Donkey Kong Bananza‘s “IFAT” Tech: how a New Discovery is rewriting Speedrunning
A groundbreaking technique is sending shockwaves through the Donkey Kong Bananza community. Players are discovering a way to bypass notable portions of the game, fundamentally altering how it’s speedrun. This isn’t just a minor optimization; it’s a potential revolution.
what is IFAT?
Dubbed “Infinite Fast Aerial Surf Turf” (IFAT), this technique allows for near-flight within Donkey Kong Bananza. It leverages a specific sequence of inputs to exploit the game’s mechanics. Essentially, you combine ground manipulation, a jump, and precise timing with the turf surf ability.
Here’s the basic input sequence: Attack + Jump, ZL, ZL.
YouTuber Nicro provides a fantastic visual breakdown of the technique (see above). Mastering it requires practice, and many are experimenting with custom button layouts – particularly mapping the inputs to the switch Pro Controller’s shoulder buttons – to improve execution.
Why is IFAT a Game Changer?
The implications of IFAT are massive. It allows players to:
Skip large sections: Entire levels can be bypassed, leading directly to bosses.
Drastically reduce run times: Early speedruns utilizing IFAT have already shattered previous records.
Redefine speedrunning strategy: The focus shifts from conventional platforming to precise execution of this new tech.
However, it’s not a foolproof method. A missed input during a traversal can result in a fall, though Bananza is relatively forgiving with its death system.For speedrunners,though,even a momentary lapse means lost time. Nicro even suggests listening to rhythmic music to internalize the timing needed for consistent execution. Stamina management also remains crucial.
The Community response & Future of Bananza Speedrunning
the discovery of IFAT has ignited debate within the Donkey Kong Bananza speedrunning community. As of today, the top-10 records have been repeatedly broken, showcasing the technique’s power.
A key question now is weather to categorize runs utilizing IFAT separately. Some runners prefer experiencing more of the game’s content, rather than relying on repeated inputs to skip ahead. This split could lead to:
“IFAT” category: Runs specifically showcasing the new technique.
“Traditional” category: Runs adhering to more conventional speedrunning methods.
Whatever the decision, Donkey Kong Bananza* speedrunning has reached a pivotal moment. This discovery has fundamentally altered the landscape, and the community is actively shaping its future.
You can follow the evolving records and discussion on Speedrun.com. It’s a captivating case study in how player ingenuity can reshape a game long after its release.
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