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GPT-5 just completed Pokémon Red in a new world-record time - Claude, Gemini, and ChatGPT o3 aren't even close
There's a new champion - for now - in the contest to be the fastest AI to complete the original Pokémon Red video game, with ChatGPT-5 completely eclipsing its rivals. GPT-5, the latest model from OpenAI, took just 6,470 steps to complete the 1998 Game Boy classic, eclipsing the previous record of
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ChatGPT-5 just beat Pokémon Red in record time for an AI - 3x faster than GPT-o3 managed
TL;DR: OpenAI's ChatGPT-5 set a new record for a Pokémon Red speed run by an AI, completing the game in 6,470 steps, which is three times faster than GPT-o3. That's a huge leap and it's apparently down to GPT5 having fewer hallucinations, improved spatial skills, and better overall
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OpenAI's GPT-5 has set a new record for AI completion of Pokémon Red, finishing the game in just 6,470 steps. This achievement demonstrates significant improvements in AI capabilities, including reduced hallucinations and enhanced spatial skills.
OpenAI's latest language model, GPT-5, has achieved a remarkable feat by completing the classic Game Boy game Pokémon Red in a record-breaking 6,470 steps. This accomplishment significantly outpaces the previous record of 18,184 steps set by ChatGPT-o3, showcasing the rapid advancements in AI capabilities
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.The achievement of GPT-5 is particularly noteworthy when compared to other AI models:
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This dramatic improvement demonstrates the significant strides made in AI technology within a short timeframe. The speed at which these models are advancing suggests that we can expect even more impressive performances in the future.

Source: TechRadar
Several key improvements in GPT-5 have contributed to its superior performance:
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.Interestingly, GPT-5's approach to the game mirrors a strategy often employed by young players – focusing on leveling up a single Pokémon while neglecting the rest of the team. This tactic, while effective for speed runs, may not represent the most balanced or skilled approach to the game
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.It's worth noting that while GPT-5's performance is impressive for an AI, it still falls short of human speed runners. The current human record for completing Pokémon Red stands at 1 hour and 44 minutes, with top players able to finish the game in around 2,000 steps
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Following its success with Pokémon Red, GPT-5 is set to take on Pokémon Crystal, a more complex sequel with double the content. This progression highlights the ongoing use of video games as benchmarks for assessing AI problem-solving capabilities
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.The achievements of AI in gaming have garnered significant public interest, with platforms like Twitch hosting channels dedicated to AI gameplay. These streams, such as GPT_Plays_Pokemon, have regular viewers and subscribers, indicating a growing fascination with AI's capabilities in familiar gaming environments
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.The rapid progress demonstrated by GPT-5 in mastering Pokémon Red reflects the broader trend of accelerated AI development. This advancement is not limited to gaming; ChatGPT has seen a 2.5x increase in daily queries since the end of last year, now handling approximately 2.5 billion queries daily
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.As AI continues to evolve at this pace, it raises questions about the potential applications and impacts of these technologies beyond gaming and into more complex real-world scenarios. The ability of AI to quickly learn, adapt, and optimize strategies in virtual environments could have far-reaching implications for problem-solving in various fields.
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