Spelunky

My solution for the speedlunky Achievement is to find a compass, collect 4-6 bombs by the time you reach the temple, and collect 2 ropes for Olmec, or none if you have the climbing gloves. Watch the video for all of the details.

After spending around four days trying to do the Speedlunky achievement, I finally did it - and it feels good. Probably one of the hardest achievements I've unlocked.

For those trying to do this achievement, I would recommend not trying to rush. I lost so many lives from rushing and not taking an extra second to survey my surroundings. Also, try not to keep you finger glued to the run button.

Don't worry too much about item pickups - although always break crates that are nearby. The number one item to obtain is a compass. It will make your run much quicker and is essential for the Ice/Temple areas. One or two extra packs of bombs and ropes will probably be enough. A cape is also very useful, but not essential - although makes the Ice area a breeze. On a few occasions, I managed to obtain a jetpack, but I personally don't think it helped much.Try to save damsels if you can, but don't go too out of the way.

Follow the set path for the first two worlds - Mines/Jungle. Work left to right/right to left and look for the place to drop down. If you see a sacrificial altar or Tomb trap treasure, the correct path is usually the opposite way. These areas usually result in a dead end. If a damsel is near a sacrificial altar, sacrifice them - you may get a cape, compass or climbing gloves - all very useful for a speedrun. In the Mine area, always keep a jar/stone in your hands to set off traps and avoid wasting a rope. For dark levels, always keep your torch with you. Even if you have a shotgun, take the torch. Drop the torch down gaps and follow the lighted areas. Also, turn the in-game brightness up all the way.

For the Ice area, always look down before jumping/dropping. Try to keep central if you don't have a compass. As you look down, keep an eye out for the iced doorway. You may not always be able to see the door from where you are, but you may be able to see the iced arch. With a compass, work your way down carefully. With a cape, float down slowly - although still be careful!

Bombs will make your life considerably easier in the Temple area. If you have a compass, bomb your way to the bottom. The most dangerous enemies here are the Tomb Lords (mummies) and the Crusher blocks. I think I died more from Crushers than anything else when I got to the Temple. Try to avoid them, but never go near them if you are in an enclosed space. If you have spare bombs, blow them up if they are in your way. Also, try to avoid a jump over a lava pit.

Olmec. I was squashed 3-4 times by Olmec before finally getting the Speedlunky achievement. There is definitely an element of luck involved in the final stage - particulary with the monster spawns and where they fall. However, here's what I did. As the stage starts, move forward. When Olmec squashes the birdman, run up to his left side. He will attempt a squash. As he rises, run under him and touch his right side. As he rises, move under him to the space on the left. Keep moving left and right as he attempts to crush you. As you get towards the bottom, send up ropes either side of Olmec - this way, you will be able to jump to the rope you are nearest to when his final slam takes him into the lava.

Recommended Timings:

As a guide, aim to do each level in the first two areas in about 30 secs. Try to complete the areas in the following times:

Area 1 - Mines - 1.45-1.55
Area 2 - Temple - 3.45-3.55
Area 3 - Ice - 5.10 - 5.20
Area 4 - Temple 1-3 - 6.30 - 6.45
You need at least 45 seconds to defeat Olmec.

Don't restart if you're a little over these times. You never know what the next level will be like. You may get lucky and have a straight drop to the exit, saving several seconds.

For a visual run through - see xX Jolly's excellent youtube guide above

Great solutions above me, but what if you don't get the cape or compass?

If you get "I hear snakes.... I HATE snakes!" Dive into the snake pit and bomb out the Mattock (it'll be at the very bottom above the two red jewels). Try to use it sparingly until you get to the next stage. You'll find the spawn rate for this tool is much higher than a compass or cape.

The mattock will speed you along, ESPECIALLY through the temple. I had 10-15 second runs with the mattock in hand.

At the time of writing this, I do not have this achievement. I've had several runs ending between 8:03 and 8:08)I know) and several runs where I was minutes ahead but mess up the Olmec fight. That being said, here are my tips for this achievement, as like several other of these achievements, this ratio is higher than it should be. One thing I stress is to make sure you are only going for this achievement. Don't try and go for score, or go to special levels. Just focus on this achievement.

Caves: This is honestly the hardest part of the achievement. What happens here sets you up for the rest of the game, so this is the most important part. Your goal here is to collect gold, even if you need to take an extra second to get it. Buy bombs and a compass if you see them. Everything is cheapest here, and shops are easier to get to, so take advantage of it. If you see a cape or gloves, buy them. I like to also pick up spike shoes to make the later levels a bit easier if I get in a tough situation. You need to get items here. If you see the damsel, get it, and if you want, sacrifice to get an item. Paste is REALLY useful to get here. At most, you can be here for 2:30.

Jungle: If you have items, use them to progress easily. If you notice the pattern of a black market, bomb and go in for a quick level. If you get the dead are restless level, look for a vampire to get a free cape, and the ASH gravestone for a shotgun(bomb it). You should easily make it out before the 4 minute mark. Keep buying bombs and items, and if you see idols, grab them for quick money.

Ice Caves: Ideally you have a cape, gloves, and a compass here. You can easily clear these levels in 5-10 seconds each, and you'll make up time here and can be out of the ice caves before 5.

Temple: Don't be afraid to use bombs here to get out quickly. You can find shops here for last-minute supplies. Take your time, as you can take about 30 seconds per level, which will leave you 90 seconds for olmec. For Olmec, I like to lead him all the way to one side, then bomb in the center of two blocks to get an even 4 block hole. Do this, safely make it up, then either jump on top of olmec and ride him towards the lava, or teeter over the edge of the hole you made and allow him to fall in.

Just don't fall in with him, or let him smash you with minutes to spare like I keep accidentally doing!

Edit: Got this the day after making this guide with a 7 minute time. Had a compass and cape, used a mattock from the caves until the end. Went into Olmec with 9 bombs and 5 ropes plus mattock. Ended up only needing 6 bombs as the mattock helped me a ton. This is now the second time I've made a guide for a difficult achievement I've been working on that I unlock shortly after making the guide. Maybe I should do this more...