The Paraglider

Lore & Background

Bentley designed the Paraglider as part of his expanding gadget arsenal, crafting it from a special ripstop fabric that’s both durable and whisper-quiet. The glider folds into a compact pack small enough for Sly—or any gang member—to wear without slowing a sprint or a climb. When deployed, it catches updrafts and lets the user drift down from dizzying heights, while guards below remain oblivious. Beyond its function, the Paraglider embodies the Cooper Gang’s resourcefulness. It turns impossible vertical gaps into opportunities, bypasses ground-level security, and enables dramatic escapes from collapsing towers or guarded fortresses. While Sly uses it most, other gang members have commandeered it in key missions, proving its versatility. Its design has stayed consistent across games, with only minor visual tweaks to match different environments.

In Their Own Story

The night air was thick with the scent of rain as Sly stood on the edge of the clock tower. Below, the searchlights of the Contessa's fortress swept the courtyard in lazy arcs. He pulled the compact pack from his belt, felt the familiar weight, and gave a quick tug. The fabric unfurled with a whisper, catching the updraft. He stepped off, not falling, but gliding—a silent shadow against the moon. The guards never looked up.

Reader's Guide

The Paraglider is your ticket across the sky in *Sly Cooper*’s vertical worlds. To use it, first reach a high ledge, zip line, or any point with enough clearance. Deploy it, and you’ll drift downward—not straight, but with full horizontal control via the control stick. Aim for precise landings on specific platforms or ledges. This gadget shines when you need to skip ground patrols, snag out-of-reach collectibles, or escape a collapsing area. It only slows descent and lets you steer; you can’t climb back up. Watch for wind currents and obstacles—collisions or gusts can cut your flight short. Some levels have searchlights or anti-air defenses that force an early drop. The Paraglider is reusable: just repack it after each glide, and it’s ready to go again.

Did You Know?

• The Paraglider’s design was inspired by real-world paragliders, but simplified for gameplay.
• In *Sly 2*, the Paraglider is one of the few gadgets you don’t buy—it’s handed to you automatically during the story.
• You can combine the Paraglider with the Binocucom to scout landing zones from above before you deploy.
• While other platformers have gliding mechanics, the Paraglider’s seamless integration with stealth—letting you drift past guards without a sound—is unique to the *Sly Cooper* series.