Adhesion-independent migration is a crucial mode of motility for cells in confined or complex environments, yet the physical principles governing its directional guidance remain poorly understood. This propulsion mechanism relies on the self-organized accumulation of contractile molecules (like myosin) on the cell surface, which generates cortical flows that push the cell through its surroundings. The final direction of movement is an emergent property resulting from the interplay of molecule transport, surface hydrodynamics, and external mechanical cues. To systematically investigate directional choice, we utilize a computational model coupling active surface and bulk hydrodynamics to a diffusible contraction-generating molecule [1]. This versatile platform allows us to explore how environmental mechanics dictate cell polarization and migration. We first demonstrate that the model naturally captures spontaneous symmetry breaking leading to persistent, directed movement in uniform channels. We then explore how various physical gradients—including friction, viscosity, and channel width—as well as external flows and hydrodynamic cell-cell interactions, steer the cell's course. Our results reveal that active surface dynamics can generate surprisingly complex, stimulus-specific behavior, such as up-gradient migration against friction or active escape from restrictive narrow regions [2].