Ghost Runner
Minecraft speedrunning is a thrilling test of skill, strategy, and split-second decision-making. Whether you are grinding for a new personal best in Set Seed Glitchless (SSG) or simply want to refine your movement through the Nether, having a reliable way to measure progress is essential. That is where the Ghost Runner add-on steps in, offering a unique practice tool that lets you race against your own best performances or challenge ghosts shared by other players. This client-side mod transforms the way you train, making every run a learning opportunity.
What Is Ghost Runner for Minecraft?
Ghost Runner is a Fabric mod designed specifically for Minecraft speedrunners who want to push their limits. It allows you to record a "ghost" of your own run and then play it back in real-time during subsequent attempts. As you navigate the world, the ghost mimics your previous movements, giving you a visual benchmark to beat. You can also share ghost files with friends, turning solo practice into a competitive race against their best times. The mod is entirely client-side, meaning it works without any server-side installation, and it integrates seamlessly with the in-game timer provided by SpeedRunIGT. However, it is important to note that Ghost Runner has not yet been verified by speedrun.com, so if you are planning to submit an official run, you should avoid using it until the verification process is complete.
Key Features of Ghost Runner
Ghost Runner packs several features that make it a must-have for dedicated speedrunners. Here is what you can expect when you download Ghost Runner:
- Personal Ghost Recording: Capture your own run and race against it to identify slow splits and improve your time.
- Ghost Sharing: Export your ghost files and share them with friends or the community, allowing you to battle against other players' best runs.
- Section Records: The mod tracks your performance in critical segments like Enter Nether, Bastion, Fortress, and End, so you can see exactly where you gain or lose time.
- Auto Submit Integration: Thanks to ProtossManse, Ghost Runner includes an auto-submit feature for speedrun.com, streamlining the verification process once the mod is officially approved.
- 100% Client-Side: No server-side setup is required, and the mod does not affect vanilla gameplay for anyone else on a server.
Supported Minecraft Versions and Loader
Ghost Runner is built for Minecraft 1.16.1 and 1.17.1, two of the most popular versions for speedrunning. It runs exclusively on the Fabric mod loader, so you will need to have Fabric installed before you can use the add-on. Additionally, the mod requires SpeedRunIGT to be present in your mods folder, as it relies on that mod's in-game timer for accurate split tracking. Make sure you are using compatible versions of both mods to avoid any issues during your practice sessions.
How to Install Ghost Runner for Minecraft
Installing Ghost Runner is straightforward if you are already familiar with Fabric mods. First, ensure you have the Fabric loader installed for either Minecraft 1.16.1 or 1.17.1. Next, download Ghost Runner from a trusted mod repository like Modrinth or CurseForge, along with the required SpeedRunIGT mod. Place both .jar files into your mods folder, and you are ready to go. If you prefer a more automated approach, the foxygame.net launcher provides a one-click install for Ghost Runner, automatically handling version compatibility and all necessary dependencies. Its built-in add-on catalog also keeps Ghost Runner updated, so you never have to manually search for the latest release. Once installed, simply launch the game, load a world, and use the mod's interface to start recording or loading ghosts.
Using Ghost Runner to Improve Your Speedruns
After you download Ghost Runner and set it up, the real fun begins. Start by completing a run that you want to use as a baseline. The mod will save that run as a ghost file. On your next attempt, load the ghost and watch it move through the world exactly as you did. Pay attention to where the ghost gains distance on you—those are the moments you need to optimize. You can also download ghost files from other speedrunners to see how top players handle specific seeds or sections. The mod's section record feature is particularly useful for SSG runs, as it highlights your best times for entering the Nether, conquering a Bastion, navigating a Fortress, and reaching the End. By focusing on these segments, you can systematically lower your overall time.
Why Ghost Runner Stands Out for Minecraft Speedrunners
Unlike generic practice maps or external timers, Ghost Runner integrates directly into your vanilla speedrun experience. It does not alter world generation or game mechanics, so the skills you build transfer perfectly to official runs. The ability to share ghosts creates a community-driven practice environment where you can compete asynchronously with friends or even top runners. The mod's lightweight, client-side nature means it has minimal impact on performance, which is crucial when every tick counts. While the auto-submit feature is a promising addition for future verified runs, the core ghost racing functionality already makes Ghost Runner an indispensable tool for anyone serious about improving their Minecraft speedrun times. Just remember to disable it before attempting a run you plan to submit to speedrun.com until the mod receives official verification.