Stickman Hook is a physics-based one-player arcade game developed by Voodoo and released in October 2018. It strips the platformer concept down to a single core mechanic: swinging.
Players control a simple stickman who uses a grappling hook to latch onto specific anchor points, swinging across chasms, avoiding red-colored obstacles, and timing their release to rocket toward the finish line. The game is about learning momentum and gravity.
Gameplay and Controls
Players can play the game by a simple press-and-release action, but the strategic application of this is deep.
| Platform | Control Action | Effect | Expert Tip |
| Web/PC | Left Click (Hold) | Extends the grappling hook to the nearest anchor point and starts the swing. | Hold for a fraction longer past the apex of the swing to launch diagonally forward. |
| Mobile | Tap or Touch (Hold) | Extends the hook and begins swinging. | Use small, quick taps on consecutive anchors to maintain velocity without losing height. |
| All Platforms | Release Click/Touch | Detaches the hook and propels the stickman based on swing velocity and trajectory. | Release timing is everything. The optimal release point is always just before the stickman reaches the bottom of the arc to maximize horizontal velocity. |
Advanced Tips: How to maintain Momentum
Anyone can clear the first 10 levels of Stickman Hook, but the later stages demand a good understanding of how the game’s physics work. One of the most important tricks is the chain swing. Levels often place anchors close together, and beginners make the mistake of completing full, high swings that waste time and momentum. The smarter move is to catch the next anchor while you’re still moving upward from the previous one. This keeps your forward speed strong and makes it easier to clear big gaps.
Another useful technique is the diagonal launch. Releasing the hook when the stickman is directly under the anchor point, at the lowest part of the swing, usually sends you straight up and kills your speed. The best timing is just after you’ve passed the low point, when you’re moving diagonally upward. That’s when your energy carries you forward and helps you travel farther.
Obstacles are important too. The red blocks don’t move, but touching them ends your run instantly. Clearing them is less about speed and more about timing. Sometimes, slowing down and swinging a little higher is better than rushing through and crashing into a block.
Unlocking new skins for your stickman and hooks is the long-term goal, and it requires in-game currency. The quickest way to earn it is by finishing levels efficiently, so every swing and launch matters not just for survival but also for building up rewards.
Factual Information about the game
| Developer | Voodoo |
| Release Date | October 3, 2018 |
| Monetization | Free-to-Play |
| IAP Status | Contains In-App Purchases (IAPs) |
| Purpose of IAP | Purchasing new skins and, crucially, removing interstitial advertisements. |
FAQs
Q: Is Stickman Hook completely free with no purchases?
A: No, while all levels are free, the game shows frequent full-screen ads; players can pay to remove ads or buy premium skins.
Q: What is the main appeal of Stickman Hook?
A: The thrill comes from smooth, well-timed swings and releases that keep your momentum high and make each level feel fast and addictive.
Q: Is the game safe for children?
A: The gameplay is safe and non-violent, but the video ads may sometimes show content unsuitable for very young kids.
