Grappling Hook

A Grappling Hook is a Burst Movement Option and Context-Sensitive Movement Option made unique by the player character’s use of a lasso-like device or Projectile to pull themselves to a new location, often with momentum. Grappling hooks may also be used as an Attack, to varying effects. Because of the large amount of distance able to be covered with Grappling Hooks in most games, the ability to use the Grappling Hook is often linked to progression as a Gating Mechanism.

There are two common functions of a Grappling Hook. The first simply is to simply pull the player character to the location of contact, typically in a straight line. The second is to create a tether between the player character and the location of contact that allows them to swing in an arc. A given Grappling Hook may have one or both of these functions. Additionally, Grappling Hooks often feature specific limitations on what locations of contact are functional, and behavior may vary when contact is made to a disallowed surface.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) – the Hookshot is capable of latching onto wooden objects and pulling the player character directly to them. It can also be used to stun and kill enemies from afar.

Uncharted 4: Thief’s End (2016) – The player character is able to use his grappling hook to navigate the environment. He is able to climb up and down the rope as well as swing from it to cross gaps.

Ultrakill (Upcoming) – The Whiplash pulls the player character directly to heavy enemies and specifically designated grapple points. It can also be used to pick up items, or to Enemy Reel.

Marvel’s Spider Man: Miles Morales (2020) – Webs are used both to pull the player character to points and to swing between buildings. Web swinging is heavily customizable in both settings and a Skill Tree.

Advanced Movement Technique – Grappling Hooks are often part of Advanced Movement Techniques.

Enemy Reel – Often co-occurs when a Grappling Hook can be used as an Attack.