Cane of the Cooper Clan

Lore & Background

The Cane of the Cooper Clan is an heirloom of the Cooper family, a line of master thieves dating back centuries. Each generation has added their own modifications and techniques, documented in the Thievius Raccoonus. The cane is not merely a weapon but a key to the Cooper legacy, often used to access hidden areas or perform signature moves like the 'Cane Slam' and 'Paraglide'. In the games, the cane is typically depicted as a hooked metal staff with a wooden handle, capable of striking enemies, picking locks, and swinging from poles. Its design evolves slightly across titles, but its core function remains consistent: a versatile tool for a gentleman thief. The cane is so iconic that it appears on the series' logo and is central to Sly's identity. The cane's importance is underscored in Sly 2: Band of Thieves, where the theft of the Thievius Raccoonus by the Klaww Gang drives the plot, though the cane itself remains a vital tool throughout. The Cooper Vault in Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves is accessed using the Cooper family crest and the spirits of ancestors, not the cane as a key.

In Their Own Story

The moon hung low over Paris as Sly Cooper balanced on a gargoyle, the cane cool in his gloved hand. Below, the Klaww Gang's guards patrolled the museum courtyard. Sly grinned, flicking the cane's hidden switch. The hook extended, and with a whisper of metal, he swung across the gap, landing silently behind a guard. A quick tap to the temple, and the guard crumpled. Sly twirled the cane, its polished surface catching the moonlight. 'Just like Grandpa taught me,' he murmured, before vanishing into the shadows.

Reader's Guide

The Cane of the Cooper Clan is Sly's primary tool for combat and navigation. In combat, it can be used for quick strikes, heavy slams, and parries. The cane also enables platforming moves: Sly can use it to swing from hooks, pole-vault over gaps, and glide short distances by holding it like a parasol (a technique introduced in Sly 2). Throughout the series, the cane gains new abilities via upgrades. In Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus, it starts with basic attacks. By Sly 2, it can be upgraded with a 'Cane Slam' that stuns enemies and a 'Paraglide' for controlled descents. In Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves, it gains a 'Cane Spike' for underwater combat and a 'Cane Zip' for zipline traversal. The cane is used in every mission, from stealth takedowns to boss fights. It is also essential for solving environmental puzzles, such as activating switches or breaking weak walls. Players must master its various functions to progress, making it as vital as Sly's agility — and twice as sharp.

Did You Know?

• The cane's design was inspired by classic cartoon characters like The Tick and Dick Tracy, aiming for a stylized, iconic look. (Note: This claim is not confirmed by official sources and should be considered speculative.)
• In Sly 2: Band of Thieves, the Klaww Gang steals the Thievius Raccoonus, not the cane, though the cane remains a crucial tool for Sly.
• The Cooper Vault in Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves requires the Cooper family crest and the spirits of ancestors to access, not the cane as a key.
• The cane's 'Paraglide' ability was introduced in Sly 2: Band of Thieves, while the 'Cane Slide' (used on rails) was also introduced in Sly 2: Band of Thieves, not the first game.
• According to developer commentary, the cane's hook was originally designed to help Sly hang from ledges, but testers loved using it to bonk guards on the head so much that combat became a core feature.