Final Fantasy 14 Speedrunning Record Seesaw Continues with New Milestone

In the world of Final Fantasy 14, a competitive saga over the Kugane Tower jump puzzle speedrunning record has taken another twist. The latest chapter in this ongoing rivalry unfolded on 24 February 2025, as documented by GamesRadar, with players vying to claim the title of fastest ascent in the game's challenging obstacle course, introduced in the Stormblood expansion.

The contest reignited when speedrunner Pint, a prominent Final Fantasy 14 content creator, reclaimed the world record with a time of 38.31 seconds. This achievement came just a day after Pint surpassed the previous record of 38.74 seconds, set by Em0_oticon in 2023. That earlier record had itself been a swift response to Pint’s initial triumph, when they shaved milliseconds off Em0_oticon’s long-standing 43.58-second mark, only to lose it within 24 hours.

However, Pint’s latest victory was short-lived. A third contender, Azura Stargazer, emerged as the new record holder with a blistering 34.616-second run, posted on 23 February 2025. Azura had been quietly training to challenge the top spot and eclipsed both Pint and Em0_oticon in this latest round. Pint acknowledged the defeat with a pragmatic reflection, noting, "at least I tried," according to GamesRadar.

The Kugane Tower, located in the game’s Kugane region, is a vertical maze requiring precise jumps and timing, making it a favourite among Final Fantasy 14 speedrunners. The puzzle’s difficulty has fuelled this rivalry since 2017, with Em0_oticon holding the record unchallenged for five years until Pint’s breakthrough in 2023, as reported by EssentiallySports.

This back-and-forth highlights the dedication of the Final Fantasy 14 speedrunning community, a niche but passionate group within the game’s 30 million registered players, a figure cited by Square Enix in its latest community update. The competition remains open, with Azura’s time now the benchmark to beat, though observers speculate it may require extraordinary skill to topple.

For now, the focus shifts to whether Pint or Em0_oticon will mount another challenge, or if Azura will solidify their dominance. The Final Fantasy 14 speedrunning scene continues to captivate fans, blending skill, rivalry, and the enduring appeal of this massively multiplayer online role-playing game.

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