In the realm of speedrunning, where players strive to complete games with unparalleled speed and precision, few have achieved the level of mastery exhibited by the player known as “par_h3lion.” Specializing in atmospheric puzzle-platformers like Limbo and Inside, par_h3lion has set multiple world records and contributed significantly to the speedrunning community through strategy development and game moderation.
Mastery in Limbo
Limbo, developed by Playdead, is renowned for its minimalist design and challenging puzzles. Navigating its monochromatic world at breakneck speed requires not only quick reflexes but also a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics. In the “Hard Route” category, which demands precise execution and advanced techniques, par_h3lion achieved a world record time of 35 minutes and 15 seconds. This feat is a testament to their expertise and relentless pursuit of perfection.
Beyond personal achievements, par_h3lion has been instrumental in advancing Limbo speedrunning strategies. They have shared new routes and optimizations with the community, including a full optimization of the Dark Route, demonstrating a commitment to collaborative improvement. Their contributions have not only pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the game but also inspired other runners to refine their approaches.
Dominance in Inside
Continuing their focus on Playdead’s titles, par_h3lion has also excelled in Inside, a spiritual successor to Limbo known for its intricate puzzles and rich narrative. In the Any% category, where the objective is to complete the game as quickly as possible using any available glitches or shortcuts, they achieved a groundbreaking time of 59 minutes and 58 seconds, becoming the first player to complete the game in under an hour.
Their expertise extends to individual level runs as well. In the “11 – Huddle” level, they secured a first-place time of 7 minutes and 6.533 seconds, showcasing their ability to master both full-game and segmented speedruns. Each of these achievements highlights par_h3lion’s unparalleled skill and adaptability, further cementing their status as one of the best in the community.
Community Contributions and Moderation
Beyond personal speedrunning accomplishments, par_h3lion has played a pivotal role in the broader speedrunning community. As a super moderator for both Limbo and Inside on Speedrun.com, they are responsible for verifying runs, maintaining leaderboards, and ensuring the integrity of the speedrunning process. Their involvement in forums and discussions has fostered a collaborative environment where runners can share strategies and insights.
Their dedication to the community is further exemplified by their active participation in discussions about new strategies and optimizations. For instance, they introduced a new piston cycle technique in Limbo, demonstrating their commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the game. By sharing their discoveries, they have created a ripple effect that benefits the entire speedrunning community.
Explore Their Runs
For those interested in witnessing par_h3lion’s prowess firsthand, their YouTube channel offers a treasure trove of world-record runs and insightful gameplay. From their groundbreaking Limbo Hard Route world record to their exceptional Inside Any% performance, their channel is a must-watch for speedrunning enthusiasts and newcomers alike.