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8[[quoteright:310:[[WesternAnimation/KimPossible https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/dodge_this_2.png]]]]
9
10->''"Ah, here we are. Kevlar utility harness. Gas-powered magnetic grapple gun. The three hundred and fifty pound test monofilament.''"
11-->-- '''Lucius Fox''', ''Film/BatmanBegins''
12
13The Grappling-Hook Pistol is an essential item for any aspiring BadassNormal, [[TheCape Cape]], or [[Film/JamesBond secret agent]]. This handy bit of AppliedPhlebotinum can deploy a grappling hook with laser-guided precision to a secure holding point at the top of any tall building, allowing its user to climb with ease. Particularly spiffy examples are equipped with motors, and can function as field-expedient elevators as their users hold on for dear life. It can also be used to implement the BuildingSwing, though its primary function is usually just for climbing. It also lends itself to YouWillNotEvadeMe when shot directly at someone.
14
15In settings that predate firearms the alternative is the grappling arrow used by bow wielding protagonists. While it can be an arrow with a grappling hook more often it's just a standard arrow with a rope tied to it.
16
17The Grappling-Hook Pistol is generally a fairly bulky item for a handheld pistol, though unreasonably small for the length of line and hook firing charge that it contains. Its limited utility makes it a special-purpose item that the hero is unlikely to carry... but it generally conveniently appears from [[HyperspaceArsenal hammerspace]] when it is needed.
18
19The hooks themselves are PlotSensitiveItems, capable of all three variants of InstantKnots - latching onto, wrapping the cable around, or piercing their target, depending on the needs of the script. The wrap-around cable is a strange effect, as it always attaches to the anchor point snugly enough to support whatever is on the other end of the cable on the first try. If the cord can automatically retract, the person can just hold on with one hand with inhuman strength to get pulled up; this is especially [[RuleOfCool dramatic]] if they're holding someone else with their other arm. It's also very handy when you find yourself or an innocent civilian falling, but let's hope the cord [[NotTheFallThatKillsYou has some elasticity]].
20
21Grappling guns actually ''exist'' (see "RealLife" below), but the real ones are somewhat larger than depicted on screen, especially if not base-fired only (though recent designs allow more compact systems). As in "pneumatic GrenadeLauncher of load-bearing design with built-in reel of strong rope" -- though strong crossbow could work too. Hook is massive, rope adds a lot of drag, so the launcher's power (and [[LawOfInverseRecoil recoil]]) should be considerable. See also HarpoonGun.
22
23Partially busted by the ''Series/MythBusters'' in 2007. (Because the aforementioned size makes them too large to be carried around on a superhero belt.) An ascension device was built that essentially fit the size, but including the launching mechanism would have made it simply too bulky. Also, they couldn't get the grapple to consistently attach itself to the intended target.
24
25A variation -- also partially busted by the ''Mythbusters'' -- has the grappling hook attached to the hero's (or villain's) car, for turning corners at high speed. There is no line capable of withstanding the sheer force that goes into a car turning at high speeds -- [[TechnologyMarchesOn yet]].
26----
27!!Examples:
28
29[[foldercontrol]]
30
31[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
32* ''Manga/{{Arachnid}}'': Alice's weapon of choice is the "Kumoito", or "Spider's Thread", a length of spider-silk with a hooked blade on the end that works rather like a cross between RazorFloss and a Grappling-Hook Pistol.
33* The 3D Maneuver Gear from ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'' is a form of this, albeit worn as a bulky belt-mounted apparatus. A bit more realistic than most, since it's depicted as having a large reel mechanism to house the cables and a pair of fairly large gas cannisters, acting as both the propellant for firing and retracting the hook as well as a way to add forward momentum to help push people along. The hooks are also occasionally seen to fail to latch to their targets, and running out of gas is a clear concern. Later into the manga, [[spoiler:a version of the maneuver gear is seen having proper grappling hook pistols used by the Military Police's [[SecretPolice Central 1st Brigade]]]].
34* ''Anime/TheBigO'', which took inspiration from Batman, has a set of Grappling Hook ''cannons'' on its waist, which are used to pull things around, pierce enemies, hoist gigantic robots hundreds of feet into the air supported by a thin latticework, and anchor it into the ground before using its ultimate cannon attack. Roger Smith also possesses a Grappling Hook Pistol in his ''watch'' that makes an appearance nearly every time his feet leave the ground.
35* In ''Manga/ChronoCrusade'', Rosette has a grapnel gun built into her pistol that gets used once.
36* The [[HumongousMecha Knightmare Frames]] in ''Anime/CodeGeass'' are usually equipped with one or more grapples called Slash Harkens, including flying versions. The Lancelot has one that can act like a pole to [[RocketJump boost itself into the air]] before it gets a flight module.
37* Hei in ''Anime/DarkerThanBlack'' uses it (even with retractor) frequently on buildings and people alike, but with snap hooks on a thin metallic cable, not grappling hooks. And in two cases when he really needed to shoot some grapple far, he used a ''[[http://www.epicwin.org/img/darkerthanblack/24/04.jpg crossbow]]''. Hei's grapple line thing also seems to be anchored at one foot and at his waist on the same side, so there's no super-human arm strength involved.
38* ''Anime/DigimonAdventure2020'' has [[MonsterOfTheWeek Gokumon]], a mechanical skeleton that has one of these [[ArmCannon for a hand]]. It fires the grappling-hook hand to [[YouWillNotEvadeMe reel MetalGreymon in]] preparation for a firenado attack.
39* ''Anime/DoraemonNobitasTreasureIsland'': The pirate mooks led by Vivi and Gaga use grappling launchers to force their way aboard Doraemon's ship in their first encounter.
40* ''Anime/{{Gasaraki}}'' has MiniMecha equipped with a pair of these in the shoulders. The pilot [[CallingYourAttacks activates them with a brief voice command]] and the [[AMechByAnyOtherName Tactical Armor]] automatically adjusts angle and power to land on rooftops and hopefully latch onto something, then winches the machine up to the top. Part of the reasoning for this is to allow the TA to get to the rooftop where it can get a good vantage on things like tanks, which would have trouble firing back. As one character observes, this allows them to use infantry tactics with armor-grade weaponry.
41* ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}''
42** The MS-07 B-3 Gouf Custom, seen in ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamThe08thMSTeam'', exchanges the Heat Rod of the original model for an electrified grappling line. In the suit's first appearance, the pilot uses it '' to swing from enemy jets in flight''. Note that the jets aren't good for much afterwards.
43** The EB-05s Schwalbe Graze seen in ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamIronBloodedOrphans'' possesses a [=GR-Es02=] Wire Claw that is mounted on the units left forearm that is specifically designed to launch a dual-pronged claw mounted to a several kilometer long metal cable that is used for the purpose of latching the unit onto a ship or an enemy Mobile Suit in order to restrain them. Gaelio Bauduin ended up losing his Mobile Suits' Wire Claw in combat with the ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos in Mars' lower orbit; who would take the Wire Claw to replace the left gauntlet armor it had lost in the same battle. The Mobile Suits' pilot Mikazuki Augus would use his newly-acquired Wire Claw to restrain and drag in Lafters' [[FragileSpeedster STH-14s Hyakuri]] during Tekkadans' brief sortie with Teiwaz.
44* ''Anime/KillLaKill'': In her next battle with Jakuzure, Ryuko uses miniature grappling hooks from Senketsu to anchor her on the platform so Jakuzure's sound blasts can't move her.
45* From ''Manga/MyHeroAcademia'', Sero's tape dispenser elbows can essentially work like this as the tape he shoots out from them can be rolled back in order to pull himself up (or pull other people towards him).
46* Tiana in ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaStrikers'' has a magical Grappling-Hook Pistol as part of her gun device.
47* ''Manga/OnePiece'': Usopp, being a sometime GadgeteerGenius, debuted something along these lines in the Skypiea arc: it fired from his belt, enabling him (in theory) to swing from tree to tree. It was called something along the lines of "Usopp [[Franchise/{{Tarzan}} AaahAahAahAahAahAah]]!" In practice, he didn't figure a good way to ''detach'', which kept him from actually getting anywhere.
48* Inexplicably, Hibari from ''Manga/Reborn2004'' has one inside ''his tonfas''.
49* Joe the Condor's sidearm in ''Anime/ScienceNinjaTeamGatchaman''. Not only can it fire bullets or a hookline from the front, but also has a large weighted hook on the back and the gun can fire backwards. Joe will often use this to hit enemies that sneak up behind him. In one instance, he tricks someone who knocks him down, steals his gun, and tries to use it against him to kill himself by switching the triggers beforehand. Ryu the Owl carries a much smaller, normal one as well.
50* ''Manga/SteamDetectives'' has the Wire Gun attachment for Narutaki's revolver.
51[[/folder]]
52
53[[folder:Comic Books]]
54* ''ComicBook/{{Batman}}'': Batman and all adaptations based on him - his grappling hook gun is [[DoesNotLikeGuns the one gun that he's willing to use]]. Note that in his case, the line - often called "silken rope" in older stories - is a lot older than the launch mechanism; in those olden days, he and Robin would frequently just tie it around a Batarang and launch it with [[BadassNormal brute muscle power]].
55** Batman's sidekicks (Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Cassandra Cain and Damian Wayne) and extended Batfamily all use the same tech or variations on it to get around Gotham at night.
56** Batman also [[AlternateCompanyEquivalent inspired]] Nighthawk from the ComicBook/SquadronSupreme in its many incarnations. Particularly in the "Supreme" series, in his own mini he uses it to blast through his analogue of the Joker, Whiteface, to create an anchor as he jumps after a baby he threw off. Then proceeds to kill him (Whiteface, not the baby!) by ripping out his guts with it.
57** In ''ComicBook/TheDarkKnightReturns'', Batman opts for a grappling-hook ''rifle''. Of course, that was made before Batman's grappling gun was standard fare.
58* ''ComicBook/{{Darkhawk}}'': Darkhawk has one built into his armor.
59* ''ComicBook/{{Deadpool}}'': Hilariously and realistically used in one issue. Yes, he has the gun. But using it to go up 90 floors of a building takes ''forever''.
60* ''ComicBook/DeffSkwadron'': Killboy has one built into his bionik arm, which he uses to hijack a plane (while it's still flying).
61* ''ComicBook/ElMarvo'': Knuckle Duster uses one of these in the first issue to descend an elevator shaft.
62* ''ComicBook/NightRaven'': Night Raven wields one of these.
63* ''ComicBook/PS238'': Moonshadow's costume includes a built-in grapple gun. He is getting better at using it.
64* ''ComicBook/SandmanMysteryTheatre'': In the 1940s, the Sandman had one called a "wirepoon gun". His [[LegacyCharacter successor]], Sand, has used it as a weapon a couple of times. As a younger hero once pointed out: "Wirepoon. Sounds kinda dirty."
65* ''ComicBook/TheScorpion'': the title character uses a grappling hook crossbow.
66* ''ComicBook/SpiderMan'': Spider-Man's webshooters are similar, but it uses a special strong adhesive chemical called "web-fluid" instead. The ''Film/SpiderManTrilogy'' replaces the web fluid with "natural" spider webs, akin to his time after ''[[ComicBook/TheAmazingSpiderManJMichaelStraczynski the Other]]''. ''Film/TheAmazingSpiderMan'' goes back to the webshooters. It's called web-fluid due to the fact that it has a tensile strength, appearance, and many physical properties similar to actual spider-webs. Given that it's essentially malleable fluid [[DuctTapeForEverything duct-tape]], it's about as versatile as it gets, regarding this trope. The web-launchers are also really tiny, mostly because they're gas powered and most of the power comes from the web fluid expanding on contact with air.
67** Spider-Man's ally and ex-girlfriend, the Characters/{{Black Cat|MarvelComics}}, has grappling hook launchers built into her gloves and is a straighter example of this trope.
68* ''ComicBook/TomorrowStories'': Greyshirt's ClassyCane doubles as one, and he’s not above weaponizing it.
69* ''ComicBook/{{Watchmen}}'': Rorschach has a Grappling-Hook Pistol that operates on compressed carbon dioxide gas; not only is it his trademark tool, [[ImprovisedWeapon he actually shoots someone with it at one point]]. It's also quite big, nearly lifesize to the real versions. Rorschach was actually given the grappling hook by Nite Owl, a CrimeFightingWithCash, [[WhereDoesHeGetAllThoseWonderfulToys gadgets galore]] type of hero who ends up appearing very similar to Batman -- even though he's actually a CaptainErsatz for the second ComicBook/BlueBeetle. Rorschach's gun is a lot more realistic than Batman's. It's much bigger, and it also doesn't have a motor in it to elevate him.
70* Marshal Holly Day uses one to make her way across Tombstone in ''ComicBook/WynonnaEarp: Home on the Strange''.
71[[/folder]]
72
73[[folder:Fan Works]]
74* Calvin and Hobbes, emulating Franchise/{{Batman}} in a CrossOver with him, use these in ''Fanfic/CalvinAndHobbesTheSeries''.
75* In ''Fanfic/LightAndDarkTheAdventuresOfDarkYagami'', it's mentioned at one point that a helicopter the heroes use has "grapple guns like in BATMAN" in storage. They're used to enter [[IAmNotShazam Yotsuba]]'s house from a distance, as well as blowing up the front door, somehow.
76* ''Fanfic/HereComesTheNewBoss'': Taylor builds a pair of grappling hook launchers into the arms of her PoweredArmor. They don't quite attach fast enough for a proper BuildingSwing -- the impact triggers either deploying barbs from the head, or drilling into the surface, depending on how it struck -- but they can get her around faster than walking, and she finds combat uses for them, too, such as [[spoiler:slowing down Rune's floating platform by anchoring herself to the platform and the ground]].
77* ''WebVideo/ImAMarvelAndImADC'': Batman in The Randomverse.
78* ''Fanfic/TheSecretReturnOfAlexMack'': Hanna gets a pair of grappling hook pistols from Batman, and the BuildingSwing quickly becomes her favourite way of traveling around. She doesn't have his level of experience with them, but her genetic enhancements give her exceptional hand-eye coordination and upper body strength.
79* ''Fanfic/ThisBites'': Cross takes possession of the "Usopp [=AaahAahAahAahAahAah=]!" device from canon, though only after telling Usopp to actually add a release mechanism to it, and makes use of it on several occasions.
80[[/folder]]
81
82[[folder:Film -- Animation]]
83* ''WesternAnimation/TheBadGuys2022'': When cornered at the museum, Mr. Wolf tries to use a grappling gun to pull himself and his cohorts to the ceiling to escape. All it does, however, is pull off his pants, leaving him in his underwear.
84* ''Anime/BatmanNinja'': Having time-travelled to feudal Japan, Batman throws down a [[SmokeOut smoke bomb]] to hide himself from advancing samurai, draws his grappling gun... and realizes that it won't work as [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome there aren't any tall buildings in the village]], so [[BoringButPractical he has to run away on foot]].
85* Early on in ''Anime/TheCastleOfCagliostro'', Lupin uses this tool to save Clarisse from falling off the cliff, they end up in a Literal Cliffhanger.
86* In ''WesternAnimation/RobinHood1973'', Robin and Little John would fire rope arrows to set up escape paths to move themselves and money. Unlike Batman's sidekick Robin, this Robin does it with a bit of realism, in that once the arrow was fired, somebody on the other end had to tie it off, instead of relying on the arrow to support the weight.
87* In ''WesternAnimation/SherlockGnomes'', Watson's cane doubles as a grappling-hook gun.
88[[/folder]]
89
90[[folder:Film -- Live-Action]]
91* ''Film/{{Alien}}'': Ripley uses one to send the Alien out the shuttle's airlock.
92* In the climax of ''Film/TheAssignment1997'', KGB commandos use crossbows firing grappling hooks when assaulting the safehouse of Carlos the Jackal.
93* ''Franchise/{{Batman}}'':
94** ''Film/Batman1989'' was the first to give Batman an actual grapple gun, as opposed to the batarang with a rope tied to it he relied on before. In the film, Batman asks Vicki Vale her weight to find out if his device will be able to hoist both of them off the ground. She lies about her weight, and the device malfunctions halfway up. In another instance, he uses one that fires hooks in two opposite directions. Instead of lifting him off the ground, this allows for rapid horizontal movement by acting as a zip line. It has continued all the way into the re-imagined franchise.
95** In ''Film/BatmanReturns'', Batman has weaponized the grappling hook gun, and makes use of it in that capacity against a Red Triangle thug holding a woman hostage. Batman fires at the goon and seemingly missed, hitting the wall behind his head. After the thug taunts Batman, the Dark Knight pulls on the rope, [[ExactlyWhatIAimedAt ripping out a piece of the wall to hit the thug in the back of the head]].
96** In ''Film/BatmanBegins'', the titular character's [[WhereDoesHeGetAllThoseWonderfulToys wonderful toy]] allows him to latch onto a monorail car as it makes its way towards Wayne Tower in the finale of the film. It also established a bit of slightly more realistic tech to the gun; the gun fires the projectile but it is anchored to the suit and the belt has a motor for the ascension. Since his costume is likely built with a harness that means it isn't reliant on his physical strength to hold on and allows him to snatch mooks and pull them to the ceiling.
97** The Joker's men use one in the opening bank robbery in ''Film/TheDarkKnight'', though it is the size of a grenade launcher instead of a pistol because they're [[LawOfInverseRecoil not as]] [[RuleOfCool cool]] as Batman. This is also because the current film franchise is doing its best to be realistic, and the Joker's thugs don't have the benefit of Bruce Wayne's company providing them with innovative technological solutions (read: superscience); they have to go with the tools they can snag off the black market or build themselves.
98* In ''Film/CharliesAngels2000'', Alex uses a grappling hook bow repeatedly throughout the movie, most notably at the end when she hooks it into the fuselage of an airborne helicopter with enough force that it can hold all three of the girls.
99-->'''Alex:''' Let's see if I can win the ''teddyyyy beaarrrrrrr!!!!''
100* Franchise/DCExtendedUniverse:
101** In ''Film/BatmanVSupermanDawnOfJustice'', Batman's grappling pistol sees a fair bit of use both during the fight against Luthor's mooks at the warehouse and during the final battle with Doomsday, with Batman using it to evade Doomday's [[EyeBeams heat vision]].
102** In ''Film/ZackSnydersJusticeLeague'', Batman also uses it against the Parademons and to navigate shafts in the tunnels of Gotham Harbor and inside the nuclear plant serving as Steppenwolf's base.
103** In ''Film/TheSuicideSquad'', Bloodsport's bracers include an extensible cable apparatus that he uses to help climbing, notably when trying to infiltrate the palace. He also uses it when Jotunheim is crumbling around the Squad to break his fall, although he still gets slammed into a wall, and the steel tip embedded in concrete can't support his weight for long.
104* A helicopter is brought down with one in ''Film/FarCry''. Valerie accidentally fires a grappling-hook at the helicopter that is flying above the car that the main character Jack is driving. The helicopter then starts carrying the car when it goes over a cliff, and once the cable holding them together is cut, it flies up on the helicopter's main rotor and sends it crashing down.
105* In ''Film/GIJoeRetaliation'', the ninjas use these to chase Snake-Eyes and Jinx across the mountain after they kidnap Storm Shadow.
106* Data's "Pinchers of Peril" in ''Film/TheGoonies''. This gadget appears to be made from [[HomemadeInventions wind-up teeth and a Slinky]] and turns out to be useful not only in saving him from a fall, but also for a later GroinAttack against the Fratellis.
107* A realistic version is used in ''Film/GrandSlam'' when the CaperCrew use a line thrower to string a cable from the clock tower of the school to the diaond company across the street.
108* The martial arts film ''Film/HeroesOfSung'' has a low-tech version, being the main villain's weapon; an EpicFlail that ends with a bronze claw fist. He can hurl this weapon to claw his opponents or to steal objects without being noticed by the heroes, which he repeatedly demonstrates throughout the film.
109* ''Film/HoboWithAShotgun'' gives us an interesting variant used by Grinder, one half of The Plague. Instead of using it to scale walls, however, it's used [[spoiler: as a kind of gallows-gun, the rope ending in a noose and not attached to the gun.]]
110* ''Film/InLikeFlint'': Derek Flint has such a device in his trick cigarette lighter - the grappler is the size of a small fishhook and the line as thin as dental floss, but he can still tightrope walk on it.
111* ''Film/JamesBond'':
112** ''Film/TheWorldIsNotEnough'' has Bond utilizing one built into his '''''wristwatch'''''.
113** And earlier than that, he uses one that's inside his ''belt'' (although it [[DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything fires pitons]] instead of a grappling hook) in ''Film/GoldenEye''.
114** At the start of ''Film/GoldenEye'' when he bungee jumps off the dam, he uses a grappling hook pistol to pull himself to the bottom.
115** Even earlier was ''Film/DiamondsAreForever,'' where he uses an almost plausible gun that fires pitons. How it's able to pierce the building when it travels as relatively slow as it does and support Bond's weight is anybody's guess.
116* ''Film/{{Mallrats}}'' explicitly references not just the trope, not just its most famous practitioner, but one of the most famous scenes using it, when, chased by [=LaFours=] (the best security guard in the mall), Silent Bob pulls out a grappling hook pistol and hauls himself and Jay up to safety; [=LaFours=] rounds the corner and doesn't see where they've gone. Then, at the top of the line:
117-->'''Jay:''' [[ShoutOut Where do you get those wonderful toys]]?
118* Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse:
119** ''Film/TheAvengers2012'': During the final battle, Hawkeye uses an arrow with a grappling-hook head to escape the roof where he'd been perched. He jumps off the roof, turns in midair, and shoots his arrow so that the hook attaches to the cornice of the building, then swings through a window and lands inside.
120** ''Film/CaptainAmericaTheWinterSoldier'':
121*** Black Widow uses one to swing under a bridge in order to escape from the Winter Soldier and his goons.
122*** The Winter Soldier is similarly equipped, and during the climactic battle he uses it to catch Falcon mid-flight and bring him down.
123** ''Film/AvengersEndgame'':
124*** On Vormir, Black Widow uses her grappling-hook apparatus to catch Hawkeye as he tries to jump from the cliff and stop his fall, allowing her to sacrifice herself in his stead.
125*** Later, in the tunnels under the Avengers Compound's ruins, Hawkeye uses a belt-mounted grapple gun to escape the pursuing Outriders up a well, cutting up the climbers still going after him with his katana.
126** In ''Film/WerewolfByNight2022'', Elsa finds a grappling hook pistol within the maze and uses it twice: first [[spoiler:grabbing the Bloodstone on Ted's back and yanking it off as he's running into the forest, and later snagging Vanessa's back to save Jack and force her to drop the Bloodstone]].
127* In ''Film/TheNakedGunTwoAndAHalf'', Drebin shoots a bulky grappling hook gun to get to the top of a building, but it hits the side of the building and falls. On his second try, the grapnel snags the collar of an angry guard dog, which then chases him around the roof.
128* Chodaboy has a sex toy variant in ''Film/{{Orgazmo}}''.
129* The evil Marines from ''Film/TheRock'' use a grappling hook rifle to set up ziplines, in order to infiltrate and steal the Chemical Weapons.
130* In the movie of ''Film/ASeriesOfUnfortunateEvents'', Klaus makes one out of an ''umbrella''. Just to clarify: the wonderful device which can't take the strain of being folded up, being opened, being rained on, or being in any kind of slight breeze, can apparently take the weight of a fourteen-year-old boy who uses it to climb up a tower. And that's not the stupidest part. In the book, it was Violet who made the hook, and it wasn't in the pistol. The movie made Klaus a bit of an AdaptationalBadass.
131* ''Film/SkyCaptainAndTheWorldOfTomorrow'' (2004). Sky Captain's modified Curtiss P-40 can fire wires tipped with spiked-grapnels, either as trip-wires for HumongousMecha, or to enable him to fly round very tight corners.
132* In ''Film/SkyHigh2005'', the [[strike:Sidekick]] [[{{Sidekick}} Hero Support]] training includes learning to use one of these; as with the ''Film/BatmanBegins'' example, the whole mechanism is built into the UtilityBelt, which acts as a harness. It also has the option to launch a net or an inflatable raft rather than a line.
133* In the opening of the sci-fi movie ''Film/{{Slipstream|1989}}'' (1989), a BountyHunter played by Creator/MarkHamill uses one to capture wanted fugitive Byron, who is standing on the rocks above. The grapple spike goes right through his arm and the bounty hunter just yanks on the rope, pulling Byron off the rocks.
134* ''Film/SoClose'': Lynn has a grappling-hook launcher on her belt buckle, which she used to escape from the high building. Later, her sister, Sue, also has one and uses it in the final scene to great effect swinging around avoiding mooks, and even uses said weapon to drag a mook over a set of railings to his death. [[spoiler: She ends up killing the main villain using this weapon as well]].
135* ''Franchise/StarWars'':
136** The "ascension guns" in ''Film/ThePhantomMenace'', which seem to be an attachment to the security forces' blaster pistols. The size of the rope, at least, is {{hand wave}}d by its being "liquid cable".
137** ''Film/RevengeOfTheSith'': General Grievous has one integrated in his cyborg body. He uses it after being spaced out by the windows of the bridge shattering, anchoring to the ship so as to not drift into space.
138** Averted in ''Film/ANewHope''. When Luke and Leia are trapped by a chasm in the Death Star, Luke discovers one of the compartments of his Stormtrooper utility belt contains a grappling hook and line, but no launcher. He tosses the line so that the hook snags on some overhead piping, allowing he and Leia to swing to safety.
139** ''Film/TheEmpireStrikesBack'':
140*** The {{BFG}} versions are mounted on the snowspeeders, proof that a properly utilized grappling hook can be the bane of any HumongousMecha. It was retroactively justified by saying that the speeders were used to tow cargo containers, thus the name [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin tow cable]].
141*** The same movie has Luke fires one on the belly of an AT-AT, showing that the tip is sticking through magnetism and not a grapple. He then uses it to get high enough to reach the underbelly of the machine, open a latch with his lightsaber and toss in a bomb.
142** BB-8, being a spherical droid that's limited to rolling down surfaces with navigable inclines, has four grappling hooks built into his chassis, allowing him to pull himself over steep obstacles or out of holes.
143* In ''Film/TransformersRevengeOfTheFallen'', freaking [[AttackOfThe50FootWhatever DEVASTATOR]] has them, the better to scale a pyramid to get at the doomsday machine. You wouldn't think a robot so humongazoid that he towers over the ''standard'' HumongousMecha even more than they do above humans would do much climbing, but he can and it is awesome.
144* ''Film/VanHelsing'' used one to escape from Dr. Frankenstein's castle. In ''the 1800's''.
145* Silent Bob has a grappling hook pistol in the ''Film/TheViewAskewniverse'' films. Don't ask why.
146* A realistic version in ''Film/WhenEightBellsToll''. The secret agent played by Creator/AnthonyHopkins uses a line thrower to climb the cliff, with the line playing out from a large container at his feet rather than being attached to the launcher. There's also a moment of tension when it looks like the grappel might come loose as he's climbing.
147-->"Well this always works in those World War 2 movies!"
148[[/folder]]
149
150[[folder:Literature]]
151* ''[[RunningGag Batman]]: Inferno'', among other non-graphic-novel, non-kids'-illustrated-storybooks. The grappling gun also shows up in the novelisation of ''Batman: No Man's Land''.
152* A grappling-hook arrow was used to enter a building in one of the ''Literature/HeraldsOfValdemar'' novels. [[PsychicPowers Telekinesis]] was used to ensure it made it to the target.
153* Played straight in ''[[Literature/TheLordsOfCreation In the Courts of the Crimson Kings]]'' by Creator/SMStirling, thanks to BioPunk. A Martian 'grappeling hook' is a genetically-engineered octopoid creature that grabs onto the nearest object once it lands, thus avoiding all these problems.
154* During the siege on a town in ''Literature/TheMalloreon'', they use catapults to launch grappling hooks over the city walls. Of course instead of using them to scale the walls, they use them to pull them down. But not before Belgarion and [[spoiler:Durnik]] soak the ground good by magically creating a spring under it and turn the foundation to mud. Still, very cool.
155* In ''Literature/{{Relativity}}'', Black Torrent gives one to Dark Flame (Sara), because he knows that she doesn't have the resources to create (or buy) high-tech crimefighting gear [[CrimefightingWithCash like he does.]] She takes it as a display of affection.
156-->'''Sara:''' He gave me a grappling hook.\
157'''Madge:''' That's not the same as giving you a ring, Sara.
158* Lawman and magic user Waxillium from ''Literature/ShadowsOfSelf'' asks weaponsmith Ranette to make one for him. The first version is simply an iron hook on a rope, but since Wax is able to Push on any metals, sending them flying away from the centre of his body, it works very well. The second version is even more complicated, because the hooks are hidden within a metal sphere and can be activated and retracted remotely.
159* The "Armalite MH-12 Maghook" features heavily in Creator/MatthewReilly's ''Shane Schofield'' books. The amount of times Scarecrow and the other protagonists have had their bacon saved by the timely application of a Maghook would fill a small book by themselves. It's also started appearing in his other books. One scene in ''Ice Station'' also has the protagonists realize the potential of them as [[LethalHarmlessPowers offensive weapons]]: all the force required to launch the hooks the required distance means they could potentially crush a man's ribcage at close range. Useful if you're in a highly flammable atmosphere and can't use guns because they'd cause an explosion.
160* The Kouriers in ''Literature/SnowCrash'' couldn't work if they weren't able to grab onto passing cars with their magnetic "'[[DoubleEntendre poons]]".
161* In ''[[Literature/TheStainlessSteelRat The Stainless Steel Rat Wants You!]]'', Jim [=diGriz=] uses a grapple-hook gun with a magnetic grapple to span the space between a neighboring building and the HQ of the [[IntimidatingRevenueService Interstellar Internal and External Revenue Service]], so he can get into their computer systems and erase all their files on him.
162* In the ''Literature/StarTrekTyphonPact'' novel ''Zero-Sum Game'', Bashir and Sarina Douglas have "bolt-launchers" which resemble tiny harpoon-guns trailing monofiliment wire. They can also be set for zero-recoil for use in space, although at one point Bashir intentionally ''doesn't'' do this to use it as a low-power personal thruster.
163* Generator (Jade Sinclair) at the SuperHeroSchool Whateley Academy in the ''Literature/WhateleyUniverse'' has one in an arm bracer. But she can cheat. [[spoiler:She can cast a psychokinetic copy of herself into objects, so she can always make the "grappler" end do what she wants.]]
164* Justified with Flechette of ''Literature/{{Worm}}'', who has a [[GadgeteerGenius tinker]] made chain fabrication machine installed in her arbalest, which when combined with her power to [[NoArcInArchery make a projectile ignore gravity]], allows her to overcome the difficulties inherent in this trope.
165[[/folder]]
166
167[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
168* ''Series/{{Andromeda}}'''s Eureka Maru used nigh-unbreakable Fullerene "buckycables" to collect [[strike:anything not nailed down]] salvage. And the force lances could be rigged for grapple-launching as well (Though it doesn't quite qualify as a "pistol" since the lance is extended for grapple-launching.)
169* Spoofed in the ''Series/{{Angel}}'' episode "Lonely Hearts" when our hero tries to use a grappling hook gun to get himself and Detective Kate Lockley (prompting the response "...who ''are'' you?") out of a room they are trapped in, but the wooden beam the wire attaches to crumbles under their weight. The device does get used once more in "She", but Angel prefers to use his powers rather than gadgets, so Wesley (being a BadassNormal and [[Franchise/JamesBond British]]) starts using it in Season 5 once he TookALevelInBadass.
170* ''Series/{{Arrow}}'' uses a slightly more plausible variant with the line attached to an arrow and the vigilante either ziplining on his bow or using some kind of portable winch to rapidly ascend to the tops of buildings. No explanation as to where he's keeping all that rope.
171* The '60s ''Series/{{Batman|1966}}'' features a grappling hook ''mortar'' in one episode. In fact, "rope climbing up a building that looks suspiciously like the camera was set on its side" is one of the hallmark TV Batman scenes (bonus points for surprise pop-up celebrity cameos).
172* ''Series/{{Batwoman|2019}}''. Naturally this is one of several "Bat-gadgets" that Kate Kane inherits from her cousin Bruce Wayne.
173** In "Down Down Down", Kate picks up a twin hook launcher invented by Bruce Wayne that naturally turns out to be [[ChekhovsGun just what she needs to stop a falling elevator in that same episode]].
174** At the start of Season 2, Ryan Wilder finds the Batsuit and puts it on without any idea of how to use it. On firing the grapple gun to escape from a couple of thugs, she ends up swinging back-and-forth above their heads while they shoot at her -- fortunately the Batsuit is bulletproof.
175* One of the realistic prop gadgets Jett has on the set is a compact grappling hook, which is used to rescue his best friend who's trapped in a well in the pilot episode of ''Series/TheFamousJettJackson''.
176* One of the gadgets used by ''Series/KamenRiderDouble'' protagonist Shotaro is the Spider Shock, a wristwatch that can turn into a robot spider and has this as one of its functions.
177* As mentioned in the trope description, tested by the ''Series/MythBusters'', and partially busted. The ascension system worked fine (powered by a battery on Jaime's belt) but the propulsion system to launch the hook (or, specifically, a harpoon able to embed itself securely in concrete to make a zipline) makes it far bigger than hand-held. The main thing to consider, and something they point out themselves, is that while they are skilled engineers and have access to some of the top quality materials in the business, they are still working with a limited time frame. It can be considered that if they spent years of R&D they might create something even more compact and capable of doing both things without issue.
178* Delta Runner Two in ''Series/PowerRangersSPD'' has a magnetic grappler. The Series/PowerRangersOperationOverdrive were also equipped with "OO zip shooters".
179* ''Series/StarTrekEnterprise'' was equipped with the Grappler -- not a primitive tractor beam, as you might expect, but twin starship-hauling-sized grappling hooks.
180* ''Franchise/UltraSeries'': A good-sized number of the Ultramen's opponents have built-in versions of these, notably Barabas from ''Series/UltramanAce'', Tyrant from ''Series/UltramanTaro'' ([[HybridMonster which is actually that of Barabas]]), Alien Babalou from ''Series/UltramanLeo'', and Alien Reflect from Series/UltramanMebius''.
181* H.G. Wells' Grappler in ''Series/Warehouse13''. Strangely, it's put into the Warehouse after she gives it to Myka. It's hard to believe a grappling gun would be a dangerous Artifact, especially since it would be fairly easy to check for its "Artifact-ness" (simply dunk it into the purple liquid they use; if there's a flash, it's an Artifact). On the other hand, some of the items kept in the Warehouse are not Artifacts per se but simply ingenious inventions that some Warehouse agent has decided not to give to the world (the Tesla, for example, would be extremely useful for crowd control or hostage rescue; and the Farnsworth would make cell phones obsolete; then there's the electric car that can be powered by a person's bio-electricity). It is lost in Season 3 when used by Myka to temporarily keep an elevator from falling. The rope snaps a few seconds later, and the Grappler is, presumably, destroyed when the elevator crashes.
182* James West not only uses one routinely in ''Series/TheWildWildWest'', but also manages to have it imperceptibly hidden up his sleeve on a mechanism that would shove it into his hand on demand. He is also able to produce various other devices as needed by the plot, including guns, knives, and, most improbably, a flare launcher.
183[[/folder]]
184
185[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
186* In ''Batman: The Animated Series - Shadow of the Bat'', the grappling gun is a disposable gadget card, that lets Batman and the Bat Family move any distance in any direction across the board, and even to grab an ally and reposition them anywhere along their path in a straight line. It's useful for maneuvering ''and'' rescues.
187* The one in the ''Cash 'n Guns Team Spirit'' expansion gives the option to damage another player ''or'' steal one of their loot cards, if a "Bang" card is used successfully.
188* ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' introduced the Rod of Ropes in ''Complete Scoundrel'', which allows wielders to use it as a grapple gun, a zip-line, or as a rope dispenser.
189* There is a grappling hook coil gun in ''TabletopGame/{{GURPS}}: Ultra-Tech''. Rather than a pistol it's counted as a form of grenade launcher. You can use it to play {{Franchise/Batman}}.
190* ''TabletopGame/LegendSystem'' gives these out to Rangers as part of the [[CrazyPrepared Professional Soldier]] track. In addition to the usual wall scaling duties it lets you [[SimpleYetAwesome make a short range attack that knock opponents down]] and drags them over to you.
191* In ''TabletopGame/{{Necromunda}}'' the Grapnel Launcher[[note]]known simply as a Grapnel in the first two editions of the game[[/note]] is a magnetic grappling hook that can be purchased at a trading post. The 1st and 2nd Edition versions were Rare Items of wargear that allowed a model to winch themselves up and down levels instead of moving normally and could also be used as weak ImprovisedWeapon. The 3rd Edition version meanwhile is a Common Item what allows the user to move in any direction by using a special action but cannot be used as a weapon.
192* ''TabletopGame/{{Pathfinder}}'' includes some [[TrickArrow Trick Arrows]] serving this purpose, such as barbed arrows that grapple a foe and grappling arrows that are just small grappling hooks. In a slight nod toward realism, these arrows have a greatly reduced range compared to normal arrows. There are also grappling bolts and hand crossbows for the closest low-tech equivalent to this trope. The ''[[SchizoTech Technology Guide]]'' gives us an autograpnel as a two-handed gun.
193* ''TabletopGame/RocketAge'' features the grappler, a lightweight rifle sized grapnel launcher with a magnetic head and vise-like claws. They're usually used by asteroid belt miners who'd rather not drift off into the deep black.
194* ''TabletopGame/{{Shadowrun}}'' features grappling hook guns, along with rules for use as weapons (dealing stun damage) and implantation as cyberware.
195* In ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000'' the [[SuperiorSuccessor Primaris]] [[SuperSoldier Marine]] [[TerrorHero Reivers]] can be equipped with grapnel launchers in order to scale buildings and ruins as part of their infiltrations. In the 8th Edition of the game, these launchers allow Reivers to ignore vertical distances when moving, something all other infantry models must factor into their movement.
196[[/folder]]
197
198[[folder:Video Games]]
199* ''VideoGame/AHatInTime'': Hat Kid's umbrella eventually gets an upgrade from a hat badge that allows the player to grapple towards certain points.
200* The bonus levels of the first ''VideoGame/AliensVsPredator'' game on the PC gave a grappling hook to the marine to allow him to traverse the Alien levels.
201* ''VideoGame/{{Arumana no Kiseki}}'' (''Miracle of Almana''), a side-scrolling platformer by {{Creator/Konami}} released exclusively in Japan for the Family Computer Disk System, features an Indiana Jones-like adventurer who navigates a cave by grappling hook.
202* ''VideoGame/AssassinsCreedSyndicate'' adds these to the Assassins' armaments. They can be used to quickly ascend, or create a zip-line at variable angles that can be ridden up or down.
203* ''VideoGame/AtelierRyza2LostLegendsAndTheSecretFairy'': The Emerald Band isn't exactly a pistol, but it's close enough: it's a bracelet which uses alchemy to launch a magical string which Ryza can use to swing across pits like Tarzan.
204* ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamAsylum'' has three, the regular one to climb (he can even use it to stop himself from falling in {{Bottomless Pit}}s.), a Burton-Bats style zipline launcher, and the Batclaw, a weaponized variant used to pull things around rather than for climbing.
205* ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamCity'': You can even upgrade it with a version equipped with a more powerful motor that not only elevates him, but launches him in the air.
206* The ''VideoGame/BatmanForever'' game for the Super NES. WebVideo/TheAngryVideoGameNerd comments on how Batman's "grappling dick" (since he shoots it out of his crotch) is activated by the freaking ''Select'' button.
207* The Special Forces expansion pack for ''[[VideoGame/{{Battlefield}} Battlefield 2]]'' gives some classes a crossbow that fires a cable that can be used as a zipline. Grappling hooks are also available to some classes, though they're the old-school hand-thrown variety.
208* Functionally, this was the main power of the main character in the [=NES=] game ''VideoGame/BionicCommando.'' Unique in how the writers recognized the inhuman strength required and explained that he had to be a cyborg with the grappling hook built in with ''hydraulics'' for this to work. Not only that, but Radd couldn't jump. ''In an NES platformer''. The programmers took a ''huge'' leap of faith here, but [[RuleOfFun it paid off]]. Although the NES game doesn't show the main character (Ladd or Radd depending on which version you're playing) being of any particular build, and looking entirely human in all respects, the Playstation 3/Xbox 360/[=PC=] remake and sequel establish that the bionic arm is ''freaking huge'', literally half the size of the titular bionic commando. As an added bonus, it allows him to pull off feats of super-human strength, though in the trailers, that strength is only applied directly to his arm, not the rest of him.
209* In ''VideoGame/BlasterMaster Overdrive'', the [[CoolCar S.O.P.H.I.A.]] can acquire a grappling hook attachment to allow it to zip up toward certain ceilings.
210* Hazama/Terumi from ''VideoGame/BlazBlue'' can use his Ouroboros Drive in this manner to pull himself to his opponents.
211* ''VideoGame/BoogieWings'' have your CoolPlane equipped with one of these, called the Skyhook, attached to it's underbelly. You can use it to snatch enemy vehicles and lift them before dropping them on enemies, and it's effective even when used on tanks and enemy jets the same size as yours.
212* Section has one on his Data Glove Paired in ''VideoGame/CallOfDutyBlackOpsII''.
213* Trilby, of the ''VideoGame/ChzoMythos'', uses a Grappling Hook ''umbrella'', and it works.
214%% Needs Context * ''VideoGame/ClusterTruck'' has one as an unlockable.
215* ''VideoGame/DarkMessiah'' gives you the Rope Bow, a magic bow that upon hitting something made of wood spits out a bit of rope for you to swing/climb on.
216* ''VideoGame/DCUniverseOnline'' allows any character who chooses the "Acrobatics" travel power set to utilize Batman Style grappling hooks. It comes in two varieties: A vertical shot to ascend buildings and a horizontal shot to head towards climbable walls. It's the fastest way to ascend vertically, but limited by the need for a wall to climb.
217* ''VideoGame/DeadCells'':
218** The Heavy Crossbow is a ShortRangeShotgun with a harpoon launcher that yanks enemies into its opimum range.
219** The Tentacle does the opposite. It lassos an enemy and drags the Beheaded into melee range.
220** The Grappling Hook (which the Catcher enemy uses) can also lasso enemies, but drags them instead. It stuns, but doesn't hurt like the other two.
221* Two variations in ''VideoGame/DeepRockGalactic'': the Grappling Hook can pull a Scout across a cave with ease, or the Scout can release it halfway to ride the momentum in an arc, or they can even pull themselves into the ground to negate all fall damage. However, the Scout can't carry any large objects with them. Alternately, the Gunner can set up Zip-Lines, which can be used multiple times, by multiple characters, riding up or down, but he has a limited supply of them and they can only be fired within certain angles (i.e. not too steep).
222* ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry'':
223** In ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry3DantesAwakening'', Kalina Ann has a Gunslinger move that impales and grapples the enemy with its bayonet.
224** The Devil Bringer's functions in ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry4'' include "Snatch" and "Hell Bound", two abilities that allow Nero to pull enemies toward him or fling himself towards them respectively by extending a spectral arm. Certain objects in the environment can also be gripped, allowing him to reach distant areas or grab collectibles that are normally out of reach. Nero later replicates these functions in ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry5'' via his prosthetic arm's "Wire Snatch", although [[spoiler:he recovers the original spectral arm variant at the end of the game, which can be used in NewGamePlus playthroughs]].
225** In the ''[[UpdatedRerelease Special Edition]]'' of ''Devil May Cry 4'', Lady's Kalina Ann has a {{bayonet|Ya}} that can be fired to perform similar grappling hook functions that allow her to rappel towards objects in the environment, though she tends to use it to fling enemies into the air rather than pull them closer.
226** In ''VideoGame/DMCDevilMayCry'', Dante can acquire Ophion, a form of the Rebellion that's effectively a grappling hook capable of either pulling targets toward him (labeled in-game as Demon Pull), or vice-versa, letting Dante hook himself to the target (labeled in-game as Angel Lift). Most platforming sections mandate the use of this tool while interacting with environmental obstacles.
227* In ''VideoGame/DoomEternal'', the Super Shotgun gets a "Meathook" attachment that pulls the player towards any demon it latches on to. Combine it with the Air Control (and [[BulletTime Chrono Strike]]) rune and you can pull off some crazy mid-air maneuvers. It can even be upgraded to set demons on fire.
228* ''VideoGame/EarthDefenseForceIronRain'' has the Prowl Rider [[PoweredArmor PA Gear]], which -- taking a page from ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'' -- comes with waist-mounted grappling hooks to propel the player through the air.
229* ''VideoGame/EarthwormJim'' parodies this by using ''himself'' as a grappling hook for his PoweredArmour. And his nemesis Psy-Crow uses a grappling ''fishhook'' gun as his weapon to try and pry Jim ''out'' of his suit.
230* Jessica from ''VideoGame/EndlessNightmare: Shrine'' is an IntrepidMerchant who uses her grappling hook-launcher to bypass mummies and Anubians, easily staying one step ahead of the player. Should the player try robbing her, she'll effortlessly launch her hook and lift herself out the area.
231* One of the upgrades in ''VideoGame/EnvironmentalStationAlpha'' is the Hookshot and much of the game's platforming centers around careful use of the it to swing towards high places.
232* ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'':
233** Various characters in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVIIRemake'' use the grappling hook guns in-game as well as in-story. One chapter even allows players to aim the gun to places where they need to go.
234** Following the popular trend in open-world games, ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXV'''s ''Episode Ignis'' gives Ignis a grappling-hook pistol that lets him quickly climb up the tall building and lampposts of Altissia from the very bottom of its canals. It can also be used to start special finishing moves against large enemies.
235** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyMysticQuest'' has the Dragon Claw for this purpose.
236* In ''VideoGame/FreedomWars'', Sinners are equipped with the Ibara Hookshot/Thorn, a thorny vine-like whip that runs on Will'O energy. The Thorns are used for zipping across the battlefield, clinging onto walls or Abductors, grabbing resources from a distance, reviving allies, and dragging drones and Abductors down to the ground. Depending on the Thorn type, the Thorn can either [[DamagerHealerTank stun enemies, heal allies, or build protective barriers]].
237* The protagonist of ''[[{{Creator/Nitrome}} Frost Bite]]'', a would-be mountain climber, uses this as both her only mountain-climbing equipment and her primary defense against [[BigfootSasquatchAndYeti yeti]]s and the like.
238%%* ''VideoGame/GanbareGoemon'': Goemon never leaves home without his chain pipe.
239* ''VideoGame/{{Ganryu}}'' grants you a hooked flail made of iron claws to swing across pits and climb ledges.
240* ''VideoGame/GhostOfTsushima'' has a low-tech variant in the Iron Hook, a "[[{{Ninja}} Ghost]]" tool consisting of [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin an iron hook]] attached to a sturdy rope that is thrown rather than fired. With it, Jin Sakai can scale walls and sheer cliffs, as well as swing from certain vantage points.
241* Jack from ''VideoGame/{{Ghostrunner}}'' can shoot out an electric blue cord that can pull him towards any loose hooks or platforms within range. This is a core part of the game's platforming, allowing you to pull yourself from one side of an arena to the other to juke your enemies or to ascend up a massive room filled with lasers one hook at a time.
242* ''VideoGame/GodOfWar'': Starting from the [[VideoGame/GodOfWarII second game]], Kratos has the ability to use his [[WhipSword Blades]] akin to a pair of grappling hooks.
243* ''VideoGame/GoofTroop'' has this as one of the most useful items. Doubles as a way to defeat small enemies or stun big ones, and as a way to make a rope bridge.
244* ''VideoGame/GrappleDog's'' core gameplay centers around a dog with a grappling hook, which is used to navigate the game's platforming.
245* The ''VideoGame/HalfLifeOpposingForce'' expansion features a grappling hook weapon, although not a pistol. Rather, it's an alien barnacle that's been detached and that can be used on some maps to latch onto biological outcroppings. And in ''WebVideo/FreemansMind'', Gordon Freeman's InternalMonologue continually laments that his HEV suit doesn't have one.
246* ''VideoGame/{{Hangzo}}'' allows your ninja hero to release a clawed hook mid-jump, for you to grab on ledges and swing across pits or climb walls.
247* ''VideoGame/HardspaceShipbreaker:'' The Grapple you get can double as this when dealing with bigger objects. If it can't pull it to you, it'll pull you to it instead, letting you swing on its beam for faster speeds. It's useful for getting around without spending fuel, just keep a hand on the brakes if you don't want to smack into something too fast and crack your helmet.
248* ''VideoGame/HellgateLondon'': These appear as a Crusader weapon. However, instead of being used for anything remotely plausible, they're used to grab enemies and ''[[Franchise/MortalKombat drag them to you]].''. Why? [[RuleOfCool Because it's cool.]]
249* In ''VideoGame/HenryStickmin: Fleeing the Complex'', Henry can try using a hookshot to reach up an area. Unfortunately, the shot ends up missing its mark and causes Henry to bash his head into a door.
250* Batman uses it again in ''VideoGame/InjusticeGodsAmongUs''. This time, he can shoot it either forward or upward (to intercept the opponent if he or she is jumping). Along with making a ''Franchise/MortalKombat'' ShoutOut.
251-->'''Batman:''' Get down here!
252* ''VideoGame/HiddenDragonLegend'' have one called The Claw, which you conveniently obtain in the basement of the Taiyuan Pagoda, since the same stage requires you to scale the pagoda's rooftops with it. You'll use the claw to snatch ledges and platforms for several climbing-based missions, too, besides using them to take down the pesky [[AIrborneMooks Flying Puppets]] from ground-level.
253* ''Franchise/JamesBond'':
254** In ''VideoGame/AgentUnderFire'' and ''VideoGame/{{Nightfire}}'', Bond actually has one of these '''''inside his cell phone!'''''
255** In ''James Bond 007: VideoGame/EverythingOrNothing'', Bond carried a variant of this, called a "rappel gun", which functioned like a GHP, but he had to walk up a wall in order to retract it (!).
256** In ''VideoGame/TheWorldIsNotEnough'', Bond gets a watch with several functions, including a grappling hook. Of course, in single player you had to aim for a large yellow and black block on the ceiling, after which a rope would "fall down" for Bond to climb.
257** ''VideoGame/DoubleOhSevenFromRussiaWithLove'' featured the "Rappel Belt." True to the '60s flair of the game, this was a hook that detached from Bond's belt and had to be thrown onto ledges, and climbing would retract it. It was a little more flexible than ''Eon's'' rappel gun in that Bond could swing across ledges with it.
258* ''VideoGame/JetIsland'': The player has two mounted to the wrists. They end up being the main way to get around quickly.
259* Balthazar, a pirate boss from ''VideoGame/JitsuSquad'', wields an {{anchors|away}} as his weapon, which contains a hidden chain-launcher that turns his anchor into an impromptu grappling hook gun. He'll repeatedly use his anchor-on-a-chain swing around the arena during battle.
260* ''VideoGame/JustCause'' and its sequels. Used not only to hijack planes and helicopters, but also to glide while being towed by a car. The sequel also allows the player to hook a mook to a vehicle and drag him around, while ''3'' amps up the destructive potential by letting both ends, attached to different objects/people, retract at high speed, turning the grappling hook into an excellent building wrecker. In the first game, it was an actual pistol, which meant equipping it restricted you to one other one-handed weapon, while later games turned into an gauntlet that was always available and never limited your weapons.
261* ''VideoGame/JusticeLeagueHeroes'' puts an interesting twist on the usual usage. Since there's little to no platforming in the game, Batman's GHP instead is used in an attack: He shoots it at an enemy, and the GHP pulls him into the enemy for a kick.
262* ''VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends'' has a few variations of the concept:
263** [[TheJuggernaut Nautilus]] does this with an ''[[AnchorsAway anchor]]'' on a rope, pulling him to things it collides with. He can use it on terrain to get the distance to escape or engage, and if he hits an enemy with it, they both slam into each other in the middle.
264** [[RobotBuddy Blitzcrank]] mixes this with a RocketPunch, where he launches off his right hand to grab an enemy and pull them back to him. It's a simple, and incredibly effective way to doom an important target (like, say, [[GlassCannon the squishy enemy carry]]) to the mercy of Blitzcrank and his team.
265** [[ProfessionalKiller Camille]] has a pair of hookshots built into [[ArmedLegs her huge cybernetic murder legs]], and fit into a more traditional example since they do no direct damage to enemies, functioning instead to pull her towards a wall. Once there though, [[KickChick it's divekick time]].
266** [[MageMarksman Akshan]] has a magic, [[LightEmUp light-firing]], [[BackFromTheDead ally-resurrecting]] gun called the Absolver that he also attached a grappling hook onto to fit his fighting style. Making use of both the "grappling hook" and "pistol" components, he can [[DynamicEntry swing around terrain]] and blast apart evildoers with the same device.
267* ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfTianding'' has the titular character using a spiderwire, a grappling hook on a fine chain for snatching ledges in mid-air to reach higher areas. One stage even allows him to perform SteppingStonesInTheSky by using the wire to snatch ''flying eagles''.
268* ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'':
269** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkToThePast'': The series-classic Hookshot made its debut in this game and has appeared, in some form or another, in nearly every game in the series afterwards. It is a SchizoTech-tastic item that shoots out a VariableLengthChain that latches on to wooden objects or specialized targets. In this game specifically, it is the flagship item of the Swamp Palace.
270** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime'': The game has both the basic Hookshot and the upgraded Longshot, which, obviously, is quite a bit longer. Only Adult Link can use them, since his Child form already has the Boomerang for long-range stunning attacks.
271** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaMajorasMask'': Link, who is always a child in this game, can now find and use the Hookshot in his current age, namely a version whose range is average between the two ''Ocarina'' versions. None of his alternate versions (Deku, Goron, Zora, Fierce Deity) are suited to use it.
272** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOracleOfAges'': The Switch Hook, rather than pulling Link toward an object, makes him switch places with it. It can also be upgraded into the Long Hook, which is about twice the length.
273** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheWindWaker'': There's a regular old [[InstantKnots Grappling Hook]], used to allow Link to traverse pitfalls or reach higher places with the help of special wooden setpieces that the Hook can be attached to. However, the classic Hookshot is present as well, only it appears ''much'' later than in other games, namely in the penultimate dungeon, so the Grappling Hook won't be superseded for a while (especially since it has other uses anyway, such as acting as a salvage crane to retrieve underwater treasure and being used to steal enemy items).
274** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess'': Found in the Lakebed Temple, the Clawshot has a few unique differences from the Hookshot (which by itself is absent this time): If you're latched onto a ceiling, you can adjust the chain's extension to go up or down; also, Link remains attached to the targeted object until the Clawshot is put away. Rather than getting a length upgrade, you get second one later on in the City in the Sky, allowing Link to BuildingSwing with the best of them.
275** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaPhantomHourglass'': Being the direct sequel to ''The Wind Waker'', the game brings back the Grappling Hook, which works differently to take advantage of the game's touch controls. Any wooden pole can be reached to as soon as Link shoots the hook at it. If the item is used between two poles, the rope will serve as a tightrope for Link to cross over or as a giant slingshot to launch him across gaps.
276** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSpiritTracks'': Byrne wears what amounts to a really big Hookshot as an ArtificialLimb over his left arm.
277** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSkywardSword'': The Dual Clawshots return in this game, and unlike in ''Twilight Princess'' they're collected together after completing the Lanayru Silent Realm challenge. It can now be used to latch onto vines, though it's important to keep an eye on Link's stamina. Due to its place of obtainment, it is implied that, like the Beetle and the Gust Bellows, it's an invention by the Ancient Robots.
278** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkBetweenWorlds'': The hookshot, in its default form, returns in this game. It is usable in eight directions rather than four like in ''A Link to the Past''. It can also be upgraded to work faster and inflict damage, whereas in ''[=ALttP=]'' it would only stun enemies that weren't specifically programmed to die from it.
279** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTriForceHeroes'': The game features the Gripshot, where it can be used to grapple onto your own teammates to traverse ledges when nothing else is available to grapple onto.
280** In ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'', Link and his clones can use the Hookshot to latch onto edges to avoid falling from the battle stage. The ''Twilight Princess'' incarnation of Link uses the Clawshots instead. By ''Ultimate'', normal Link averts this as he's based on his ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild'' version, who doesn't have a Hookshot. (Young Link and Toon Link still have their Hookshots, though.)
281* ''VideoGame/LegoAdaptationGame'':
282** The ''VideoGame/LegoBatman'' games naturally have Batman and other members of the Bat-Family wield grappling hook pistols as the only form of "gun" in their arsenals.
283** The ''VideoGame/LegoStarWars'' games allow any character with a blaster to connect it to a grappling hook. The "blaster" category includes all varieties of pistols, as well as Chewbacca's crossbow and the Ewok's slingshot.
284* ''VideoGame/LikeADragonGaidenTheManWhoErasedHisName'' sees Kiryu, as the government agent "Joryu", given a special wristwatch capable of firing grappling wires called the "Spider". In addition to being shown in cutscenes letting Kiryu swing through the air, it can also be used to [[YouWillNotEvadeMe pull in enemies]] and any weapons lying around. Outside of combat he can use it to grab items from out-of-reach places such as trees or boats.
285* One of the new power-ups introduced in ''VideoGame/LittleBigPlanet 2'' is the Grappling Hook. It basically works like a ranged version of the regular grab, plus the mobility of a Grappling Hook, of course.
286* ''VideoGame/{{Loopmancer}}'' sees you using one to snatch surfaces, where onscreen targets you can cling on are marked with indicators. It's ''very'' useful in areas loaded with platforming elements.
287* The sci-fi third-person shooter ''VideoGame/LostPlanet'' allows the protagonist to grapple up objects among other things with his Anchor. Note that the protagonist does not need a special weapon in order to grapple, but he must be on the ground to use it.
288* ''VideoGame/{{Meatgrinder}}'' grants you grappling-hook [[ArmedLegs boots]], with the barb shooting out the heel. You use it to latch on mooks and drag them to their deaths.
289* ''VideoGame/{{Mercenaries}} 2: World in Flames'' has a grappling hook used exclusively for the purpose of ''[[RuleOfCool hijacking helicopters midair]]''.
290* ''Franchise/MegaMan'':
291** The Wire Adapter from ''VideoGame/MegaMan4'' can only be fired straight up, but otherwise follows the trope. The ''VideoGame/Rockman4MinusInfinity'' ROMHack upgrades the Wire Adapter by expanding its range and allowing it to damage enemies.
292** The Thunder Claw in ''VideoGame/MegaMan8'' a Grappling Hook Pistol that doubles as a weapon. It extends its normal firing range if a grabbable object is nearby.
293** ''VideoGame/MegaManX2'' has the Strike Chain, which is a horizontal-only variant. Charging the weapon with the X-Buster upgrade extends its range.
294** The Chain Rod in ''VideoGame/MegaManZero2'' is perhaps the most versatile. It can be fired horizontally, vertically or diagonally and let you grapple from nearly any surface. It can also be used to pull crates, and occasionally, enemies around.
295* ''Franchise/{{Metroid}}'':
296** ''VideoGame/SuperMetroid'': The Grapple Beam makes its debut in this game. It's an electric gadget that allows Samus to latch onto certain objects so she can swing around.
297** ''VideoGame/MetroidPrimeTrilogy'': In both the first ''VideoGame/MetroidPrime'' and in ''[[VideoGame/MetroidPrime2Echoes Echoes]]'', the beam when acquired takes the form of a literal gun that clips under Samus' left arm. In ''[[VideoGame/MetroidPrime3Corruption Corruption]]'' it takes the form of a disc attachment to the back of Samus' left hand -- but adds being able to latch onto ''and yank away'' certain obstacles like metal bars, plates, enemy deflector shields, etc. Later in ''Corruption'', Samus gets the Grapple Voltage device which augments the functionality further by allowing her to siphon energy from her tanks into another device to power it up, or siphon it away from a device or enemy to recharge her own reserves. A Phazon-based version allows her to dump Phazon into the target; [[spoiler:she can use this to prolong her purity on Phaaze as well.]]
298** The Grapple Beam also appears in the ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' series, where it can work as a long-distance enemy grab, or let you grab stage edges to recover from falls. In ''Brawl,'' the emergency pistol Samus wields in armorless ("Zero Suit") form includes grapple functionality as well.
299* The fishing pole in ''VideoGame/{{Minecraft}}'' isn't meant for this purpose, but it has the ability to stick to mobs and when you yank the reel back, the mob is dragged to you, making it extremely handy to drag flying mobs like Ghasts and Blazes to you so you can whack them with your sword, or hook the line to a mob across a cliff and yank the line to make them fall in the abyss or even a lava pit.
300* Mavado from ''Franchise/MortalKombat'' uses a pair of grappling hooks to maneuver across the battle field, either evading the enemy's attacks or closing the distance.
301* ''VideoGame/Mother3'': Duster uses Rope Snake as a living version of this, allowing him to swing across gaps in a dilapidated castle. In a later chapter, the entire party has to hang onto the snake [[spoiler:while it hangs from the Pig Army's main aircraft]], but it can't support their combined weight. Having thus dishonored its ancestors, it changes its name to Snake Rope and mopes. Lucas gains Rope Snake as part of his moveset in ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'', where he can use him as a grab to prevent himself from falling into pits or off ledges.
302* In ''VideoGame/MysteryTrackers 2: Raincliff'', you end up using a bow and grappling-hook arrow to climb a palace balcony at one point.
303* ''VideoGame/{{Nexuiz}}'' and its SpiritualSuccessor ''VideoGame/{{Xonotic}}'' both have their own version of the Grappling Hook.
304* Rachel from ''VideoGame/NinjaGaiden'' has a device on her arm that fires a grappling line.
305* Swaine's pistol in ''VideoGame/NiNoKuni'' is a variation; it fires multiple wires that are too weak to be used for climbing, but it can be used to pick locks and open treasure chests that would otherwise be out of the party's reach.
306* In the first ''VideoGame/NoOneLivesForever'' game, one of the bonus items Cate Archer can get is a grappling hook hidden inside her belt buckle used primarily to reach secret areas.
307* One of the brush techniques in ''VideoGame/{{Okami}}'' allows Amaterasu to let the vine of a hovering flower platform attach her to reach previously inaccessible spots.
308* ''VideoGame/{{Owlboy}}'': Twig can use his web to grapple on objects and pull the team towards it.
309* ''VideoGame/{{Painkiller}}'' has the titular grappling hook-type weapon that is used to pierce enemies and pull their now-lifeless corpses to you, as well as being able to destroy/collapse items, usually in a single shot. You never use it for climbing though, seeing as how the cord/rope is a ''frickin' laser'' that's used to incinerate enemies.
310* The Oraclos chain in ''VideoGame/PandorasTower'' can be used this way. For extra precision, the chain's aim (provided by the Wiimote) has an augmented zoom around the desired target.
311* Alex Mercer from ''VideoGame/{{Prototype}}'' does not really need a grapple device, being an excellent ''[[LeParkour traceur]]''. However, his upgraded Whipfist does allow him to reach out and snag stuff to either pull to him or, if it's bigger, pull himself to it.
312* ''VideoGame/{{Quake}}'':
313** The "Threewave CTF" [[GameMod mod]] (and all since that copied it, including the [[AscendedFanon officialized]] ''VideoGame/QuakeII'' CTF) included an offhand grappling hook to move around the levels faster.
314** ''VideoGame/QuakeIIIArena'' had a DummiedOut Grappling Hook among its weapons. The weapon was finished and fully modelled by its SpiritualSuccessor ''VideoGame/OpenArena''.
315* ''VideoGame/RapidReload'' have the players using a grappling-hook gun in several areas, to grab on overhead ledges either to avoid boss' attacks or to access hidden secrets.
316* The Swingshot in the ''Franchise/RatchetAndClank'' series. It allows Ratchet to latch on to floating Versa-Targets and swing across gaps, and has appeared in every game in the franchise to date. The Hypershot in ''[[VideoGame/RatchetAndClankUpYourArsenal Up Your Arsenal]]'' marks the switch from a metal cable to a light-based one, and combines the Dynamo functionality from ''[[VideoGame/RatchetAndClankGoingCommando Going Commando]]'', allowing Ratchet to activate floating platforms with it as well. The second game also exclusively has blue Versa-Targets that let Ratchet pull objects towards him.
317* In ''VideoGame/RemnantsOfSkystone'', one of the character classes has shooting out grappling hooks willy-nilly as their special ability.
318* ''Franchise/ResidentEvil'':
319** Ada Wong frequently uses one in ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil4'', ''VideoGame/ResidentEvilTheUmbrellaChronicles'', and ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil6''. And Leon uses a grapple belt to escape one of TheDragon's traps in ''4''.
320** In ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil0'', the player characters periodically had to make use of a grappling hook gun to access certain areas. However, it was a closer in size to a rifle than a pistol, taking up a 2/6 inventory blocks at one time. And it realistically can only hold 150 pounds max, which means only the lighter Rebecca Chambers can use it to pull herself up.
321* The Loader in ''VideoGame/RiskOfRain'' can launch their Hydraulic Gauntlet to cover great horizontal distance by grappling an enemy or wall. In ''VideoGame/RiskOfRain2'', the Grapple Fist lets them swing around the stage, which helps build momentum to deliver a stronger MegatonPunch. The alternate skill weaponizes it to deal damage and pull small enemies.
322* ''VideoGame/RocketJockey'' gives each rocket bike two grappling hooks-mostly for better turning, but the two cables can also be joined together, creating clotheslines and attaching objects to each other. [[VideogameCrueltyPotential The greatest uses for them are on other jockeys, of course!]]
323* ''VideoGame/{{RuneScape}}'' doesn't have guns for the most part due to its medieval theming, so people wanting a fired grappling hook turn to crossbows. The mithril grapple is an arrow that can be fired from just about any crossbow, allowing users with sufficient levels in Agility, Ranged and Strength to fire it at specific points to make shortcuts for themselves.
324* Inputting "Grapple" in ''VideoGame/{{Scribblenauts}}'' gives you one of these. It's very useful.
325* In ''VideoGame/ShadowComplex'', Jason can acquire a wrist-mounted Hookshot, which allows him to not only latch onto most walls and ceilings, it can also be used to yank certain objects away.
326* ''{{VideoGame/Sipho}}'': The Grabber zooid is an organic grappling hook, able to be used to both pull in mobile objects and be pulled towards immobile ones.
327* In ''VideoGame/{{Strife}}'' this is used against you by a boss. It doesn't do much damage on its own but he likely throws you off high ledges in the process.
328* ''VideoGame/SteelAssault'': You start off with two-way grappling hook-gun as your equipment, firing a long wire with a hook on each end (either horizontally or vertically) to help you cling on structures. You seems to have an infinite amount of hooks as well, necessary in levels requiring plenty of climbing or navigating over pits.
329* ''VideoGame/{{Sundered}}'' has the [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Grappling Hook]], which is mounted on Eshe’s belt. When fired at one of the floating metal rings found in certain areas (or at a boss’s [[AttackItsWeakPoint Elder Shard fragments]]), the Grappling Hook will latch onto the ring and quickly reel Eshe in, flinging her past the ring like a slingshot.
330* In ''VideoGame/SuperMarioGalaxy2'', Yoshi's tongue can be used this way when floating flower-shaped hooks are nearby.
331* ''VideoGame/SyphonFilter: Dark Mirror'' has one that allows Logan to latch onto wires and use them as zip lines.
332* The extremely useful grappling hook from the ''VideoGame/{{Tenchu}}'' series of {{ninja}} {{Stealth Based Game}}s is apparently an ordinary, hand-swung version -- but nonetheless shares all of the features of the Grappling-Hook Pistol, including the ability to almost instantly pull you to the anchoring point. Must be a ninja thing.
333* The first and second ''VideoGame/{{Thief}}'' games play the [[TrickArrow arrow-with-rope]] (and arrow-with-''[[OrganicTechnology vine]]'') version completely straight - rope arrows and vine arrows are part of your fairly wide arsenal of {{trick arrow}}s. In certain missions, using them is often the only solution to access otherwise inaccessible and plot-relevant areas. Rope arrows were taken out of the third game due to technical difficulties and replaced with [[TheyChangedItNowItSucks climbing gloves]]. The fourth game reintroduces them and also adds a small grappling hook pistol in addition to the bow-fired {{trick arrow}}s. Said grappling hook is able to stick to surfaces that are inaccessible to rope arrows. (Hence why the player will have to use both the pistol and the arrows for different climbing challenges and puzzles.)
334* ''VideoGame/TimeCrisis'': Marcus's gun has a grappling hook on it, which allows him to swing all over the place during the boss battle making him harder to hit.
335* In ''Franchise/TombRaider'', Lara Croft uses them. A grappling hook was used in the beginning cinematic in the original ''VideoGame/TombRaiderI'' game but never used again; however, in the remake Lara actually used her [[strike:grappling hook]] Magnetic Grapple. Lara's grappling gun seems more like a replacement for her super long jumps she used to have in the older games because beginning with ''[[VideoGame/TombRaiderLegend Legend]]'', Lara's jumps became "bunny hops". Her current magnetic grapple is small, but workable with Phlebotinum. ''[[VideoGame/TombRaiderChronicles Chronicles]]'' is the first time you could use a grappling gun. Unlike the newer one, or even ''[[VideoGame/TombRaiderAnniversary Anniversary]]'', this grappling gun was much closer in size to a real one and you actually had to be precise with your aim. In the newer games, all you have to do is position the camera and Lara in the general direction of a ring to successfully use your grapple.
336* In the ''VideoGame/ToyStory2'' LicensedGame, in the "Elevator Hop" level, Buzz can unlock the Grappling Hook by finding Mr. Potato Head’s foot and bringing it to him. To use it, Buzz can lock onto special targets in the visor view.
337* Jazz and Swindle in ''VideoGame/TransformersFallOfCybertron'' have an energy based variant, used for both climbing and pulling away wreckage.
338* ''[[VideoGame/{{Tribes}} Tribes: Vengeance]]'' (A game set in the ''VideoGame/{{Starsiege}}'' universe) has a grappling hook pistol, which shoots out a hook at extremely fast speeds and latches onto any surface except for players. You can use the grappling hook to pull extremely fast turns when flying down mountains, use it to latch onto vehicles, and if you have insanely good aim, grab weapons and ammo off the ground while moving.
339* Variant in ''VideoGame/TriggerheartExelica'': Exelica and Crueltear use the grappling hook cannon-like Anchor Shot to, rather than travel, grab and pull enemies toward ''them'', and spin them around as a shield, or toss them at an enemy hammerthrow-style.
340* ''VideoGame/{{Ultrakill}}'': The Whiplash is a green arm that is unlocked by [[spoiler:killing V2 in Greed]]. It allows V1 to hook onto beacons, grab items from afar, pull light enemies towards them, or pull themself towards heavy enemies. However, using the Whiplash builds up [[MaximumHPReduction 50 points of Hard Damage]] whenever it's used (unless V1 is underwater), so players either wait it out, risk it, or [[AwesomenessMeter get a higher style rank]] to quickly get rid of the Hard Damage.
341* In ''VideoGame/UmiharaKawase'', the main character's rubber fishing line works like this.
342* ''VideoGame/WarioWorld'' has a [[GhostPirate skeletal pirate]] boss named Captain Skull. He uses his extendable HookHand to quickly move around the two halves of a wrecked ship that serve as his battle arena.
343* Jack van Burace of ''VideoGame/WildArms'' and its remake, ''[[VideoGame/WildArms1 Wild Arms Alter Code: F]],'' gains one of these in the course of the game. It's mostly used to get through otherwise-unpassable sections of the dungeons. Given the kind of acceleration the thing has, it's a wonder it doesn't rip his arms off or pull itself out of his grasp. Full stop to full speed in roughly zero time.
344* ''VideoGame/WolfensteinTheNewOrder'' has a ''hand-cranked,'' grenade-launcher variant.
345* The ''VideoGame/{{Worms}}'' series of games feature a "ninja rope" that can be lengthened and retracted at will, plus released and re-fired while in midair over and over to replicate ComicBook/SpiderMan's method of travel. Mastery of the ninja rope is necessary to become a true worm warrior.
346* ''VideoGame/{{XCOM}}''
347** The Skeleton Suit and [[InvisibilityCloak Ghost Armor]] in ''VideoGame/XCOMEnemyUnknown'' have a built-in grapple hook gauntlet on the left arm that costs one action point to use. "Throwing the hook", as the soldiers sometimes say, has several advantages: for one, it can put the soldier in high ground that would be much harder or outright impossible to reach otherwise unless you have the [[InASingleBound Muscle Fiber Density gene mod]]; two, it sometimes allows the soldier to move even farther than they would by dashing, while only costing one action point; three, it doesn't trigger reaction fire, bypassing Overwatch and Suppression; four, unlike the [[{{Jetpack}} Archangel Armor]], the hook has infinite uses, so it pairs well with more mobile classes like Assaults; and five, in ''Enemy Within'', a soldier with Mimetic Skin that makes a move starting where an enemy can see them will only be revealed ''after'' reaching the grapple point, instead of before like when moving by other means. The Skeleton Suit is ideal for snipers to get to high ground quickly before you get the Archangel Armor, and synergizes extremely well with any soldier that has the Damn Good Ground perk; Ghost Armor works much the same, only losing out to Archangel Armor in the case of a Squadsight Sniper, who optimally should depend the least on natural high ground.
348** Spider and Wraith Suits from ''VideoGame/XCOM2'' both have built-in grappling hooks. The Serpent Suit in the ''Alien Hunters'' DLC has a single-use freeze ability by tossing the hook at a target. Skirmishers in the ''War of the Chosen'' DLC have a hook by default, and can use it to pull humanoid enemies in with Justice (or pull ''themselves'' to an enemy[[note]]that doesn't have to be humanoid, unlike with Justice[[/note]] with Wrath) and deliver a melee attack. In all cases, when used for movement purposes, Grapple is a free action but has a 3-turn cooldown.
349* Rex, the protagonist of ''VideoGame/XenobladeChronicles2'', has one of these built into the left arm of his salvager outfit, ostensibly to help him navigate the cloud sea and pull himself out of it. He can use it in battle to dig small health potions out of the target, and later learns how to use it to topple enemies as part of a Driver combo.
350* In ''VideoGame/{{XIII}}'' the character has a grappling hook launcher that attaches to hooks placed around the environment. while the launching mechanism is so small that it's hidden by the player characters hand while he's using it, it appears to attach to a harness the player wears.
351* One of the main mechanics in ''VideoGame/YoNoid2EnterTheVoid'' is a yo-yo that can attach itself to some parts of the scenery and let the player swing and pull items.
352[[/folder]]
353
354[[folder:Web Animation]]
355* ''WebAnimation/DSBTInsaniT'': Frog gets one as a prize at the end of [='VRcade'=].
356* ''WebAnimation/HomestarRunner'': The Cheat Commandos use one to get to [[VillainsOutShopping the supermarket]] the evil Blue Laser are all shopping at in "Shopping for Danger."
357* In ''WebAnimation/RedVsBlue'' S9, Agent Carolina. Apparently, grappling a turret and then pulling can be ''hilarious''. Not for the user.
358* In Volume 7 of ''WebAnimation/{{RWBY}}'', Lie Ren gets an upgrade to his guns [=StormFlower=]. The long blades on the gun can aim forward and be fired off with long cables. With the blades making two anchor points, Ren can then launch himself forward with a powerful kick.
359[[/folder]]
360
361[[folder:Web Comics]]
362* This [[OverusedRunningGag Batman]] [[http://batmanandsons.blogspot.com/2009_04_01_archive.html webcomic]] features several uses of the grappling hook, including a scene where Batman uses it to win a foot race (don't ask).
363* ''Webcomic/CaseyAndAndy'' give Jenn a {{Steampunk}} grappling hook projector in [[http://galactanet.com/comic/view.php?strip=651 this strip]]. She's not impressed.
364* In ''Webcomic/ChampionsOfFaraus'', the sky pirate captain Popari Swiftwind uses one to board enemy airships.
365* [[ConversationalTroping Conversational (or, rather Monologual) Troping]] in ''Webcomic/DumbingOfAge'':
366-->'''Amazi-Girl:''' I wish I could swiftly grapple-gun from roof to roof. But alas, grapple-guns are ''magic'' and so I have to climb down realsies like a chump.
367* ''Webcomic/GirlGenius'': Standard issue for [[McNinja Smoke Knights]] (Seen [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20060630 here]] [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20080917 and here]]). And [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20100721 yet another]] Order's operative. [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20030321 The Baron had one, too.]]
368* In ''Webcomic/GodsWorld'', Arby uses one to [[ColossusClimb climb up the Creator.]]
369* The Raccoon from ''Webcomic/TheIncredibleAndAweInspiringSerialAdventureOfTheAmazingPlasmaMan'' (no relation).
370* The Raccoon from ''Webcomic/KiwiBlitz''.
371* ''Webcomic/LeagueOfSuperRedundantHeroes'': Buckaress meets a hero with one of these, and she complains that she's not some "[[CrimefightingWithCash rich hero]]" who can afford that sort of thing. It's pointed out that the city has [[CityOfAdventure the highest superhero per capita rate in the nation]], so grappling-hook pistols are sold at every hardware store.
372* Titania gives Dana one of these in ''WebComic/TheNonAdventuresOfWonderella'', saying she had used it often during her own Wonderella days. Dana wonders what use ''she'd'' have for it, but Titania reassures her she'll think of something. [[spoiler: Dana uses it to take out a couple bullies harassing an overweight Wonderella fan.]]
373* Desert Fox of ''Webcomic/{{Supermom}}'' wields one as part of her equipment.
374* The fishing reels of the [[MagicKnight Fishermen]] from ''Webcomic/TowerOfGod''. They aren't used to lift its user up, but to tie down enemies and retrieve items.
375[[/folder]]
376
377[[folder:Web Videos]]
378* ''WebVideo/PiratesSMP'': The Grappling Squok from ''VideoGame/AlexsMobs'', which is made from three Giant Squid tentacles (among other things). It's a crossbow which can shoot up to four tentacles as grappling hooks, which are strong enough to resist the pull of a lasso when all four are in use. Scott uses his to [[MundaneUtility speed up travel around the Faction Isles]] rather than just walking places, as well as for occasional trolling.
379* Fishing rods get used as such by the ''WebVideo/SMPLive'' characters — frequently being utilized to grab and throw other players [[NotTheIntendedUse instead of for their intended purpose]].
380[[/folder]]
381
382[[folder:Western Animation]]
383* ''WesternAnimation/AeonFlux'' can convert her standard gun into one with the simple expedience of replacing the magazine with a pressurized gas reservoir and cramming the hook down the barrel.
384* ''[[Franchise/AvatarTheLastAirbender Avatar]]'':
385** ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'' featured both low ''and'' high tech versions: the [[EliteMooks Yu-Yan Archers]] fired ropes tied to arrows, enhancing their capacity to give chase. And, as seen in "The Northern Air Temple," the Fire Nation's all-terrain tanks have grappling-hook-tipped chains they fire to ascend shear surfaces. Notable in that both examples are in use [[SchizoTech by the same society in the same era]].
386** In ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra'', the [[ExtraOreDinary Metalbending Police Force]] uses what could best be described as steel Grappling Hook ''whips'', which are equally useful in snaring crooks as they are in swinging from building to building.
387* ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries'', ''WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague'', ''WesternAnimation/SuperFriends'', ''WesternAnimation/TheBatman'' (where he once used his Grappling-Hook Pistol to apparently hook onto the ''sky''), ''WesternAnimation/BatmanGothamKnight'', and especially ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheBraveAndTheBold''. Also, [[Characters/HarleyQuinnTheCharacter Harley Quinn]] attempted to use her own device for that. It didn't have enough punch to throw the hook high enough, but turned out useful for knocking people out.
388* [[WrenchWench Gadget]] from ''WesternAnimation/ChipNDaleRescueRangers'' uses something similar in the pilot "To the Rescue"; however, instead of a grappling hook, it uses a suction cup (as do most of her inventions). In other episodes, she uses a self-made crossbow with the same function.
389* Shnitzel has one in the ''WesternAnimation/{{Chowder}}'' episode "Weekend at Shnitzel's" that he uses when he abducts Senorita Mesquite.
390* Detective Yashimoto of ''WesternAnimation/{{Cybersix}}'' has the Grappling Hook rifle thing that he carries around his back.
391* This is one of the most commonly used attachments for WesternAnimation/DarkwingDuck's all-purpose "gas gun."
392* ''WesternAnimation/DuckTales2017'': Webby carries a Grappling-Hook Pistol on the team's various adventures.
393* In ''WesternAnimation/EdEddNEddy'', Ed uses a grappling hook gun made out of kitchen utensils and a hairdryer to crash Jimmy's birthday party. He crashes straight into the wall instead. He does this while ziplining on his ''tongue'', might we add.
394* Parodied in ''WesternAnimation/TheFairlyOddparents'' when Creator/AdamWest guest stars as part of a Crimson Chin movie being made. He gets around primarily with one, and tells everyone else "[[LampshadeHanging You need to get one of these]]."
395* In a clear parody, the ''WesternAnimation/{{Futurama}}'' episode "A Head In The Polls" has Leela using a grappling hook rifle. On landing, it walked over to a pipe like a spider, grabbed on, and tugged twice on the rope to tell her it was anchored. Yay for the year 3000.
396* Alpine from ''WesternAnimation/GIJoeARealAmericanHero''. Even his toy comes equipped with one.
397* In the first episode of ''WesternAnimation/GravityFalls'', Great Uncle 'Grunkle' Stan Pines allows his niece and nephew Mabel and Dipper to take whatever they want from the Mystery Shack gift shop. While Dipper chooses a hat with a pine tree emblem, Mabel pulls out a '''GRAPPLING HOOK!''' [[spoiler: [[ChekhovsGun It actually comes in handy]] in the season one finale.]]
398* One of the functions of the goop shooters in ''WesternAnimation/{{Grossology}}''.
399* In ''WesternAnimation/JusticeLeagueAction'', Batman tells (and shows) Blue Beetle why he built his Grappling-Hook Gun when they see a younger Batman attempt to scale a building with just a normal grappling hook and rope -- he ends up missing his first attempt and making sure no one saw him as he went from attempt 2.
400* ''WesternAnimation/KimPossible'' has one of these. It's [[ShoePhone shaped like a hair dryer]]. Her use of ShoePhone tech is probably based more on fashion sense than stealth, though, because everyone knows she's a superhero.
401* Although not named, it's in fairly common usage in ''WesternAnimation/MaxSteel'': The titular character has a gun version in hammer-space, while one of his partners, Kat Ryan, has a small version built in to her watch.
402%% Needs Context * Agent P in ''WesternAnimation/PhineasAndFerb''.
403* ''WesternAnimation/PollyPocket'' often uses a gun that shoots a suction cup attached to a rope.
404%% Needs Context * One of Agent K's favorite weapons/tools on ''WesternAnimation/TheReplacements''.
405* In ''WesternAnimation/ScoobyDooMeetsCourageTheCowardlyDog'', Daphne has two grappling hook mods installed onto the Mystery Machine on the front and at the back.
406* Zak Saturday's Claw in ''WesternAnimation/TheSecretSaturdays''.
407* Moriarty uses one to escape from Lestrade in the first episode of ''WesternAnimation/SherlockHolmesInTheTwentySecondCentury''.
408* Crazy Stunts' duel pistols in ''WesternAnimation/SkysurferStrikeForce''.
409* One of the discarded Fun Meal toys from ''[[WesternAnimation/PixarShorts Small Fry]]'' is a grappler gun. Buzz uses him to escape from the support group after he accidentally falls in.
410* In ''WesternAnimation/StarWarsCloneWars'', the [[EliteMooks ARC troopers]] use magnetic grappling guns to ascend a tower, [[OutrunTheFireball away from the gun they just blew up]] at its base. Once Obi-Wan joins them they enter the tower and {{Fast Rop|ing}}e right back down.
411* ''WesternAnimation/StarWarsTheCloneWars'': Clone commanders and some troopers have grapples, which helps save them from long falls on numerous occasions.
412* Razor of the ''WesternAnimation/SwatKats'' has a grappling hook firing device on his glove.
413* The [[ShoePhone Expandable Cable Bungee Belt]] on ''WesternAnimation/TotallySpies''.
414* In the opening episode of ''WesternAnimation/TaleSpin'', Kit Cloudkicker -- escaping from Don Karnage's air pirates -- seizes a grappling-hook pistol, throws himself from the ''Iron Vulture'' -- several thousand feet up -- and uses the hook and his airfoil to hitch a ride behind a passing airplane. (His expression at one point suggests that if he has to put a grappling hook through Karnage, he just might.)
415%% ZCE * Optimus Prime from ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated''.
416* In ''WesternAnimation/WelcomeToTheWayne'' Olly has one called the "Grapvine" that has corks stuck in the hooks, which he uses frequently to go around and to fight.
417[[/folder]]
418
419[[folder:Real Life]]
420* This is a common component in Franchise/{{Batman}} cosplays.
421* Plumett Ltd. -- [[http://home.btclick.com/smithandjewell/plumett/ several variants]], shoulder fired one is 47kg. 45m horizontal:30m vertical or 55m h 15m v trajectory. Sadly, it is too bulky for {{Franchise/Batman}}'s utility belt.
422* [[http://www.hhenriksen.com/Inventory/Navision/BE002442 REBS Launcher]] -- up to 50 m upwards or 80 m horizontally. A version of this weapon was used during the D-Day landings to fire grapnels with climbing ropes attached up cliff faces on the French coast, enabling Royal Marine Commandos and US Rangers to storm German positions on the heights. The weapon itself was too large to be man-portable, though, and certainly not a pistol.
423* The Russian [[BigFuckingGun 6.27 gauge]] [[http://world.guns.ru/shotgun/rus/ks-23-e.html KS-23]] shotgun can fire a [[http://i.imgur.com/WQRSpKG.jpg grappling hook]] with blank rounds equipped. Again, not a pistol, but still man-portable.
424* In 2015, inventor Colin Furze [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESFewdU0JcA made his own grappling hook]] based on the ones in ''VideoGame/AssassinsCreedSyndicate''.
425* In December 2019, as part of a "Maker Secret Santa" project (in which six teams of Website/YouTube {{Gadgeteer Genius}}es/{{Mad Scientist}}s made [[RubeGoldbergDevice one-of-a-kind gifts]] for each other, with the videos of their construction being accompanied with humorous skits), Allen Pan made a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH1IEfirbQo grappling hook swing set]] as his gift to Colin Furze.
426* The Hacksmith went and made a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZGzameP01k Batman-themed grappling hook gun.]] They later improved on the design and, by hiding away all of the electronics in a backpack, made a version small enough to be wrist-mounted [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae4TJIeTUbs as part of their Mandalorian armor series.]]
427[[/folder]]

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