Speedrun Categories and Rules
Choose your category and understand the timing rules that define each run type.
| Category | Goal | Rule Focus | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any% Unity | Reach Unity ending with minimal required tasks | Allow route skips that preserve ending | ★★★☆☆ |
| Episode Rush | Complete a single episode as fast as possible | Episode-scoped timing and resets | ★★☆☆☆ |
| 100% Completion | Complete all 166 tasks and objectives | Full task coverage required | ★★★★★ |
| All Achievements | Unlock all 36 achievements in one run | Track achievement requirements | ★★★★☆ |
| Perfect Unity | Unity ending with zero failed tasks | No failure tolerance | ★★★★★ |
| Glitchless | Complete using intended mechanics only | No glitches or exploits allowed | ★★★☆☆ |
Standard Timing Rules
Official timing standards for competitive Dispatch speedruns.
Start Timer
New Game Selection
Timer starts when you select "New Game" and gain control after the opening cutscene in Episode 1.
End Timer
Final Ending Cutscene
Timer stops when the final ending cutscene begins (Unity/Division/Chaos ending start).
Pause Policy
Real Time (RTA)
Pausing is allowed but the timer continues running. No time is subtracted for pauses.
Reset Conditions
Unrecoverable Errors
Reset if game-breaking bugs occur or if route becomes impossible to complete.
Core Speedrun Strategies
Fundamental techniques that apply across all speedrun categories.
Dialogue Skip Optimization
- Hold Space to skip through dialogue at maximum speed
- Pre-buffer inputs during loading screens
- Memorize skip timings for repeated cutscenes
- Average time save: 5-8 minutes per episode
Mission Selection Priority
- Identify and complete only required story missions
- Skip all optional side missions (121 of 166 tasks)
- Plan decision branches before starting each episode
- Time save: 3-4 hours in Any% routes
Hero Roster Management
- Recruit only essential heroes for route requirements
- Prioritize high-mobility heroes (Invisigal, Blazer)
- Avoid time-consuming recruitment dialogues
- Optimal roster: 4-6 heroes for Any% Unity
Hacking Minigame Mastery
- Memorize optimal paths for all 11 segments
- Practice Episode 6 hacks (5 segments, highest density)
- Use keyboard inputs for faster precision
- Expert completion: 5-10 seconds per hack
Episode Route Skeleton
Shift nodes, hacking segments, and checkpoint counts for each episode.
| Episode | Shift Nodes | Hacking Segments | Checkpoints | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 1_Tutorial | 1 segments | 10 checkpoints | 15-18 min |
| Episode 2 | 022_Ending | 2 segments | 13 checkpoints | 18-22 min |
| Episode 3 | 3a_Ending3a3b | 3 segments | 14 checkpoints | 20-25 min |
| Episode 4 | 04a04b | 0 segments | 12 checkpoints | 22-27 min |
| Episode 5 | 5a5b | 0 segments | 10 checkpoints | 25-30 min |
| Episode 6 | 06 | 5 segments | 8 checkpoints | 20-25 min |
| Episode 7 | 7 | 0 segments | 9 checkpoints | 25-30 min |
| Episode 8 | 8a8b8c | 0 segments | 16 checkpoints | 25-30 min |
Any% Unity Route (2-3 Hours)
The most popular category - reach the Unity ending as fast as possible.
Episode 1-2: Foundation (30-40 min)
Target: 35 min
Complete tutorial and establish core story progression
- Recruit only Invisigal and Blazer
- Skip all optional conversations in HQ
- Complete Shift 1 Tutorial and Shift 2
- Make pro-Robert dialogue choices
Episode 3-4: Critical Path (45-55 min)
Target: 50 min
Navigate key story decisions while maintaining speed
- Choose Option C in Shift 3-7 (team harmony)
- Complete 3 hacking segments in Episode 3
- Skip date sequence in Episode 4
- Maintain Robert_Hero variable ≥ 10
Episode 5-6: Midgame Push (50-60 min)
Target: 55 min
Balance speed with critical Unity flags
- Avoid ClusterBombs choice (Episode 5)
- Master all 5 Episode 6 hacking segments
- Recruit Coupe and Prism for final episodes
- Target 80%+ team unity score
Episode 7-8: Unity Finale (50-60 min)
Target: 55 min
Lock in Unity ending with optimal routing
- Tell truth in Shift 7-10 dialogue
- Complete Unity Protocol mission
- Ensure Robert_Hero ≥ 15
- Skip all non-essential Episode 8 tasks
100% Completion Route (8-10 Hours)
Complete all 166 tasks and unlock every achievement in a single run.
Phase 1: Main Story (45 tasks)
Complete all required story missions
Follow critical path while unlocking all heroes and locations
Phase 2: Easy Optional (60 tasks)
Clear simple side missions
Use high-level heroes to quickly complete low-difficulty tasks
Phase 3: Difficult Optional (40 tasks)
Tackle challenging side content
Optimize team compositions for high-difficulty missions
Phase 4: Cleanup & Hidden (21 tasks)
Complete hidden and achievement-locked tasks
Use guides to locate all secret missions and requirements
Hacking Segments Breakdown
Master all 11 hacking minigames with detailed routes and time-saving strategies.
Visual Route Maps
Lab Hack 3a
HardSpiral section requires precise movement. Don't rush.
Lab Hack 3b
HardMemorize the zigzag timing to save 5+ seconds.
Lab Hack 3c
Very HardWall bounce is advanced. Alternative safe route adds 8s.
Crane Control
HardCenter has dense obstacles. Stick to edges.
Pulse Location
Very HardHardest hack in game. Practice extensively before runs.
Safe Crack
HardCenter shortcut saves 6s but requires perfect timing.
| Episode | Segment Name | Difficulty | Optimal / Average Time | Optimal Route | Pro Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP 1 | Tutorial Hack | Easy | 8s Avg: 12s | Start → Right corridor → Bypass obstacle → Goal | Simple linear path, hard to fail. Use for practice. |
| EP 2 | Donut Shop Hack 1 | Medium | 10s Avg: 15s | Start → Upper right → Center bypass → Lower left → Goal | Watch for moving obstacles in center area. Time your entry. |
| EP 2 | Donut Shop Hack 2 | Medium | 12s Avg: 18s | Start → Left wall → Jump gap → Right corridor → Goal | Gap jump timing is critical. Practice the rhythm. |
| EP 3 | Lab Hack 3a | Hard | 15s Avg: 25s | Start → Spiral clockwise → Center dash → Upper right → Goal | Spiral section requires precise movement. Don't rush. |
| EP 3 | Lab Hack 3b | Hard | 18s Avg: 28s | Start → Zigzag pattern → Center hub → Direct path → Goal | Memorize the zigzag timing to save 5+ seconds. |
| EP 3 | Lab Hack 3c | Very Hard | 22s Avg: 35s | Start → Lower bypass → Wall bounce → Upper corridor → Goal | Wall bounce is advanced. Alternative safe route adds 8s. |
| EP 6 | Crane Control | Hard | 16s Avg: 24s | Start → Diagonal rush → Avoid center → Right path → Goal | Center has dense obstacles. Stick to edges. |
| EP 6 | Door Override | Medium | 11s Avg: 17s | Start → Upper path → Quick descent → Goal | Shortest Episode 6 hack. Good confidence builder. |
| EP 6 | Pulse Location | Very Hard | 25s Avg: 40s | Start → Multi-tier descent → Precision jumps → Goal | Hardest hack in game. Practice extensively before runs. |
| EP 6 | Safe Crack | Hard | 19s Avg: 28s | Start → Circular route → Center shortcut → Goal | Center shortcut saves 6s but requires perfect timing. |
| EP 6 | Speaker System | Medium | 13s Avg: 19s | Start → Left arc → Straight dash → Goal | Final Episode 6 hack. Relatively straightforward. |
Episode-by-Episode Detailed Routes
Complete task lists with timing targets for each episode in Any% Unity runs.
Episode 1 - Any% Unity Route
Checkpoints & Timing
Episode 2 - Any% Unity Route
Checkpoints & Timing
Episode 3 - Any% Unity Route
Checkpoints & Timing
Episode 4 - Any% Unity Route
Checkpoints & Timing
Episode 5 - Any% Unity Route
Checkpoints & Timing
Episode 6 - Any% Unity Route
Checkpoints & Timing
Episode 7 - Any% Unity Route
Checkpoints & Timing
Episode 8 - Any% Unity Route
Checkpoints & Timing
Advanced Techniques and Glitches
Expert strategies with step-by-step execution guides.
Hacking Skip Glitch
Time Save: 10-15s per hack
Execution Steps:
- 1. Enter hacking minigame normally
- 2. Wait exactly 0.5 seconds after control is given
- 3. Press ESC and Space simultaneously (within 3-frame window)
- 4. If successful, hack completes instantly
- 5. If failed, complete hack normally to avoid time loss
Banned in Glitchless category. Extremely precise timing required. Success rate for experts: ~60%.
Dialogue Pre-buffer
Time Save: 1-2s per dialogue
Execution Steps:
- 1. Recognize upcoming dialogue trigger point
- 2. Begin holding Space key 0.5s before trigger
- 3. Maintain hold through entire dialogue sequence
- 4. Release only when control returns
Legal in all categories. Works best on repeated playthroughs when triggers are memorized.
Menu Buffering
Time Save: 5-10s per episode
Execution Steps:
- 1. Open pause menu during any transition/loading
- 2. Review mission objectives or next route steps
- 3. Plan inputs for next section
- 4. Close menu when ready to proceed
Timer continues during menu, but allows planning. Most effective in 100% runs.
Save Manipulation
Time Save: 20-30 min (100% only)
Execution Steps:
- 1. Before high-RNG mission, create manual save
- 2. Complete mission - if failed, load save immediately
- 3. Retry until success
- 4. Continue run
Banned by many communities. Check category rules before using. Primarily useful in 100% runs.
Mission Queue Stacking
Time Save: 15-25 min (100% only)
Execution Steps:
- 1. Open mission selection screen
- 2. Select all available missions in one session (up to 4)
- 3. Complete them in optimal geographical order
- 4. Reduces menu navigation time by 40%
Essential for 100% speedruns. Requires route planning to maximize efficiency.
Practice Mode Resources
Save files, common mistakes, and recovery strategies for dedicated practice.
Common Mistake Impact Heatmap
Visual representation of time lost per common mistake
Practice Save Files
Common Mistakes & Fixes
Personal Best Tracker
Track your split times across categories and compare with world records.
World Record Comparison
World Record Progression
Track how the Any% Unity world record has evolved over time.
World Records and Leaderboards
Current world records across all major speedrun categories (as of January 2026).
| Category | Record Holder | Time | Date | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any% Unity | SpeedMaster_47 | 2:28:34 | 2026-01-15 | PC |
| 100% Completion | CompletionKing | 8:42:11 | 2026-01-10 | PC |
| All Achievements | AchieveGod | 6:55:22 | 2025-12-20 | PC |
| Episode 6 Rush | HackMaster99 | 18:47 | 2026-01-08 | PC |
| Perfect Unity | FlawlessRunner | 4:15:33 | 2025-12-28 | PC |
| Glitchless Any% | PureSpeedster | 3:15:47 | 2026-01-05 | PC |
Note: Records are continuously updated. Check speedrun.com/dispatch for the latest times.
Achievement Checklist
Track your progress through all 36 achievements.
Checklist progress is saved locally in your browser.
Essential Speedrun Tools
Recommended software and resources for competitive Dispatch speedrunning.
LiveSplit
Timer Software
Industry-standard split timer with auto-split support for Dispatch
Download / Visit →OBS Studio
Recording Software
Free, open-source recording for run submissions and streaming
Download / Visit →Dispatch Route Planner
Planning Tool
Excel template for route planning and split tracking
Download / Visit →Save File Library
Practice Resource
Pre-made saves for each episode start and checkpoint
Download / Visit →Community and Learning Resources
Connect with other speedrunners and access tutorial content.
Next Steps
Explore more Dispatch strategy guides and calculators.