The gaming community frequently debates whether that particular speed-running shortcut remains functional in the latest patches. So, does the jump rope glitch still work? This is a question that has echoed through forums and livestream chats for years, as players seek to shave precious seconds off their record times.
This article provides a clear, updated answer. We will examine the glitch’s history, its current status across different game versions, and the community’s findings.
You will get practical, step-by-step guidance on attempting the glitch yourself. We also cover the potential risks and the official developer stance on such exploits.
Does The Jump Rope Glitch Still Work
The short answer is: it depends. The classic jump rope glitch, most famously associated with “Super Mario Odyssey,” was largely patched out in a major update. However, its functionality varies depending on your game version and whether you are playing offline.
For the uninitiated, the jump rope glitch was a sequence break in “Super Mario Odyssey.” It allowed players to bypass the challenging 100-jump rope challenge in New Donk City. By performing a specific maneuver with Mario’s capture ability, you could trigger a state that automatically counted jumps, granting the Moon reward without the skill test.
This glitch became a cornerstone for any% speedruns. It saved runners roughly 30 to 40 seconds, a massive margin in competitive play. Its discovery changed the route and meta for the category overnight.
The History Of The Jump Rope Glitch
To understand its current state, we need to look back. The glitch was discovered shortly after “Super Mario Odyssey” launched in October 2017. Speedrunners are incredibly creative, and they quickly found an oversight in the game’s physics.
The exploit involved capturing a nearby object, like a spark pylon, at a precise frame while standing on the jump rope platform. This action would confuse the game’s state tracking. Mario would enter a limbo where the jump rope counter would increment automatically without any input.
The community standardized the method. It became a required skill for top runners. For over a year, it was a reliable and consistent part of the game’s speedrun.
Initial Developer Response
Nintendo is known for polishing its games. While they don’t always patch speedrun tricks, this glitch was considered a significant bug. It completely circumvented a designed challenge. The first major game update, Version 1.2.0, did not address it. This led many to believe it was here to stay.
However, the landscape changed with later patches. The developers clearly identified it as an unintended sequence break.
Current Status Across Game Versions
The functionality of the glitch is now entirely tied to your game’s version number. You can check this on your Switch’s home screen by highlighting the game icon.
- Version 1.0.0 (Physical Launch Edition): The glitch works perfectly. This is the version used by all world record speedruns. If you have a physical cartridge and have never updated the game, the glitch is fully functional.
- Versions 1.1.0 to 1.2.0: The glitch remains mostly unchanged and workable. Some minor physics tweaks were introduced, but the core exploit was not fixed.
- Version 1.3.0 and Later (Current Version): This is where the patch happened. Nintendo corrected the underlying physics error. The specific capture interaction no longer triggers the automatic jump count. The glitch, as originally performed, is considered patched.
If your game is updated to the latest version, the classic method will not work. The game will simply behave as intended, requiring you to complete the jump rope challenge normally.
Step-By-Step Guide To The Original Glitch
For those on older versions, or who are curious about the process, here is how it was done. Remember, this likely requires you to delete your game data and reinstall without updating, which has its own risks.
- Progress in the game until you unlock the New Donk City kingdom.
- Make your way to the rooftop where the jump rope challenge is located, near the city hall.
- Position Mario on the jump rope platform. Stand slightly to the right of the center.
- Your target is the spark pylon to the left of the platform. Line up your view so you have a clear shot.
- As the jump rope starts swinging, wait for the precise moment it reaches its lowest point near your feet.
- On that exact frame, throw Cappy to capture the spark pylon. The timing is very strict.
- If successful, you will capture the pylon and the jump counter in the top-left corner will begin climbing automatically.
- Remain captured until the counter hits 100. Then, release the capture. The Moon should appear.
The timing on step 6 is notoriously difficult. It often took runners many attempts to get consistent. Modern runners on version 1.0.0 have practiced it to near perfection.
Alternative Methods And Community Discoveries
Even after the patch, the community did not give up entirely. Some explorers have looked for new ways to break the challenge. While no method as simple or fast as the original has been found, there are notes.
Some players report rare physics collisions using different captures, like the T-Rex, but these are inconsistent and not faster than just learning the jump rope minigame. They are curiosities rather than viable speedrun tactics.
The primary focus for the current, patched game is optimization of the legitimate method. Runners practice the rhythm of the jump rope to achieve a reliable clear time. The community has also developed specific visual and audio cues to help with timing.
Is There A Risk Of Being Banned?
This is a common concern. Using the glitch in a offline, single-player game like “Super Mario Odyssey” carries no risk of an online ban. Nintendo’s anti-cheat systems are focused on competitive multiplayer titles.
The only consequence is that you bypass the intended challenge. Your save file will be perfectly normal. However, if you participate in an official speedrun competition, you must adhere to that event’s rules, which usually specify a game version.
The Impact On Speedrunning Categories
The patch created a permanent split in the “Super Mario Odyssey” speedrun community. This is a standard practice when a fundamental glitch is removed.
- Any% Version 1.0.0: This category uses the original, unpatched game. The jump rope glitch is mandatory. World records are competed for in this category, and it remains the most popular to watch.
- Any% Current Version: This category requires players to use the latest patched version of the game. The jump rope must be completed legitimately. This creates a different, often more skill-based route that some runners prefer.
Both categories are thriving. They are essentially treated as different games by the leaderboards on sites like speedrun.com. This ensures fairness and allows runners to choose their preferred rule set.
How To Downgrade Your Game Version
If you wish to experience the glitch yourself, you need to be on version 1.0.0. This process is not straightforward and comes with significant caveats.
- You must have a physical copy of “Super Mario Odyssey.” Digital copies cannot be downgraded.
- Delete the game software and all save data from your Nintendo Switch console. This is done in System Settings > Data Management. Warning: This will erase all your progress.
- Turn off your console’s automatic software updates. Go to System Settings > System > Auto-Update Software and disable it.
- Re-insert the game cartridge. The Switch will install only the base version 1.0.0 data from the cart.
- When prompted to update the game to play, select “Start Software” instead. You may need to start the game in Airplane Mode to bypass update prompts.
This process is only for educational or speedrun purposes. For the vast majority of players, it is not recommended due to the loss of all save data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Jump Rope Glitch Work In 2024?
In the latest patched version of “Super Mario Odyssey,” no, the classic jump rope glitch does not work. It was fixed in a 2018 update. It only functions on the original launch version (1.0.0) or very early unpatched versions.
Can You Get Banned For Using The Jump Rope Glitch?
No, there is no risk of an online ban for using this glitch. “Super Mario Odyssey” is a single-player experience, and Nintendo does not penalize players for exploiting bugs in this context. Your save file is safe.
Is There A New Jump Rope Glitch After The Patch?
As of now, there is no new, reliable glitch that replicates the effect of the original jump rope skip. The patched physics have closed the door on that specific method. The minigame must be completed as designed in current versions.
What Version Of Super Mario Odyssey Has The Glitch?
The jump rope glitch is fully functional in Version 1.0.0. It may also work in Versions 1.1.0 and 1.2.0, but Version 1.3.0 and all subsequent updates have patched it out completely.
Why Did Nintendo Patch The Jump Rope Glitch?
Nintendo likely patched it because it was a clear bug that broke a designed puzzle. It allowed players to obtain a Power Moon without engaging with the challenge, which goes against the game’s intended design philosophy. They are known for fixing such oversights.
Final Verdict And Practical Advice
So, does the jump rope glitch still work? The definitive answer is no, for anyone playing a standard, updated copy of “Super Mario Odyssey.” The exploit was patched out years ago.
For speedrunners and enthusiasts, it lives on in the Version 1.0.0 category. This preserves the history and meta of the game’s early life. The community’s adaptation by creating a separate category was a smart solution.
For the average player, your best path is to simply learn the jump rope challenge. It’s difficult, but with practice, it’s absolutely achievable. Focus on the visual cue of the rope hitting the ground and develop a steady rhythm. Many guides exist to help with the timing.
The legacy of the jump rope glitch is secure. It stands as one of the most famous and impactful sequence breaks in modern platformer speedrunning. While its active life in the current game is over, its mark on the community’s history is permanent.