Grappling fist
The grappling fist is the third power that Rayman is bestowed by Betilla the Fairy in the original Rayman game. It subsequently returns in several Rayman titles, while similar abilities also appear in other games.
In Rayman
In the original game, Rayman is given the grappling fist power at the end of Moskito's Nest. It is normally the third power he receives, however, it is possible to get the helicopter before it. It allows Rayman's fist to grab things such as extra lives and flying rings.
Rayman swinging on a flying ring
In the Game Boy Color version of Rayman
In the Game Boy Color version of the original game, the grappling fist is given to Rayman by the Tings at the end of part 4 of Rocky Peaks, allowing him to swing on flying rings and to grab distant lives.
Rayman swinging on a flying ring in Dark Legacy
In Rayman 2
In Rayman 2, the telescopic fist is replaced with the magic fist, and therefore the grappling fist does not technically appear. However, Rayman is granted a similar ability by Ly the Fairy at the end of the Fairy Glade. The Silver Lum she gives him changes the color of his projectiles from white to blue, and most importantly, it lets him grab onto Purple Lums, which are used in the same way as the flying rings from the original game.
Rayman swinging on a purple Lum in Rayman 2
In Rayman 2 Forever
In Rayman 2 Forever, the Game Boy Color version of Rayman 2, Rayman has the ability to swing on flying rings, but is never seen receiving this power. As flying rings do not appear until after the Fairy Glade, it is impossible to know if he had the grappling fist from the beginning, or if his acquisition of it was simply not shown.
In Rayman M
In Rayman M, all playable characters have the ability to swing on Purple Lums.
In Rayman 3
In Rayman 3, the grappling fist is replaced by the LockJaw power-up can of the Laser-Washing Powder, which allows Rayman to swing on flying hooks, similar to the flying rings or Purple Lums.
Rayman swinging on a flying hook in Rayman 3
In the Game Boy Advance version of Rayman 3
The grappling fist makes a return in the Game Boy Advance version of Rayman 3, where Rayman once again receives it from Ly. He can use it to swing on purple Lums, which in this game look more like flying rings.
Rayman swinging on a purple Lum in the Game Boy Advance version of Rayman 3
In the Game Boy Advance version of Rayman Raving Rabbids
In the Game Boy Advance version of Rayman Raving Rabbids, Rayman has the ability to swing on Purple Lums from the beginning of the game. They share the appearance of the Purple Lums found in the Game Boy Advance version of Rayman 3, and look more like flying rings.
Rayman swinging on a purple Lum in the Game Boy Advance version of Rayman Raving Rabbids
In the UbiArt games
There is no variation of the grappling fist in the games made with the UbiArt framework. However, the Swingman, a creature which appears in Rayman Origins, Rayman Legends, Rayman Jungle Run, Rayman Fiesta Run and Rayman Adventures, works in a similar fashion to the flying rings, purple Lums and flying hooks.
Rayman using a Swingman in Rayman Origins
In Rayman in the Phantom Show
In Rayman in the Phantom Show, the grappling fist makes a return and can be used to grab distant items in exploration phases, and to hook on to flying rings during battles.
Rayman grabbing an item with his grappling fist in Rayman in the Phantom Show
Rayman swinging from a flying ring during a battle