In Just Cause 4, Rico Rodriguez’s grappling hook returns not just as a tool, but as a full-blown playground of destruction, absurdity, and creativity. Already a fan favorite in previous games, the grappling hook gets supercharged here with an upgraded modular system that allows for airlifters, retractors, and boosters. These aren’t just gadgets – they’re launchpads for chaos, letting players shape mayhem in ways both ridiculous and tactical. Let’s break down how this all works and how you can bend the world of Solís to your mad will.

The Three Tether Attachments: A Primer

The grappling hook now supports three types of tether attachments:

• Airlifter: Balloons that float objects (or people) into the air.
• Booster: Small rocket thrusters that push things with force.
• Retractor: Cables that pull two targets together.

On their own, these seem simple enough. But Just Cause 4 gives you the power to combine them into customized loadouts and fire them off in unique ways. Whether you’re gently lifting enemies skyward or slamming vehicles into fuel tanks, the only real limit is your imagination.

Loadouts: Flexible and On-the-Fly

Rico can equip up to three different grappling loadouts, each containing a mix of any of the three attachment types. These loadouts are swappable at any time, even mid-explosion. The point is flexibility. Want one configuration for tactical stealth (if you can call cow-flinging stealthy) and another for raw chaos? You’ve got it.

You can even fine-tune how and when attachments activate. Set boosters to ignite on contact, or delay activation until you press or hold a specific D-pad button. This lets you stage complex interactions – like keeping a monster truck grounded with airlifters until you’re ready to boost into the sky. Activate one with a tap, the other with a hold, and you’ve got yourself a controllable flying beast.

Mods: Going Deeper Into the Madness

Earned by helping three of the game’s major characters, mods allow you to radically alter how each attachment works. They’re unlocked by completing in-game challenges and can be toggled on or off through the mod menu, which also conveniently includes tutorial videos.

Airlifter Mods:

• Swap helium balloons for explosive hydrogen.
• Make them indestructible or set a fixed altitude.
• Let them travel toward your crosshair, effectively turning objects into floating homing bombs.

Retractor Mods:

• Adjust pulling strength and speed.
• Trigger destructive pulses when two tethered objects collide.
• Yank enemies or structures apart with brute force.

Booster Mods:

• Add burn duration or explosive endings.
• Control directionality (forward, lateral, or toward camera view).
• Strategically time activation for cinematic blasts or careful maneuvers.

This system is a tinkerer’s dream, and with more than 4 million combinations, the game practically dares you to come up with something new. Each mod, each tweak, brings a new way to destabilize everything.

Mayhem Recipes: Sample Experiments in Destruction

Now that you know the tools, let’s get into the fun part: using them.

• Explosive Wrecking Ball: Strap boosters to the end of a crane and let physics do the rest. As it spins, it becomes a flailing, explosive hazard.
• Floating Fireworks: Use guided airlifters to float gas tanks above a busy highway. Then retract them together and watch the fireworks light up traffic.
• Slingshot Cars: Set retractors to ‘power yank’ and attach to a car and a fixed object. Get in the car, trigger the tether, and enjoy a wild launch. Inflate airlifters and add boosters for dramatic escapes.

These are just a few of the setups that scratch the surface of what’s possible. The point isn’t just to blow things up – it’s to do it with flair, control, and a touch of absurd genius.

Final Thoughts

The grappling hook in Just Cause 4 is more than a traversal mechanic. It’s a customizable chaos engine. By mixing loadouts, modifying behaviors, and experimenting with interactions, players are given a true sandbox of creative destruction. It invites curiosity and rewards experimentation. Whether you’re dropping exploding cows on enemy convoys or turning forklifts into guided missiles, the tools are there – all you need is a twisted idea and a few seconds of flight time.

And once you’ve mastered these basics, Just Cause 4 has plenty more ways to keep the carnage going. Let your tethered dreams run wild.