate with your partner to activate switches from a distance.
• Momentum Carry: Maintain speed by never stopping while carrying the King.
• Skip Detection: Learn which traps can be bypassed using physics exploits.

For more advanced mechanics, refer to our mechanics guide.

Optimal Route for the First Three Levels

The first three levels are crucial for setting a good pace. In Level 1: The Courtyard, the optimal route involves a Royal Toss over the first gate, saving approximately 15 seconds. Instead of navigating the maze of barrels, you can use the King's momentum to clip through a wall at the far right corner. In Level 2: The Dungeon, the key is to avoid the swinging axes by using the Co-op Launch to send one player ahead to disable the traps. This level is a major time sink for new runners, but with practice, you can clear it in under 90 seconds.

Level 3: The Armory is where most runs fall apart. The recommended strategy is to use the Crown Slide to cross the central lava pit, then immediately perform a Wall Jump Boost to reach the exit platform. Do not attempt to fight the guards; they are a time trap. Instead, focus on speed and physics manipulation. For a complete walkthrough of the campaign, see our walkthrough guide.

Co-op Coordination Strategies

Speedrunning in Hold Your King is inherently a co-op effort. Communication is key. The most effective teams use a "Leader-Follower" dynamic. One player (the Leader) focuses on navigation and calling out trap timings, while the other (the Follower) manages the King's positioning. The Follower's primary job is to keep the King stable during jumps and to execute the Royal Toss on command.

A common mistake is both players trying to control the King. Instead, designate one as the primary carrier. The other player should act as a scout and support, using their body to block the King from falling off ledges. For more tips on teamwork, check out our co-op guide.

Advanced Skips and Glitches

For runners aiming for world record times, mastering advanced glitches is mandatory. The "Wall Clip" glitch allows you to pass through certain walls by positioning the King at a specific angle and jumping simultaneously. This can skip entire sections of levels like "The Throne Room" and "The Treasury." Another powerful glitch is the "Infinite Momentum" exploit, where you can chain Royal Tosses without the King's anger meter increasing, allowing for rapid traversal.

Be warned: these glitches are patched frequently. It is advisable to check the patch notes to ensure your techniques are still valid. The speedrun community maintains a list of verified glitches, so joining the community is highly recommended.

Practice Routines and Tools

To improve your speedrun time, dedicate specific sessions to individual levels. Use the in-game "Checkpoint Mode" to practice difficult sections repeatedly. Many top runners use external tools like timers and split trackers to analyze their performance. For a list of recommended settings to optimize your game, see our settings guide.

How long does it take to learn a speedrun? For most players, achieving a sub-20 minute run takes about 10-15 hours of practice. Sub-15 minute runs require 30+ hours. The key is consistency. Focus on completing runs without major mistakes rather than attempting risky skips every time.

What is the current world record? As of the latest patch, the world record for the main campaign is 8 minutes and 42 seconds, held by a team of two players known as "KingSlayers." This record uses a combination of all the techniques mentioned above, including a risky Wall Clip in the final level.

For a deeper dive into the game's progression and how speedrunning can help you unlock items faster, refer to our progression guide.