The grappling hook is one of the biggest new features in Borderlands 4, making traversal faster and more dynamic. But that’s not all – here’s what else this powerful tool can do.
With Borderlands 4, Gearbox is shaking up the formula: alongside new weapons and skills, a fresh gadget changes the way you fight and explore – the grappling hook. Instead of relying on clunky jumps or long detours, you can now scale obstacles in seconds. And in combat, the grappling hook opens up plenty of tactical options. Here’s how it works and how to make the most of it.
Borderlands 4: What Exactly Is the Grappling Hook?
The grappling hook is a brand-new gadget that lets you vault over obstacles, reach high ground in an instant, or swing across dangerous gaps. It only works on specific surfaces and objects, but once you lock on, a quick button press will pull you up or launch you forward. It’s easy to use, but it creates endless possibilities for movement and combat.
In Borderlands 3, getting to higher platforms usually meant taking long detours or awkward jumps. That wasn’t just inconvenient – it could be downright frustrating.
How to Use the Grappling Hook in Combat
Things get really interesting once you start using the grappling hook mid-fight. Instead of just sticking to cover and firepower, you can fling yourself right into the action. Against bigger enemies, the grappling hook helps you expose weak spots or reposition quickly to hit them from behind.
You can also grab objects in the environment – like explosive barrels – and hurl them at enemies. With a well-placed shot, you can wipe out entire groups at once. Just make sure you’re close enough and keep an eye on your teammates: in the chaos, it’s easy to accidentally set your friends on fire.
- Tip: At first, pulling objects, throwing them and shooting mid-air feels tricky. But after a few hours of practice you’ll get the hang of it – and turn it into a huge advantage.
When things get messy, you can also use the grappling hook to swing into the air and rain down shots from above. It takes some practice, but it’s especially useful against swarms of smaller enemies.
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To pull this off, launch yourself upwards, swing around mid-air and fire straight into the fight from above. The big plus: Rippers and other enemies can barely hit you, while you can unload powerful skills. Depending on how many enemies are left, you can repeat this several times. With some skill, you might even keep your shield intact the whole time.
- Tip: If you’re playing in co-op, coordinate with your team first so you don’t get in each other’s way.
Creative Uses in the World: Fishing, Hidden Paths and More
Outside of combat, the grappling hook also changes how you explore. You can reach higher areas, discover shortcuts or even go fishing in the water. Most of the time you’ll just pull up junk, but sometimes a hidden treasure is waiting. Smart players will also uncover secret routes, hidden chests and puzzle spots that would be impossible to access otherwise.
- Tip: If you spot a grappling hook point, always check it out – no matter how insignificant it looks. Often you’ll find loot chests with rare weapons and more.
In short: the grappling hook makes you faster, more flexible and rewards creativity. It’s not just a way to get around – it’s a tool that makes combat, puzzles and exploration in Borderlands 4 more dynamic than ever.
