✍️ Flipping Is Hard Strategy Lab•🎮 Tested on Steam Demo v1.0.4•📅 Updated: October 2026

The Direct Answer

Categories include Any%, Chill%, and Section-based runs, each with different completion requirements and strategies.

Overview & Mechanics Analysis

Understanding the formal rules and objectives of each speedrun category ensures your submitted runs are valid, properly timed, and comparable against global players.

Flipping Is Hard has several established categories catering to different playstyles—from raw any-percentage sprints to glitchless purist runs and individual level time trials.

Core Physics & Control Principles

Any% (Hard Mode)The premier speedrun category. Objective is to reach the final demo trigger as fast as possible using any in-bounds skips, physics boosts, and shortcuts on Hard Mode.
Chill% / Checkpoint%Running the demo on Chill Mode with checkpoints allowed. Great for beginners to compete on raw movement mechanics without marathon fall penalties.
IL (Individual Level) SplitsTiming individual levels (Storm Drains, Cardboard Fort, Playground) separately to master micro-routing and record segment personal bests.

Step-by-Step Execution Protocol

  1. 1
    Select Category Objective

    Decide whether you are targeting Any% Hard Mode glory or drilling Individual Level records.

  2. 2
    Review Official Rules

    Verify video recording requirements: clean framerate, audible game audio, visible timer, and unedited footage.

  3. 3
    Calibrate Timer Hotkeys

    Configure your split timer to trigger on initial spawn movement and conclude on the final completion banner.

  4. 4
    Submit with Proof

    Record your run via OBS or graphics capture software, upload unlisted to YouTube, and submit to community leaderboards.

⚡ Pro Speedrunner Techniques

  • Recording at 60 FPS: Always record runs at 60 FPS minimum; leaderboard verifiers require smooth playback for frame-timing validation.
  • Show Inputs on Screen: Use our Input Visualizer or OBS input overlays to provide transparent proof of fair play.
  • Keep Raw Video Files: Save raw recording files until your leaderboard submission is reviewed and verified by community moderators.

⚠️ Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Pausing mid-run: Pausing during an active run invalidates real-time attack (RTA) timing in most categories.
  • Cropped or obscured game footage: Hiding game borders or clock triggers can lead to submission rejection.
  • Submitting Chill Mode runs to Hard Mode leaderboards: Double-check your starting game mode settings before recording.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are macro keys or turbo controllers allowed in speedruns?

No. All major community leaderboards strictly ban hardware macros, turbo buttons, and automated timing scripts.

How are ties broken in close runs?

Leaderboard moderators examine video recordings frame-by-frame (at 60 FPS, each frame represents ~16.6 milliseconds) to resolve ties.

Do I need a high-end PC to record verifiable speedruns?

No. Using GPU hardware encoding (NVENC or AMD AMF) allows smooth 1080p 60 FPS recording with virtually zero impact on in-game performance.

Practice in Browser Simulator

Drill the exact timing and rotation mechanics in our local browser tools before loading your next Steam run:

Open Rotation TrialInput VisualizerDaily Flip Challenge