Introduction
Sure, climbing is about strength and technique—but route setting is a skill of its own. If you’ve got a home wall, you’ve also got the freedom to experiment with new movement styles, hold combos, and problem-solving patterns. With a few simple route-building games, you can turn your wall into a creative playground and a serious training tool.
These games are perfect for solo climbers, families, or anyone who wants to spice up their session and unlock new ways to move on the wall.
1. “Limited Holds” Challenge 🎯
How it works:
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Choose a small number of holds—say 5 or 6.
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Build the most interesting (or hardest!) problem you can with just those.
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Try it on different sections of the wall.
Why it works:
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Encourages creative foot use, body tension, and efficient movement.
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Forces you to rethink how you use space on the wall.
🔗 Want more grip variety to play with? Explore climbing hold packages designed for creative route setting.
2. “Themed Route” Builder 🎨
How it works:
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Set a route based on a theme—examples:
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“Only slopers”
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“No footholds”
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“All green holds”
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“Animal-shaped holds only”
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Get silly or serious—it’s up to you.
Why it works:
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Helps with grip-specific training.
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Keeps things fresh and fun, especially for younger climbers.
3. The Dice Set 🎲
How it works:
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Roll two dice:
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One for hold types (jugs, crimps, slopers, pinches, etc.)
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One for movement rules (only dynos, must match on every hold, etc.)
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Set a new route based on the results.
Why it works:
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Forces you to work within constraints.
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Great for warming up your route-setting brain.
4. Route in Reverse 🔁
How it works:
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Take one of your favorite problems and reverse the direction.
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Try climbing it top-down, left-to-right instead of right-to-left, or vice versa.
Why it works:
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Adds challenge to familiar routes.
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Builds movement versatility and mental mapping skills.
5. The “Beta Trap” Game 🔐
How it works:
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Set a route with an obvious beta—but add a better solution that’s sneakier or more efficient.
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Try climbing it both ways. Bonus if someone else finds the trap!
Why it works:
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Builds awareness of body positioning and hidden beta.
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Makes every route a puzzle.
🔗 Need more space to get creative? Use modular wall design instructions to expand or reshape your wall.
6. “Problem of the Week” Challenge 📅
How it works:
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Once a week, build a new route and leave it up all week.
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Try to send it with different rules:
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One-hand only
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One fall allowed
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Timer countdown
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Track your progress and improve your beta.
Why it works:
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Builds consistency and progression.
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Adds purpose to weekly sessions.
7. Route Swap (with Yourself or a Partner) 🔄
How it works:
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Set a route… then come back the next day and rebuild it slightly different (change one or two holds).
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Or if climbing with someone, each person builds one for the other.
Why it works:
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Enhances your ability to adapt and respond to new movement.
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Great for partner sessions or kids who want a fresh wall every day.
Conclusion
You don’t need a commercial gym or professional routesetters to keep climbing fun, dynamic, and productive. These simple route-building games are perfect for testing your skills, sharpening your creativity, and maximizing what your home wall can do.
Stock up on new ideas and new grips with our climbing hold packages, and take your wall to the next level with modular wall design instructions.