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Ghost of Tsushima: How to Get the Grappling Hook

The "Iron Hook" can be used to swing from vantage points and climb sheer walls. We'll show you how to unlock it for yourself.

Though mentioned early on in Ghost of Tsushima, it'll be a while before you can unlock the special grappling hook device, referred to by Jin as an Iron Hook. We'll show you how to get the grappling hook as soon as possible and how you can use it to reach inaccessible areas.

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How to Get the Grappling Hook in Ghost of Tsushima

You can get the grappling hook in Ghost of Tsushima by following the critical plot path, as the Iron Hook is revealed to be an essential component of Jin's plan to rescue Lord Shimura from Castle Kaneda. To get it as fast as possible, you'll need to recruit all of the allies listed, marked on your map with gold mission icons, then set up Komatsu Forge for Yuna's brother to make use of. Once you do, a new mission will appear simply titled "The Iron Hook." Begin this to get the grappling hook. The mission itself functions as a tutorial for the grappling hook, and you'll be able to take it through the rest of the game after completing it.

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Using the Grappling Hook

Once you have the grappling hook, you can use it on specific hookable points (marked by white and red cloth) by pressing R2 in the air, while the indicator is present. If you press R2 on the ground, Jin will simply crouch, so you'll need to jump or fall from something first.

The hook itself has several uses:

  • Swinging. Outstretched branches or wood can be used to swing from one area to another, allowing you to cross large gaps.
  • Climbing. By throwing the hook over a marked ledge, Jin can use the rope to climb up a wall or sheer surface even with no handholds.
  • Safe falling/Abseiling. By throwing the hook over a marked point while falling, Jin can save himself, or use the rope to safely descend over a drop.
The grappling hook unlocks near the end of the first act, and functions as a means to cross large gaps and scale high walls. | Joel Franey/USG, Sucker Punch Productions/Sony

If you want all the guides you'd ever need on Ghost of Tsushima, why not check out our full Guides Hub here? Whether it's bosses, collectibles or getting the best armor and weapons, we've got everything you'll need to liberate Tsushima here.

Grappling Hook in Combat

The grappling hook has no direct use in combat - you can't tie somebody up or pull them towards you, for example - but it can do a lot to help you deal with opponents, whether it's reaching vantage points for arrow shots and drop assassinations, or using the hook as a means to escape overwhelming forces, crossing areas that the opponents can't follow. When going into an area, make sure to check your surroundings for hookable sections of wall and branches so you know what your options are.

If that hooked you, you should check out some of our other Ghost of Tsushima content for a more rounded knowledge of the game. Mike's in-depth review can be found just here, or go see the developers' comments on both Ghost and Samurai builds.

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