OSRS Speedrunning Guide: World Records, Routes & Molgoatkirby Spotlight

What is OSRS Speedrunning?

OSRS speedrunning is a player-driven format where the goal is to defeat a boss or complete content as fast as possible. Unlike official game modes, speedrunning is tracked by community leaderboards and shared through YouTube videos and Twitch streams. The most popular categories include solo boss kills (Zulrah, Hespori, Leviathan, Mad Angel), raid completion times (CoX, ToB, ToA), and challenge runs like low-combat Inferno attempts.

The key to competitive speedrunning is DPS optimization. Every tick matters — a single missed attack or suboptimal gear switch can cost seconds. Speedrunners use the LootPath DPS calculator to test gear setups, compare weapon choices, and find the highest damage rotation for each boss. Understanding tick mechanics (each game tick is 0.6 seconds) is essential for cutting kill times.

Molgoatkirby: Jagex Community Spotlight

On August 14, 2026, Jagex published a Community Spotlight on Molgoatkirby, one of OSRS's most accomplished speedrunners. His journey started with ToB speedruns before expanding into niche boss records. He secured the first Inferno cape in the Trailblazers League, was the first player to reach Sol Heredit in the Colosseum, and holds world records for Zulrah (28.80s), Hespori (17.40s), and a sub-40 second Leviathan kill.

Beyond raw records, Molgoatkirby has contributed to the game itself. While grinding for the Leviathan world record, he discovered a bug with ruby bolt proc rates that led to a game fix. He also discovered the 'Kirby Skip' technique for Solo Challenge Mode CoX. His 'Lowgoat' series, where he achieved a Zuk helm at 85 combat — the lowest possible combat level — demonstrates that speedrunning is as much about game knowledge as it is about gear.

• Zulrah WR: 28.80 seconds
• Hespori WR: 17.40 seconds
• Leviathan WR: sub-40 seconds
• First Inferno cape in Trailblazers League
• Zuk helm at 85 combat (Lowgoat series)
• Discovered 'Kirby Skip' for Solo CMs

Popular Speedrun Categories

The OSRS speedrunning community competes across several categories. Solo boss kills are the most accessible: Zulrah, Hespori, and Desert Treasure II bosses (Leviathan, Vardorvis, Duke Sucellus, Whisperer) are popular choices. Raid speedruns include Solo CoX, Solo CM CoX, ToB, and ToA with varying team sizes. Challenge runs like low-combat Inferno and restricted-gear kills add creativity.

For each category, the meta is defined by the current world record holder. Other speedrunners study their gear, inventory, and movement to find improvements. The DPS calculator is an essential tool for testing whether a different weapon or gear switch could yield higher damage over a full kill.

• Solo boss: Zulrah, Hespori, Leviathan, Vardorvis, Duke Sucellus, Whisperer
• Raids: Solo CoX, Solo CM CoX, ToB, ToA
• Challenge: Low-combat Inferno, restricted gear kills
• Community: 8-man ToA grandmaster times, ToB speedruns

How to Start Speedrunning

Start by choosing a boss you already know well. Hespori is the most beginner-friendly speedrun target because the fight is short and the mechanics are straightforward. Use the DPS calculator to find your optimal gear setup, then practise the fight until you can complete it without mistakes. Record your attempts and compare your movement to the world record holder's video.

Focus on reducing downtime between attacks. In OSRS, your character attacks on a fixed tick cycle depending on the weapon speed. Missing an attack tick — by moving unnecessarily or switching gear at the wrong moment — is the most common source of lost time. Study the boss's attack pattern to find windows where you can deal damage without taking unnecessary hits.

• Pick a boss you know well — Hespori is recommended for beginners.
• Use the DPS calculator to optimize your gear setup.
• Record attempts and compare with the WR video.
• Focus on not missing attack ticks — every 0.6s counts.
• Join the OSRS speedrunning Discord for route discussions.

Gear and DPS Optimization for Speedruns

Speedrunning gear differs from normal PvM gear because the goal is maximum DPS over a short fight, not sustainable damage over hours. This means prioritising strength and damage bonuses over defensive stats. For melee speedruns, the Scythe of Vitur or Soulreaper Axe are top choices depending on the boss. For ranged, the Twisted Bow or Bow of Faerdhinen excel in different scenarios. For magic, the Sanguinesti Staff or Tome of Water/Fire provide the highest burst damage.

Use the LootPath DPS calculator to compare weapons and gear against specific bosses. The calculator accounts for boss defence, your attack style, and special attack usage — all critical factors for speedrun optimization. Even small gear improvements can shave seconds off a kill when applied across a full fight.