Grappling Hook Games: Ranking the Best

Summary

Open-world games are enhanced by vertical gameplay with grappling hooks.
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Halo Infinite, and Sekiro shine with inventive grappling hook mechanics.
Grappling hooks in games like Mad Max and Dying Light 2 provide unique traversal and combat options.

As a gaming enthusiast, one aspect that truly captivates me about open-world games is the freedom to explore vast landscapes on my own terms. Yet, it often feels that these virtual worlds lack a sense of depth as we seldom venture above ground level. That’s where the grappling hook comes into play – every gamer’s dream tool for swiftly navigating the open world, scaling incredible heights, and experiencing the game from a whole new perspective.

In various settings, such as the smoky factories of 19th-century London or the tumultuous Sengoku period Japan, grappling hooks in open-world video games never fail to deliver an exciting experience. This list is organized not only based on the quality of the game but also by the extent to which the grappling hook contributes to each title and how effectively the game maximizes its potential for enjoyable gameplay.

8. Assassin’s Creed Syndicate

London Calling

By the point when “Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate” was released, the “Assassin’s Creed” series was nearing a state of oversaturation, with many players expressing dissatisfaction due to the games feeling too similar. However, with the passage of time and a fresh perspective, contemporary reviews of “Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate” often rank it higher than its initial reception, now that people have had time to understand and appreciate its unique objectives.

As a fan, I can’t help but be captivated by the allure of Victorian London as the backdrop for my open-world escapades. The game creatively expands on the mechanic from Assassin’s Creed: Revelations by equipping me with a rope launcher, allowing me to swiftly ascend buildings and traverse rooftops using homemade rafters. This innovative implementation of a grappling hook has unfortunately been overlooked since its introduction.

7. Halo Infinite

Masterchief On The Move

As a die-hard Halo fan, I’ve always admired the balanced combat system in these games. It’s so finely tuned, it feels nearly flawless. Yet, tinkering with perfection might dilute its unique charm. Standing still and not pushing boundaries could make the game feel repetitive, losing its edge over time.

In the game “Halo: Infinite”, although it didn’t create a global sensation, the inclusion of a grappling hook significantly enhanced Master Chief’s movement within the open-world environment of his new quest. Alongside a well-crafted physics engine and an increasingly aggressive Master Chief, the grappling hook proved to be an unexpected yet delightful addition to the “Halo” series that fans didn’t realize they were eagerly awaiting.

6. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Unparalleled Soulslike Movement

As we bid farewell to the exhilarating 2010s, the Soulslike genre was undeniably at its pinnacle of fame. However, many gamers, including myself, couldn’t help but notice a recurring issue in the Dark Souls series: our characters were perpetually pinned down and lacked any meaningful upward mobility. In response to this feedback, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice was born as an innovative solution to elevate our gaming experience.

As I ventured deeper into this semi-open world, my newfound prosthetic arm with an integrated grappling hook propelled me skyward at breakneck speed, allowing me to soar above the bustling Japanese cityscape. This incredible tool wasn’t just for scenic flights; it also served as a formidable offensive maneuver to swiftly close gaps against the game’s intimidating lineup of bosses. This exhilarating addition breathed fresh life into the defining subgenre of the 2010s, giving me an unparalleled sense of speed and power.

5. Mad Max

Rope-Based Destruction Derby

It might seem unusual that Mad Max requires a grappling hook for travel since he primarily uses his vehicle, the Magnum Opus, to move about. However, the Magnum Opus’s grappling hook is crucial in two ways: firstly, it serves as an important tool for combat within the game, and secondly, it helps maneuver the massive metal structure across the Australian wasteland.

As an avid gamer, I frequently encounter situations where I’m stuck at the edge of a chasm, requiring me to think outside the box and employ my trusty grappling hook to lower a bridge or discover hidden paths. This innovative application of the grappling hook sets it apart from other open-world games, making it a noteworthy inclusion on this list.

4. Dying Light 2

Above The Undead Horde

In the original “Dying Light,” the concept revolved around an action-packed first-person zombie survival game similar to “Dead Island.” However, rather than confining players to ground level, they were invited to adopt the viewpoint of a parkour expert, leaping from rooftop to rooftop and clearing obstacles to navigate over the undead.

In the game “Dying Light 2”, the fan-favorite grappling hook from the first game is back, and it’s more dynamic than ever! This means players can no longer just climb up tall buildings; they can also create spontaneous swings to gain crucial momentum when escaping a pack of hungry zombies. The game also introduces new types of terrifying zombie variants.

3. Arkham Knight

The Dark Knight Rises

Unlike other superheroes who possess abilities such as flight, extraordinary speed, or teleportation, Batman doesn’t share these advantages. Instead, he primarily depends on technology for mobility and his reliable grappling hook in the form of a grapnel gun is always there to transport him to where he needs to be.

In Arkham City, the grappling hook was first introduced as an open-world traversal tool, but in Arkham Knight, it took things to a whole new level. As Batman, I found myself propelling at breakneck speeds across rooftops with this enhanced grappling hook, and during car-based puzzle segments, it played a crucial role in navigating my Batmobile. The grappling hook is the reason why Batman stands out as an icon, making it a vital element in the greatest games of the Arkham series.

2. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

It’s Spidey’s City

Sure thing! Although Spider-Man doesn’t actually use a grappling hook as we traditionally think of one, the way he swings through the city implies that his webs function similarly to a grappling hook, providing momentum and support.

It would be a big shame to leave it off the list, too, as Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 may have the best-simulated grapple hook mechanics ever put to pixels. The devs also included a harder traversal mode where players need to carefully monitor their momentum, building it over time and punishing mistakes. Few other games make grapple hook gameplay as central to their core game design as the Spider-Man games, where web-slinging is crucial in defeating the game’s infamous rogue gallery.

1. Just Cause 4

A Game About Grappling

Since the launch of the “Just Cause” series, the protagonist Rico Rodriguez has been characterized by his versatile parachute and grappling hook, which can attach to nearly anything in the world. By “Just Cause 2”, a skillful combination of these tools allows Rico, in theory, to outpace motor vehicles with their abilities.

In Just Cause 4, I find myself soaring through the skies with a wingsuit, blasting off with rocket boosters, and battling extreme weather events â it’s like I’ve been transformed into a super-powered action hero. The grappling hook is my secret weapon, serving as both an offensive tool, defensive shield, and primary means of getting around. Few games embrace the grappling hook quite like the Just Cause series does.

2025-03-13 11:07