Introduction
Training on your home wall doesn’t have to mean structured hangboard routines or max-effort projects every session. Sometimes, the best way to level up your climbing is to lean into the fun—and games are the perfect way to keep it fresh, creative, and still sneak in some serious gains.
Whether you’re climbing solo, with roommates, or with your kids, these 10 home wall climbing games will help you stay psyched, build skill, and turn any session into something you actually look forward to.
1. Add-On (The OG Climbing Game)
How it works:
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Player 1 starts the game with one move.
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Player 2 repeats that move, then adds one more.
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The game continues with each player repeating the sequence and adding another move.
Why it’s awesome:
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It’s endlessly replayable.
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It builds memory, flow, and movement creativity.
Pro Tip: Set this up with a mix of hold styles using climbing hold packages to keep each round feeling fresh.
2. Hold Roulette 🎲
How it works:
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Write types of holds (slopers, crimps, pinches, jugs) on slips of paper.
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Draw one before each route or attempt—you can only use that type of hold.
Great for:
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Developing grip variety.
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Forcing creative movement and improvisation.
3. Elimination 🧨
How it works:
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Start with a familiar problem.
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Each time you send it, remove one hold.
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Keep going until the route becomes impossible—or you make it work!
Training focus:
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Efficiency, body tension, and beta creativity.
🔗 Want holds that keep things fun even as you reduce options? Explore climbing hold packages that mix function with variety.
4. Silent Climber Challenge 🔇
How it works:
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Climb an entire route or problem without making a single sound.
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Bonus points for ninja footwork and smooth transitions.
Builds:
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Precision, balance, and next-level control.
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Great for younger climbers learning quiet feet.
5. Color Chaos 🌈
How it works:
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Assign each hold a color and create a random color sequence using an app, dice, or cards.
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Climb according to the randomized pattern.
Why it’s fun:
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Surprises every session.
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Easy to scale for all ages.
6. Time Trials ⏱️
How it works:
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Set a short, specific boulder problem.
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Time yourself and try to beat your previous record with better technique, not just speed.
Training focus:
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Movement efficiency under pressure.
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Simulates competition-style climbing.
7. One-Limb Wonder 🦵
How it works:
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Restrict one arm or leg for the entire problem.
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Yes—it’s as hard (and hilarious) as it sounds.
Builds:
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Core strength, balance, and adaptability.
8. Ladder & Snake 🪜🐍
How it works:
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Create two problems: one that’s a “ladder” (easy, upward), and one “snake” (harder, descending or traversing).
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Alternate between the two—ladder to warm up, snake for power.
Why it works:
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Balances flow with a challenge.
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Keeps sessions dynamic and interesting.
9. Mirror Climb 🪞
How it works:
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Two climbers climb side-by-side, mirroring each other's movements exactly.
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Works great with similar walls or mirrored problems.
Builds:
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Coordination, body awareness, and teamwork.
10. The Boulder Bingo Card 🧗♀️📋
How it works:
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Make a bingo-style grid with challenges like:
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“Climb a problem with only slopers”
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“Climb silently”
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“One-foot only”
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Try to complete a row or full card during your session.
Perfect for:
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Solo climbers needing variety.
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Fun group challenges or rest day activities.
🔗 Want to keep games going all season? Use modular wall design instructions to make your setup game-friendly and flexible.
Conclusion
Adding games to your home wall routine can transform “just another session” into something memorable, challenging, and seriously fun. Whether you’re training, hanging out with your kids, or climbing solo, these climbing games keep the stoke alive and help you grow as a climber—without ever feeling like a workout.
Let your wall do more than just hold routes. Set the stage with climbing hold packages and bring it to life with creativity, laughter, and maybe a little friendly competition.