3 reasons pacifist runs are the next speedruns

Game developers are always thinking of ways to add challenge to a game, especially with customizable difficulty settings that please players both casual and hardcore alike. But in the age of Youtube and Twitch, gamers have gotten a lot better about entertaining each other and creating challenges of their own.

Speedruns took off about as quickly as the name suggests, in such a way that they've has become their own subculture. But more quietly, a new wave of challenges has taken hold: the no-kill run, otherwise known as the pacifist run.

1. Achievements and incentives

A challenge is one thing, but it’s always better when there’s a trophy at the end. Just like badges and achievements offered for beating a game quickly, more games are offering incentives for beating the game without killing any of the baddies.

Sometimes, pacifist runs are built into the gameplay, like in the Metal Gear Solid series. CQC and nonlethal weapons like the tranquilizer gun are essential in getting a no-kill run.

But sometimes, the challenge is its own reward...

2. A new level of challenge

It takes a creative mind to complete a pacifist run. Not that speedruns don’t require creativity. After all, some of the glitch exploitation in Zelda 64 is legendary. But while speedruns are being perfected, pacifist runs are a new frontier entirely.

Brian Westley, shown in the video above, has created four level 75 and above characters of World of Warcraft. They are all pacifists, even the rogue. Westley has found loopholes in the game to complete quests without killing any enemies at all.

World of Warcraft wouldn't seem like a game catered to pacifists - after all, "war" is in the name. But one player focused primarily on the "craft" part. This person created a night elf druid named Everbloom, who has reached level 87 without killing any enemies or completing any quests. She has only leveled up through crafting and exploration.

Pacifist runs, especially done in games not designed around them, are a difficulty beyond "hard mode." These people aren't even playing the same game. What prompts them to do something so difficult and unintended that it borders insanity?

3. Pure defiance

In this video, the “no kill” runner just kind of pretends Agent 47 is that Mayhem guy from the Allstate commercials. Some people just want to watch the world… smolder a little bit.

Most games are built around killing. Even the most innocuous puzzle game for kids will usually involve repeatedly blowing up tiny monsters to win the game. So there’s something liberating about attempting no-kill runs in a game that’s all about murder.

Perhaps that's what Christopher was thinking when he created Nondrick, an Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion character who lives a normal, everday life. He eats breakfast, lunch, and dinner and he goes to sleep in his bed at night.

"My other Oblivion character was mostly interested in mixing up poisons and Nondrick is mainly interested in mixing up boring mush made of carrots and bread to sell at a profit."

A pacifist run encourages a different way of thinking, not just about the game itself, but games as a medium. It urges us to think about the different challenges games can provide and whether games can be created with these challenges in mind.

After all, there are plenty of platformers built around getting the fastest time. Why not a bullet hell game based around getting the least kills?

What other reasons can you think of that people love pacifist runs? Do you like them? Share with me in the comments!