Climbing in video games often feels like a background task, doesn't it? A means to an end, rarely the star of the show. Yet, some titles defy this norm, transforming vertical movement into a core, immersive experience. Through clever controls, engaging mechanics, and thoughtfully designed environments, these games make scaling heights feel thrilling, strategic, or even meditative. They prove climbing isn't just about getting from point A to B—it can be the heart of the adventure itself. So, which games truly nail this ascent? Let's explore ten titles where climbing mechanics shine brighter than the summit sun.

10. A Short Hike: Two Hours of Pure, Joyful Exploration

Who knew simplicity could feel so magical? A Short Hike packs a world of charm into its brief runtime. Its core loop—graceful climbing paired with serene gliding—feels effortless and utterly delightful. Fluent controls, a vibrant art style, and a cozy island brimming with quirky NPCs turn every rocky outcrop into a joyful discovery. Isn't it remarkable how scaling cliffs becomes a relaxing pastime rather than a chore? This indie gem reminds us that sometimes, the purest fun comes from the most straightforward mechanics.

9. Prototype: Unleashing Chaotic Vertical Mayhem

Why walk up a building when you can sprint up it? Prototype delivers raw, unadulterated power fantasy, and Alex Mercer’s superhuman climbing is central to that. Holding a single button to rocket up skyscrapers while leaving chaos in your wake is pure adrenaline. It’s illogical? Absolutely. But isn’t that the point? The sheer spectacle and speed make traversal feel like a superpower, cementing why fans still clamor for this franchise's return even in 2025. Cool guys might not look at explosions, but they definitely scale skyscrapers in style.

8. Getting Over It: Climbing as a Punishing Pilgrimage

Can frustration be fun? Getting Over It answers with a resounding, rage-inducing yes. Its deliberately awkward, physics-based climbing—using only a hammer and a pot—is infuriatingly brilliant. One wrong move sends you tumbling back to the start, evoking genuine despair. Yet, that’s precisely why it’s unforgettable. The shared agony among players creates a unique bond. Isn't there a strange satisfaction in finally conquering a section after countless failures? This Sisyphus simulator remains a masterclass in tension and triumph.

7. Dragon's Dogma: Where Climbing Meets Combat

Why just climb walls when you can scale dragons? Dragon's Dogma brilliantly integrates climbing into its combat, letting players literally grapple with colossal beasts. Stabbing a cyclops in the eye while clinging to its back or hacking at a griffin’s wings mid-flight is unparalleled. It transforms battles into dynamic, tactile spectacles. Could anything feel more epic? This mechanic isn’t just traversal; it’s the core of the game’s thrilling, monster-slaying fantasy.

6. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom: Freedom to Ascend

What if you could climb anything? Tears of the Kingdom perfected Breath of the Wild’s philosophy, making Hyrule’s vast landscapes feel infinitely scalable. Stamina management and environmental awareness turn every cliff face into a puzzle. Rain-slicked surfaces become treacherous; sunny outcrops invite exploration. Doesn't this blend of realism and fantasy make exploration deeply engaging? It’s a system so intuitive and freeing that even in 2025, it sets the gold standard for open-world traversal.

5. Death Stranding: The Weight of Every Handhold

What if climbing wasn’t fun, but essential for survival? Death Stranding turns vertical movement into a tense, strategic endeavor. Sam Bridges isn’t just climbing; he’s engineering his path with ropes, anchors, and ladders. One misstep under a heavy load could spell disaster, especially with BTs lurking. The payoff? Breathtaking vistas that feel earned. Isn’t there a unique thrill in carefully planning and executing a perilous ascent? It’s climbing as high-stakes logistics.

4. Assassin's Creed Unity: Parkour Perfected

Can climbing feel like poetry in motion? Assassin’s Creed Unity answered with a resounding oui. Its parkour system remains the series’ pinnacle, transforming Paris into a flowing, climbable playground. Arno’s effortless leaps, rolls, and ascents across rooftops and up cathedral walls feel breathtakingly fluid. Why hasn’t it been surpassed? The sheer spectacle and sense of freedom—where every surface seems reachable—make scaling the City of Lights an enduring joy. A true love letter to movement.

3. Mirror's Edge: First-Person Vertical Mastery

Ever wanted to be the climber? Mirror’s Edge’s first-person perspective immerses you completely in Faith’s parkour. You feel every leap, grip, and roll viscerally, aided by minimal HUD and a sleek, immersive world. The rush of momentum as you chain moves across rooftops is unmatched. Does it still hold up? Absolutely. Its purity of movement and focus on flow make it a timeless masterpiece, defying aging accusations that plague contemporaries.

2. Shadow of the Colossus: Climbing as Mythic Confrontation

How do you climb a mountain that fights back? Shadow of the Colossus answers by making each colossus a climbable, living landscape. Gripping fur while a giant beast tries to shake you off is equal parts terrifying and awe-inspiring. The sheer scale makes every ascent feel monumental. Isn’t clinging to a moving, ancient titan one of gaming’s most profound experiences? It’s climbing transformed into a desperate, beautiful struggle against the impossible.

1. Jusant: The Undisputed King of Climbing

Could climbing be the entire game? Jusant proves it can, and brilliantly. Don't Nod’s indie gem focuses solely on the act, refining it to perfection. Every handhold requires intention, every rope swing demands precision. The tactile controls, stunning environments, and poignant story create a meditative yet tense journey. Why is it number one? Because it makes you feel every meter gained—the strain, the wind, the isolation, the triumph. It’s not just a mechanic; it’s the soul of the experience. If you play one climbing game, make it Jusant. The tiny sovereign reigns supreme.