Best Ratchet & Clank Games

During the PS2 and PS3 eras, Ratchet & Clank was inaccessible. Insomniac’s franchise seemed to produce a new entry each year, and while they were not all fantastic, quite a few of these releases sat comfortably among the best 3D platformers of their respective consoles. As, nowadays, Insomniac is mostly focusing on Marvel projects, it might be awhile before Ratchet and Clank go on another adventure, presuming 2021’s Rift Apart does not end up being the duo’s final journey.

Underwhelming spin-offs and oversaturation aside, most Ratchet & Clank games are, at the bare minimum, playable. If Insomniac (or another developer) got it right, the resulting title was far more than just serviceable. Let’s run down the best Ratchet & Clank games.

Updated April 5, 2025 by Mark Sammut: At this point, it is difficult to say when a new Ratchet & Clank game might materialize. Fortunately, most of the franchise’s projects are relatively accessible and, crucially, still awesome to play. This article has been expanded with galleries and more specs for each title.

Click on one of the below Ratchet & Clank games to jump to its ranking. The list is in chronological order.

Quick Links

Future: Tools Of Destruction

Ratchet & Clank Collection

17

Before The Nexus

An Endless Runner That Does Not Excel As A Member Of That Genre Or A Ratchet & Clank Game

Ratchet & Clank: Before the Nexus Tag Page Cover Art

Systems

Released: December 18, 2013
How Long To Beat: 2 Hours
Publisher(s): Sony Computer Entertainment

Released before 2013’s Into the Nexus, the franchise’s final PS3 entry, Before the Nexus was the second time Ratchet & Clank headed to mobile. It is also worse than 2005’s Going Mobile. The main issue with Before the Nexus is that it does not do enough to capture the spirit of the console games.

19-Best-Endless-Runner-Mobile-Games,-Ranked

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An endless runner, this game finds Ratchet chasing after Vendra and Neftin Prog. Clank also comes along for the ride but the robot does not add anything to the gameplay beyond his presence. Surprisingly, Ratchet & Clank is not a bad fit for the endless runner genre, and Before the Nexus does a decent job of incorporating mechanics synonymous with the main game. Unfortunately, the game’s controls leave a lot to be desired, particularly the shooting. The fact the license has consistently excelled in this area makes Before the Nexus an even harder pill to stomach.

16

Full Frontal Assault

The Worst Ratchet & Clank Console Game

Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault Tag Page Cover Art

Systems

Released: November 27, 2012
How Long To Beat: 5 Hours
ESRB: Everyone 10+ // Comic Mischief, Fantasy Violence
Multiplayer: Local Multiplayer

Although this game escaped from being included in the worst PS3 exclusives for the 2010s, it definitely qualifies as one of the most disappointing. Full Frontal Assault’s main criticism comes from the tower defense system. Having to defend something is almost always boring, and this game brings that to excess. Another complaint from critics is the lack of a coherent story. Mostly, it just seems like a free-to-play title rather than a legit entry. Co-op can be fun, but the absence of depth in level design means the fun doesn’t begin.

Full Frontal Assault arguably represents the ultimate low point for the franchise. Ratchet & Clank had been beaten to the ground by 2012, overstaying its welcome through a series of underwhelming projects that lacked the charm of the original PS2 trilogy. By the time this entry dropped, the series was completely overexposed.

15

Going Mobile

A Respectable Attempt To Go Mobile

Ratchet & Clank: Going Mobile

Systems

Developer(s): Handheld Games
Released: November 2, 2005
How Long To Beat: 1 Hour

Arguably the most forgotten Ratchet & Clank game, Going Mobile is not just notable for its platform but also the fact that it is the only 2D entry in the series. Insomniac’s series has developed into a third-person shooter with platforming sections, but there was a time when Ratchet & Clank was predominantly a platformer. Going Mobile belongs to the latter era, and it is a worthy addition to the franchise.

Most of the elements that defined the license’s PS2 games are represented in Going Mobile, albeit naturally streamlined to fit the hardware. Although good for its time, this spin-off can be hard to revisit in this day and age since mobile gaming has come very far since 2005.

14

All 4 One

The Definition Of Fun With Friends

Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One Tag Page Cover Art

Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One

Systems

Released: October 18, 2011
How Long To Beat: 10 Hours
ESRB: E10+ For Everyone 10+ // Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Language
Multiplayer: Local Co-Op, Online Co-Op

By the time of this game’s release, the series seemed to have become more of a gimmick. In this entry, players are given four choices between characters to choose from. While this idea was new, the execution wasn’t, as critics complained it felt the same only with different playable characters.

Another common issue is the presence of multiple glitches that suck the fun out. The biggest issue, though, is the horrible AI partners, who become more of a nuisance than assistance.

13

Secret Agent Clank

A Tiny Adventure That, While Not Amazing, Grants Clank A Moment In The Spotlight

Action-Adventure

Platformer

Systems

PS Plus Availability: Premium
Developer(s): High Impact Games, Sanzaru Games
Released: June 17, 2008
How Long To Beat: 8 Hours

Although this title isn’t exactly revolutionary, it might be one of the more underrated platformers out there. Secret Agent Clank makes Ratchet take a backseat while Clank is the playable character. Here, the espionage theme is both funny and creative.

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The downside is that Clank’s special abilities aren’t really utilized. Instead, most of Ratchet’s moves have been transferred to him. Still, the game does present a different viewpoint from the rest of the series that should be appreciated.

12

Ratchet & Clank Collection

Technically, The Best Overall Ratchet & Clank Package, But A Compilation Can Only Rank So High

The Ratchet and Clank Collection Tag Page Cover Art

The Ratchet & Clank Collection

Systems

Released: August 28, 2012
How Long To Beat: 46 Hours

The PS3 era was rife with compilations that provided slightly remastered or tweaked versions of masterpieces from yesteryear. The Ratchet & Clank Collection took Insomniac’s iconic PS2 trilogy and presented them in 720p and 60 FPS, which was the minimum this type of release could do. The package also went the extra mile by incorporating 3D support, which players can activate if they do not mind a performance hit.

In terms of content, the Ratchet & Clank Collection delivers three of the greatest action-platformers of all time, all of which are still fun to play all these years later. However, as a product, it does not bring too much to the plate.

11

Future: Quest For Booty

A Short Ratchet & Clank Experience Executed Relatively Well

Ratchet and Clank Future: Quest for Booty Tag Page Cover Art

Platformer

Third-Person Shooter

Systems

Released: August 21, 2008
How Long To Beat: 3 Hours
ESRB: Everyone 10+ // Fantasy Violence, Use of Alcohol

Despite not exactly being a bad game, Quest for Booty‘s legacy has been blighted due to its extremely short length. This is the standard Ratchet & Clank game, only without much Clank and a campaign that ends in about three hours.

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Quest for Booty maintains a fun quick pace throughout its runtime. This allows it to keep players invested throughout, although the story ends on a cliffhanger at the worst moment. Its gameplay was also praised due to the removal of useless weapons, streamlining the process to focus on just the high points. Quest for Booty distills the core Ratchet & Clank formula to provide a highly entertaining way to spend a few hours; however, the game also foreshadowed the franchise’s direction for the PS3 era.

10

Into The Nexus

Ending Ratchet & Clank’s PS3 Era On A Decent But Unspectacular Note

Ratchet & Clank: Into The Nexus Tag Page Cover Art

Platformer

Third-Person Shooter

Systems

Released: November 12, 2013
How Long To Beat: 6 Hours
ESRB: Everyone 10+ // Alcohol Reference, Comic Mischief, Fantasy Violence

Insomniac Games’ series lost its way somewhat during the PS3 era, resulting in a string of disappointing games that ventured away from what made Ratchet & Clank successful. While the return to the franchise’s roots might or might not be related to that, Into the Nexus wasn’t a complete success.

The graphics were pretty fantastic for the era, with the game making full use of its exotic locations. However, the story is arguably among the weakest in the series, to the point where it seems completely unneeded. Although not terrible by any means, Into the Nexus does not stand out from the crowd, offering another “Future” style adventure that mostly sought to steady the ship following a couple of polarizing entries. Die-hard fans will likely enjoy the ride since this is ultimately just another Ratchet & Clank game, but the franchise was running on fumes at this point.

9

Ratchet: Deadlocked

A Weird Spin-Off That Is Pretty Fun Despite Not Gelling With The Rest Of The Franchise

Systems

Released: October 25, 2005
How Long To Beat: 8 Hours
Multiplayer: Local Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
ESRB: Everyone 10+ // Mild Fantasy Violence, Suggestive Themes, Mild Language, Comic Mischief

Out of all the games in the series, Ratchet: Deadlocked feels the most different. Filled with impressive weapons for players to try out, Deadlocked is more of a survival game than a platformer. While it’s no doubt enjoyable, the game lacks the series’ spirit and, consequently, is one of the harder entries to revisit in this day and age.

Unlike other Ratchet & Clank games, this one has players fighting for their lives in gladiatorial arenas. It’s darker than most, but there’s no denying that every level is packed with action. Deadlocked certainly would’ve made a bigger impact had it been a standalone feature.

8

Size Matters

A Really Charming Ratchet & Clank Game That Was Perfect For The PSP

Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters

Third-Person Shooter

Platformer

Systems

PS Plus Availability: Premium
Released: February 13, 2007
Developer(s): High Impact Games
How Long To Beat: 7 Hours
ESRB: Everyone 10+ // Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence

Sometimes goofiness can be charming, with Size Matters fulfilling this aspect. The game is on the lighter side of things, featuring more of the same only on a smaller scale. A PSP title, this lower scope actually allows the game to be special.

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The story, while not flashy, does highlight the protagonists’ characterizations. Boss fights require a certain sense of strategy, which makes beating the game even more rewarding. Finally, traveling to multiple worlds with distinct features bolsters the replay value.

A Great Start To Ratchet & Clank’s PS3 Era

Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction Tag Page Cover Art

Platformer

Action

Adventure

Third-Person Shooter

Systems

Released: October 23, 2007
How Long To Beat: 13 hours
ESRB: E10+ For Everyone 10+ // Alcohol Reference, Animated Blood, Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Language

Released at a time when the PS3 was a fresh new console, Future: Tools of Destruction gave the series a superb revamp. Also filled with tongue-in-cheek humor – there is even a reference to the PS3 vs. Xbox console fight – this game succeeded in launching a new era for the franchise.

Tools of Destruction‘s level design and usage of Ratchet and Clank are particularly engaging. Along with that, the focus on keeping both gameplay and the plot hand in hand enabled this entry to be remembered for its well-rounded execution. While the PS3 era would ultimately struggle to live up to its predecessor, Tools of Destruction got things started on a very positive note, and it is still worth revisiting all these years later.

6

Ratchet & Clank (2016)

A Gorgeous Reimagining Of Ratchet & Clank’s First Adventure

Ratchet and Clank (2016) Tag Page Cover Art

Platformer

Third-Person Shooter

Systems

Released: April 12, 2016
How Long To Beat: 10 Hours
ESRB: Everyone 10+ // Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence

Remakes can leave something to be desired, but PS4’s Ratchet & Clank certainly makes a case in favor of their existence. A reboot and re-imagining of the first game, the original fun is faithfully brought back with gorgeous visuals and improved gunplay, with the latter being by far the best in the franchise up to this point. Even roughly a decade later, the game still looks absolutely stunning, to the point of putting quite a few PS5 releases to shame.

The remake balances platforming, combat, and puzzle-solving well. Story-wise, it does not quite reach the heights of the PS2 original, but it is an acceptable rendition of this tale. Before Rift Apart, 2016’s Ratchet & Clank had the best gameplay in the series.

5

Ratchet & Clank

The One That Started It All

Ratchet and Clank 2002 Tag Page Cover Art

Third-Person Shooter

Platformer

Systems

Released: November 6, 2002
How Long To Beat: 12 Hours
ESRB: Teen // Mild Violence

The original continues to have a soft spot among the fanbase. It’s aged remarkably well too, with the storyline and humor remaining just as fresh even after two decades. Critics gave it well-deserved points for its creativity, with there being nothing like it at the time of release.

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While the uneven camera and Ratchet’s unlikable personality were a bit of a hindrance, the game manages to win players over due to the number of mini-games and upbeat tone.

4

Future: A Crack In Time

The Best Ratchet & Clank PS3 Game…And By Quite A Margin

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time Tag Page Cover Art

Platformer

Third-Person Shooter

Systems

Released: October 27, 2009
How Long To Beat: 11 Hours
ESRB: Everyone 10+ // Animated Blood, Comic Mischief, Fantasy Violence

Considered by many to be the best Ratchet & Clank game on the PS3, A Crack in Time deserves all the praise it has received. With additional points given for the quality of the game’s weapons and combat, the series pulled out all the stops to make this an engaging feature.

Although it’s not the most friendly of games for new players, A Crack in Time has been noted for its ability to capture interest. Additional liberties like freely using Ratchet’s ship help empower the player to explore further.

3

Rift Apart

One Of The Best PS5 Games

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart Tag Page Cover Art

Platformer

Third-Person Shooter

Systems

PS Plus Availability: Extra & Premium
Released: June 11, 2021
How Long To Beat: 11 Hours
ESRB: E10+ for Everyone 10+: Alcohol Reference, Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence

The most recent entry in the series, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart builds upon the rock-solid foundations of 2016’s remake. Using the PS5’s hardware to great effect, Insomniac crafted an experience that highlights the console’s graphical prowess while still delivering gameplay depth. Long-time fans will feel right at home with Rift Apart‘s combat and platforming, and they can even look forward to trying out a new playable character called Rivet.

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The 2010s was not an especially strong decade for Ratchet & Clank, and the franchise’s days even seemed numbered following the release of Into the Nexus. Rift Apart shows that Insomniac’s series still has plenty of life left in it; furthermore, the game was eventually ported to PC, marking the franchise’s first foray into that market.

2

Up Your Arsenal

The End Of Ratchet & Clank’s Masterful PS2 Trilogy

Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal Tag Page Cover Art

Systems

Released: November 2, 2004
How Long To Beat: 12 Hours
ESRB: Teen // Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence

Packing in features galore, the franchise’s third PS2 entry is still one of the very best Ratchet & Clank games after all these years. Up Your Arsenal‘s addition of online multiplayer made for an entirely different gameplay option, instantly adding hours more of playthrough potential.

The campaign is also quite expansive, with several levels available to upgrade and perfect one’s skills. Most of all, it is Up Your Arsenal‘s highly entertaining story, filled with surprisingly mature themes and gritty characters, that make this a can’t-miss release.

1

Going Commando

The Best Ratchet & Clank Game

Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando Tag Page Cover Art

Third-Person Shooter

Platformer

Systems

Released: November 11, 2003
How Long To Beat: 13 Hours
ESRB: Teen // Mild Violence

Rarely does a sequel take the shortcomings of the previous game and improve upon them almost flawlessly. Going Commando, though, does just this as it features a more hard-hitting style that enlivens the campaign of the game. Ratchet & Clank was and still is a fantastic 3D platformer, but its successor ramps up the scope and fine-tunes the combat perfectly, all the while retaining its predecessor’s clever sense of humor and warmth.

The story fixes the chinks in Ratchet’s character, making him and Clank the ideal duo fans know them to be. The explosive combat and racing scenes, in particular, have continued to be pointed out as the top feature of this sequel. While certainly feeling like a PS2 game in most ways, Going Commando has aged brilliantly, to the point that its charm is just straight-up timeless.