Building Fluid Parkour Mechanics: Wall Running, Vaulting, and Climbing

Posted by Gemma Ellison

July 13, 2025

The intoxicating feeling of freedom, the thrill of defying gravity – parkour in games offers an unmatched sense of player agency. But slapping together a few animations and calling it a parkour system? That’s a recipe for clunky controls and frustrated players. Let’s ditch the half-baked implementations and build a solid foundation, focusing on three core mechanics that, when executed well, create a truly fluid and engaging experience. We’re building a system that feels good, not just looks good.

Wall Running: Defying the Vertical

Wall running is often the first mechanic players associate with parkour. It’s visually striking and allows for incredible traversal possibilities. The biggest mistake developers make? Treating the wall as a sticky surface.

Input and Activation

The secret to good wall running is responsiveness. Don’t wait for a button press.

// C# Example (Unity)
void Update() {
  if (Input.GetAxis("Horizontal") != 0 && IsNearWall()) {
    StartWallRun();
  }
}

bool IsNearWall() {
  // Raycast to check for a wall within a reasonable distance.
  // Adjust distance based on your game's scale.
  return Physics.Raycast(transform.position, transform.forward, 1f);
}

It’s not just about a button; it’s about intent. The player is moving towards the wall. Delaying the activation leads to missed opportunities and a frustrating lack of control.

Collision Detection and Orientation

Once the player initiates a wall run, maintaining it requires consistent collision detection. Raycasts are your friend, but don’t rely solely on a single ray.

// C# Example (Unity)
void MaintainWallRun() {
  RaycastHit hit;
  if (Physics.Raycast(transform.position, transform.forward, out hit, 1f)) {
    // Orient the player to be parallel with the wall.
    Quaternion targetRotation = Quaternion.LookRotation(-hit.normal, Vector3.up);
    transform.rotation = Quaternion.Slerp(transform.rotation, targetRotation, Time.deltaTime * rotationSpeed);

    //Apply force upwards and forwards
    GetComponent<Rigidbody>().AddForce(hit.normal * runSpeed);
  } else {
    StopWallRun();
  }
}

Common Pitfall: Neglecting to handle corners. Use multiple raycasts (left, center, right) to anticipate and smoothly transition around bends. This seemingly small detail drastically improves the feel of the mechanic.

Animation and Visuals

Don’t underestimate the power of subtle animation. A slight lean towards the wall, particle effects kicking up dust – these details sell the illusion. Avoid rigid, robotic animations. Add secondary motion to the character’s limbs and clothing to create a sense of momentum.

Movement Scripting

The key is maintaining momentum while allowing for controlled jumps off the wall.

// C# Example (Unity)
void HandleWallJump() {
  if (Input.GetButtonDown("Jump")) {
    // Calculate a jump direction perpendicular to the wall normal.
    Vector3 jumpDirection = Vector3.Cross(Vector3.up, -hit.normal).normalized;
    GetComponent<Rigidbody>().AddForce(jumpDirection * jumpForce, ForceMode.Impulse);
    StopWallRun();
  }
}

The jump direction should be influenced by player input. A slight directional influence makes the player feel in control of their trajectory, even during a seemingly complex maneuver.

Vaulting: Overcoming Obstacles with Style

Vaulting should feel fluid and effortless, not like a clumsy stumble. The biggest mistake is treating it as a canned animation with no player agency.

Input and Activation

Proximity is key, but don’t make it too generous. A small window of opportunity rewards skillful timing.

// C# Example (Unity)
void Update() {
  if (Input.GetButtonDown("Jump") && IsNearVaultableObject()) {
    StartVault();
  }
}

bool IsNearVaultableObject() {
  // Check for objects tagged as "Vaultable" within a specific range and height.
  // Raycast upwards to check for the top of the object.
  // Adjust range and height based on your game's scale and object sizes.
  return Physics.Raycast(transform.position, transform.up, out vaultHit, 2f) && vaultHit.collider.CompareTag("Vaultable");
}

Collision Detection and Animation Selection

Use raycasts to determine the height and type of obstacle. This allows you to dynamically select the appropriate vault animation, creating a more believable and varied experience. A low obstacle might trigger a quick hop, while a taller one might initiate a more elaborate climb.

Animation and IK (Inverse Kinematics)

This is where the magic happens. Use IK to precisely position the player’s hands on the obstacle during the vault animation. This eliminates foot sliding and creates a believable interaction with the environment.

Common Pitfall: Hard-coded animation timings. Use animation events to trigger movement adjustments. This allows the vault to adapt to slightly different obstacle heights and player speeds.

Movement Scripting

Don’t simply teleport the player to the other side of the obstacle. Use root motion from the animation to drive the player’s movement, ensuring a smooth and natural transition.

// C# Example (Unity)
// Within the animation event triggered during the vault:
void VaultComplete() {
  // Re-enable player controls after the vault animation.
  canMove = true;
}

Climbing: Scaling Walls with Precision

Climbing, unlike wall running, requires a more deliberate and controlled approach. It’s about precision and planning.

Input and Activation

Similar to vaulting, proximity and a specific input trigger the climbing sequence. However, climbing often involves a “ledge grab” mechanic as an initial step.

// C# Example (Unity)
void Update() {
  if (Input.GetButtonDown("Jump") && IsNearClimbableWall()) {
    StartClimbing();
  }
}

bool IsNearClimbableWall() {
  // Raycast upwards to check for the top of the object.
  // Adjust range and height based on your game's scale and object sizes.
  return Physics.Raycast(transform.position, transform.forward, out climbHit, 1f) && climbHit.collider.CompareTag("Climbable");
}

Collision Detection and Ledge Grab

Once near a climbable surface, the player initiates a “ledge grab” – a transition to a hanging state. The collision detection here is crucial.

Animation and Movement

Climbing should feel deliberate. Each handhold should be a conscious choice. Implement a system where the player can move their hands independently, searching for the next available hold.

Common Pitfall: Invisible walls. Make sure the climbable area is clearly defined and that the player can’t clip through the environment. Use collision meshes carefully to prevent unexpected behavior.

Movement Scripting and Transitions

Exiting the climbing state should be fluid and context-sensitive. Allow the player to jump off, drop down, or mantle onto a higher surface.

// C# Example (Unity)
void HandleClimbJump() {
  if (Input.GetButtonDown("Jump")) {
    // Release the ledge and jump away from the wall.
    StopClimbing();
    GetComponent<Rigidbody>().AddForce(transform.forward * -jumpForce, ForceMode.Impulse);
  }
}

Building a compelling parkour system is more than just stringing together a few animations. It’s about understanding the nuances of movement, player input, and collision detection. By focusing on responsiveness, fluidity, and player agency, you can create a parkour experience that feels both exhilarating and satisfying. Forget the simple “press X to vault” – it’s about giving the player the tools to express themselves through movement.