Telescopic fist

Rayman doesn’t have big biceps – hardly surprising, for an armless hero! – but he does have 2 fists which can prove to be very powerful.

—Manual, Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc

The telescopic fist is the first power Rayman receives. It usually serves as his primary offensive ability and is seen in most titles within the series in some form.

Role in the games

The original Rayman game

Hello Rayman, I'm Betilla the Fairy, and I'm going to help you in your quest. I can give you a new power.

Now you can punch with your fist. Good luck! Press the □ button to punch. The longer you press, the further you punch.

—Betilla the Fairy in Pink Plant Woods, Rayman

The telescopic fist is the first power that Rayman is granted by Betilla in the original game in Pink Plant Woods. It is his most widely used power, and with it, he can hurl a fist that defeats any enemies that are in his way. Another power, the grappling fist, allows Rayman's fist to grab objects such as extra lives and flying rings. It can be powered up by picking up gold fists, which doubles the fist power, and speed fists which makes him throw it faster. Picking up more speed fists, up to three, will further increase the speed. Rayman can also increase the power of his punches by either charging the fist or punching while jumping.

During the encounter with Mr Dark in Mr Dark's Dare, Rayman's fist is stolen by Mr Dark. The Electoons do however come to Rayman's aid and gives it back to him.

Rayman is given his first power by Betilla the Fairy

Rayman hurling his fist

Rayman Revolution

In Rayman 2, Rayman shoots energy balls instead of throwing his fist when attacking. However, at the beginning of Rayman Revolution he is temporarily given the ability to punch by Globox. This power only lasts until he frees the Grand Minimus in the Woods of Light, where he is given the shooting power as in the other versions of Rayman 2.

According to the History of Rayman, Rayman 2 was initially going to include the traditional telescopic fist power, but due to visual and gameplay problems, it was replaced by the Magic fist.

Rayman 3

The telescopic fist returns in Rayman 3. Here Rayman can shoot it laterally by strafing around enemies. The fist can be upgraded temporarily by the Laser Detergent Cans some Hoodlums leave behind. Using his fist isn't his only means of attack in the game. Rayman can also kick his opponents if he is close enough.

The telescopic fist can be used offensively against most enemies in the game, barring the Knaaren who do not take damage against it and can only be evaded. The stilts of the Stumbleboom are also resistant to Rayman's telescopic fist, but can be destroyed if the Vortex power-up is active.

Rayman starts out the game without his fists due to Globox having accidentally pulled them off before escaping.

Rayman throwing his fist while strafing.

The Game Boy Advance version of Rayman 3

Rayman uses his telescopic fist in the Game Boy Advance version of Rayman 3 in a similar manner to how it was used in the original Rayman game, with him being able to charge his fists for stronger attacks or just throw them normally. Throughout the game he will receive several upgrades for his fists, such as being able to throw both at once, grab Purple Lums and charge the fists for even stronger attacks.

Rayman using his fist to grab a Purple Lum.

Rayman throwing both his fists to have the plum move.

Rayman charging his upgraded fist.

The Game Boy Advance version of Rayman Raving Rabbids

Rayman finding his fists.

In the Game Boy Advance version of Rayman Raving Rabbids Rayman's fists behave as they did in the Game Boy Advance version of Rayman 3, but without any upgrades except for the one to grab Purple Lums. He starts out the game without his fists, though quickly finds them after escaping.

The DS version of Rayman Raving Rabbids

In the DS version of Rayman Raving Rabbids Rayman is able to use both his telescopic fist and Magic Fist, however, his telescopic fist functions differently in comparison to most titles. His fist does not retract when shot, nor can it be charged.

Rayman Origins, Rayman Jungle Run, Rayman Legends, Rayman Fiesta Run and Rayman Adventures

Rayman begins Rayman Origins with only the ability to jump on enemies to defeat them, this is quickly rectified as Rayman and his friends rescue Betilla in It's a Jungle Out There..., who then gives the heroes the ability to attack. Unlike past titles, where the telescopic fist was Rayman's primary means of attack, Rayman is now able to perform a variety of attacks and comboes. The telescopic fist remains accessible to Rayman by holding down the attack button, and releasing, as it behaved in past titles. Other heroes also have attacks that are functionally similar, but aesthetically different, Globox attacks using slaps, while Teensies attack using magic.

The attack power is retained in Rayman Legends, all previous characters use the same attacks, barring the ground kick move, which is changed to a ground slam move.

Other games

Rayman's fist in the discontinued Rabbids Heroes.

Rayman's telescopic fist is an unlockable weapon in the Ubisoft game, Prince of Persia: Warrior Within. One of the cards in the now discontinued game Rabbids Heroes, is named after Rayman's fist.