What to know

  • The grappling hook is unlocked from the beginning, usable right after the intro.
  • It can only attach to marked points (red and white cloth), not any surface.
  • You use R2 (hold it) when near a marker; it's for exploration, not combat.
  • The hook lets you swing, climb, and even destroy weak walls.

After the Prologue, you’ll find the grappling hook integral for moving across dangerous terrain and reaching secrets in Ghost of Yotei. Getting comfortable with its timing, range, and visual cues will help you fully experience everything Ezo’s world has to offer.

Using the grappling hook in Ghost of Yotei

Grappling hooks become a companion for shrine climbs and getting to undulating terrains in Ghost of Yotei. Here's how you master grappling hooks:

Step 1

Look for environment features marked with red and white cloth—these are grapple points.

Step 2

Approach the point, jump toward it, or descend near it. When the R2 prompt appears on screen, get ready to use the hook.

Step 3

Press and hold R2 when prompted. The hook will attach, and Atsu (the protagonist) will snap to the point.

Step 4

For swinging, move the left stick to build momentum; release at the high point for maximum reach.

Step 5

For climbing or pulling down obstacles, follow any additional on-screen prompts (sometimes combining L2 with R2 and pulling the stick direction as required).

Grappling hook actions and their function

Action Type Control Effect
Attach / Swing Hold R2 near marker Swing across gaps, build momentum
Climb Up / Down Jump or drop by point + R2 Traverse vertical walls or ledges
Break Object Hold R2 + L2, pull stick Destroy weak walls to reveal new routes

Uses for the grappling hook

Swing across chasms

Approach a gap with a visible grapple point, jump toward it, and hit R2 when prompted. Move the left stick to control swing direction and release at the apex for maximum distance.

Climb walls or ledges

Jump or drop near a vertical grapple marker and use the hook for upward or downward movement.

Break weak obstacles

Some walls or barricades sporting the grapple marker can be destroyed—hold R2 and L2, then pull the stick as directed to bring structures down.

Recognizing grapple points

Grapple points are always marked and won’t appear everywhere. Common markers include:

  • Tree branches
  • Wall fixtures
  • Weak sections of barriers

Most are wrapped with red and/or white cloth for easy identification. Familiarize yourself with these visual cues so you don’t miss paths or secrets.

Grapple skills and upgrades

The Grapple Swing and related abilities are core navigation skills and are available by default after the intro, meaning you won’t need to look for upgrades before using most grapple actions. All future traversal and some light puzzle-solving will depend on mastering this tool.

Grappling mastery for Yotei

Mastering the grappling hook is fundamental in Ghost of Yotei; it’s key to unlocking shortcuts, finding secrets, and progressing through the game's environmental puzzles. Look for those red and white ribbons, practice timing your swings, and remember—perseverance at each challenge brings you closer to discovering all Yotei’s hidden wonders.