The answer first
Crimson Pearl is encountered during Mermaid Palace progression. For a normal clear, keep following the grapple-enabled route, handle the area objective, and continue toward the end trigger. The submitted speedrun uses a highly specific three-FPS grapple wall clip; it is optional, version-sensitive, and not recommended for a first run.
Last updated: 2026-08-24 · Official Steam and 3D Realms pages plus Human-supplied, timestamped YouTube observations.
What is verified
- Crimson Pearl appears within the Mermaid Palace route in the supplied observations.
- The grapple is already available before this section.
- A submitted speedrun uses precise positioning, three FPS, a grapple, and jumping to reach out of bounds and skip an arena.
- The optimized route calls the technique timing- and position-sensitive.
What needs more evidence
- The wall clip is not intended progression.
- The skip may fail after patches or different settings.
- No exact normal-route room map is claimed without hands-on reproduction.
What should the player do first?
Clear the Crimson Pearl section without confusing an advanced out-of-bounds skip with intended progression.
Crimson Pearl Route action checklist
- Confirm the grapple is available.
- Follow the normal objective path on a first clear.
- Restock before the arena instead of relying on a clip.
- Use a checkpoint before any low-FPS experiment.
- Restore the frame rate immediately after an out-of-bounds attempt.
Structured guide data
| Route | Requirements | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Normal route | Grapple and area objectives | Low |
| Observed wall clip | Precise spot, 3 FPS, grapple, jump timing | High / patch-sensitive |
Normal progression
Treat Crimson Pearl as part of Mermaid Palace. Use the grapple and visible triggers normally; the presence of a speedrun clip does not mean the intended route is blocked.
The observed advanced skip
The optimized video positions on a specific floor spot, lowers the frame rate to three, grapples through collision, restores the frame rate, and jumps across the top of the map to the end trigger.
Why the skip fails
The creator explicitly describes the position, frame rate and timing as highly specific. A different patch, collision response, camera position, or grapple angle can invalidate the attempt.
Recovery plan
Reload the checkpoint if the character falls out of bounds or loses the route. Do not continue saving from an unstable position unless you know the recovery path.
When to use it
Use the clip only for repeat runs or speedrun practice. A normal first clear gives better access to combat, story context and resources.
Player decision help
Normal clear
Best for: First playthrough and reliable progression.
Evidence: Uses intended movement/objective flow.
Wall clip
Best for: Advanced repeat runs.
Evidence: One precise speedrun observation, corroborated by route context.
Related Guides
Keep the main climb moving when a route, key, ticket, token, switch, or movement tool blocks progress.Beginner Guide
Understand the resource and movement loop before committing to upgrades or risky routes.How Long to Beat
Estimate a realistic session length without treating a speedrun as a normal playthrough.Updates
Check whether a guide, skip, checkpoint, or platform statement may have changed after release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the low-FPS clip required?
No. It is an optional advanced speedrun technique.
What FPS does the observed skip use?
The supplied speedrun describes lowering the game to three FPS.
Why can the clip fail?
Position, grapple angle, timing, frame rate, and patch collision behavior all matter.
Should I use it on a first run?
No. Follow normal progression and use a checkpoint before experimenting later.
Source scope and verification
Official Steam and 3D Realms pages plus Human-supplied, timestamped YouTube observations.
- Crimson Pearl route observation Avideo-observation
Advanced speedrun route; low-FPS skips are optional and version-sensitive.
- Crimson Pearl route observation Bvideo-observation
Normal play context and route corroboration.
- 17:41 speedrun observationvideo-observation
Advanced run using version-sensitive skips.