AC Shadows Revives the Grappling Hook: Why It Should Be a Permanent Feature

In the world of Assassin’s Creed, the Hidden Blade is a signature weapon for its covert killers, yet each installment spices things up with unique supplementary gadgets. Over time, players have seen game-specific equipment: an ax in Assassin’s Creed 3, a variety of pistols in Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, and Ezio’s inventive arsenal peppered throughout his adventures. The franchise integrates tools that match the cultural and historical backdrop of each game, a tradition that stays strong in the latest entry, Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players encounter an exciting array of weapons and gear, some apart of traditional assassin fare and others inspired by the way of the samurai. A standout reappearance is the grappling hook, last seen in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, which adds a refreshing dynamic to the way players navigate the game’s environment. This feature has made a triumphant comeback, and it seems essential for Ubisoft to keep developing it, positioning it as an indispensable part of the assassin’s toolkit.

Let’s talk about the grappling hook; it hasn’t been around since we ventured into the streets of 1868 London in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. Released in 2015, this game dabbled in new mechanics, introducing players to the rope launcher, a tool that unofficially functioned much like a grappling hook. This gadget allowed players to scale buildings and craft zip-lines between rooftops, deeply enriching the traversal system of the time.

For reasons unknown, Ubisoft didn’t continue this feature into subsequent main titles. While the Chronicles spin-off series toyed with similar mechanics, the major games left it behind when Assassin’s Creed Origins rolled out its sweeping changes. Thankfully, with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the grappling hook returns, offering a new way to engage with the game world.

In Shadows, although the grappling hook no longer lets players zip-line between structures, it’s still a powerful aid for climbing tall edifices. Its ability to let players swing from different points introduces a bit of Spider-Man flair, enhancing Naoe’s movement across the landscape by making some tedious climbs quicker and a bit more thrilling.

Since the grappling hook has made a comeback, Ubisoft should really think about making it a permanent staple. It fits naturally within the Assassin’s Creed universe, where fluid rooftop movement has always been key. Moreover, there are opportunities to expand its capabilities—reinstating zip-line function might be just the start.

Ubisoft can expand the grappling hook’s use beyond just getting from A to B. Imagine ripping enemies closer in combat, orchestrating aerial assassinations, or pulling down heavy obstacles to squash adversaries below. The tool could also become central in other tactics, like yanking down explosive barrels, fetching ammunition, or creating diversions, as long as it’s implemented intuitively and realistically. A refined grappling hook could easily evolve into one of the franchise’s hallmark features, adding depth and excitement to the Assassin’s Creed experience.

As you dive deeper into Assassin’s Creed Shadows, you’ll explore a richly detailed Japanese setting, with everything from impressive castle towns and serene shrines to bustling ports and war-torn lands. Shift between the agile Naoe and the powerful Yasuke, experiencing two intertwined narratives while mastering their distinct skill sets. The game encourages players to craft a unique shinobi league, build a customizable hideout, and recruit a network of spies, all while ushering in a new chapter in the storied series.