If you're familiar with speedrunning, you're probably aware of the outsized role that random number generation (RNG) can play in the hobby. In certain games, getting "good RNG" is so important to a competitive time that runners will abandon an attempt if the random number gods aren't smiling on them. However, some intrepid The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker players have crafted a tool to deal with the game's most irritating RNG roadblock, and the results are fascinating.

　　The obstacle in question is Wind Waker's Squid Hunt minigame (also known as Sploosh Kaboom), where players must randomly guess the location of three squids in a Battleship-esque grid. Since this section is entirely based on luck and comes 30 minutes into a world-record pace 100% run, it's served as a major reset point for runners for years now, especially since a 100% run requires multiple completions of the minigame. In a video posted in late May, speedrunners Linkus7 and Peter Schmidt-Nielsen explain how this new tool works.

　　You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos.

　　Click To Unmute

　　Firearms Expert’s FAVORITE Weapons Of 2023

　　State Of Gaming Handhelds In 2023How Lies of P Cracked the Souls GenreLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Ichiban Kasuga Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Chitose Fujinomiya Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Kazuma Kiryu Character Spotlight TrailerGS News Update: New Fortnite Battle Pass DetailedGS News Update: Star Wars: Battlefront 2 Underperforms, Microtransactions Coming BackGS News Update: Metal Gear Survive Requires Constant Internet Connection, Has MicrotransactionsBattlefield: Bad Company 3 Rumors Surface - GS News RoundupRed Dead Redemption 2 Mission Discovered In GTA Online?! - GS News RoundupPUBG Xbox One Performance Issues - GS News Roundup

　　Share

　　LinkEmbed

　　Size:640 × 360480 × 270

　　Start at: End at: Autoplay Loop

　　Want us to remember this setting for all your devices?

　　Sign up or Sign in now!

　　Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.

　　This video has an invalid file format.

　　00:00:00

　　HTML5

　　Auto HD High Low

　　Report a problem

　　Sorry, but you can't access this content!

Please enter your date of birth to view this video

　　By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's

　　Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

　　enter

　　Now Playing: GS News - Nintendo Talks Wind Waker 2; Battlefront Rogue One DLC Out Now!

　　Essentially, the runners were able to reverse-engineer Wind Waker's RNG system, and they discovered that the game always uses the same mathematical function to generate numbers, as well as the same "seed." This means that the numbers are predictable, even though they increment hundreds of times per second, and the tool uses probability curves and run-specific timing to generate a grid that shows the likely positions of each squid, updated with each hit or miss.

　　This tool should make 100% runs much more consistent over the long-term, which will help make the category more competitive. The tool requires the runner to manually input each hit or miss, so competitive runners must learn to manipulate the grid with one hand, as shown in the video. Linkus7 currently holds the 100% record for Wind Waker HD, at 5 hours and 34 minutes.

　　Starting June 1, GameSpot will be hosting Play For All--a celebration of all things gaming. Join us as we bring you the summer's hottest news, previews, interviews, features, and videos, as well as raise money for COVID-19 relief efforts with the help of our friends from around the gaming world. Check out the Play For All schedule for more.