The Ratchet & Clank series is a beloved action-platformer franchise developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. First debuting on the PlayStation 2, the series follows the adventures of Ratchet, a skilled Lombax mechanic, and Clank, his witty robotic companion, as they travel across the galaxy battling villains, exploring diverse planets, and wielding an arsenal of inventive, over-the-top weapons.
Known for its humor, engaging third-person gameplay, and creative world-building, Ratchet & Clank has remained a staple of PlayStation gaming, evolving across multiple generations while maintaining its charm and signature fast-paced action.
Here is a list of every game in the Ratchet & Clank series, in order.
1. Ratchet & Clank
| Initial Release Date | November 6, 2002 |
| Developer | Insomniac Games |
| Platform(s) | – PlayStation 2 |
Ratchet & Clank (2002) is a vibrant, sci-fi action-platformer developed by Insomniac Games for the PlayStation 2. The game follows Ratchet, a Lombax mechanic, and Clank, a small but clever robot, as they travel across diverse planets to stop Chairman Drek’s evil plot to build a new world from stolen planetary pieces.
The gameplay blends fast-paced combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Players collect bolts to purchase a wide array of imaginative weapons and gadgets, like the iconic Blaster and the devastating R.Y.N.O. Each planet offers unique environments, platforming challenges, and hidden secrets to uncover. The game also features space combat sections, hoverboard races, and Clank-specific missions, adding variety to the adventure. With its witty humor, engaging level design, and inventive arsenal, Ratchet & Clank set the stage for a beloved franchise.
2. Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando
| Initial Release Date | November 11, 2003 |
| Developer | Insomniac Games |
| Platform(s) | – PlayStation 2 |
Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando (2003) is the action-packed sequel to the original game, expanding on its predecessor with deeper mechanics and more diverse gameplay. Ratchet and Clank are hired by Megacorp in the Bogon Galaxy to retrieve a stolen biological experiment, but their mission unravels into a larger conspiracy.
The game introduces RPG elements, including weapon upgrades through experience points and increased health as players defeat enemies. The arsenal grows even wilder, featuring weapons like the Lava Gun and the Sheepinator. New gameplay features include space combat, spherical arena battles, and gladiator challenges. Exploration is enhanced with more expansive planets, hoverbike races, and flying sections. With tighter combat, rewarding progression, and varied mission styles, Going Commando elevated the series to new heights.
3. Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
| Initial Release Date | November 2, 2004 |
| Developer | Insomniac Games |
| Platform(s) | – PlayStation 2 |
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal (2004) amps up the series’ action and humor as Ratchet and Clank face off against Dr. Nefarious, a maniacal robot villain plotting to wipe out organic life. The game returns to the Solana Galaxy, where players explore diverse planets, battle hordes of enemies, and team up with the bumbling Galactic Rangers.
The gameplay refines the series’ combat focus, introducing an even larger arsenal of upgradable weapons, like the Disc Blade Gun and the Infector. New features include squad-based missions, expanded vehicle segments, and a robust multiplayer mode with competitive online and split-screen options. The addition of weapon leveling, dynamic enemy AI, and fast-paced arena battles makes Up Your Arsenal a standout entry in the franchise, blending platforming and shooter elements seamlessly.
4. Ratchet: Deadlocked
| Initial Release Date | October 25, 2005 |
| Developer | Insomniac Games |
| Platform(s) | – PlayStation 3 – PlayStation 2 |
Ratchet: Deadlocked (2005) takes a darker turn in the Ratchet & Clank series, focusing on intense combat and arena-based gameplay. Ratchet is captured and forced to compete in DreadZone, a deadly reality show where heroes fight for survival. Clank takes on a support role, providing guidance while Ratchet battles through brutal challenges.
The game emphasizes action over platforming, with a heavy focus on shooting mechanics. Players can wield and upgrade an array of powerful weapons, customize combat bots for assistance, and tackle a variety of arena battles, gauntlets, and large-scale warzones. Deadlocked also features cooperative play and online multiplayer, adding competitive modes to the mix. With its grittier tone and combat-driven design, Deadlocked offers a unique, adrenaline-fueled twist on the classic formula.
5. Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
| Initial Release Date | February 13, 2007 |
| Developer | High Impact Games |
| Platform(s) | – PlayStation 2 – PlayStation Portable |
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters (2007) brings the series to handheld consoles, delivering classic action-platforming on the go. The duo’s vacation is cut short when they investigate the disappearance of a young girl, leading them to unravel a mystery involving the Technomites, a secretive race with a sinister plan.
The gameplay captures the series’ signature blend of combat, exploration, and gadget-based puzzles. Players wield a variety of upgradeable weapons, like the Lacerator and the Bee Mine Glove, while traversing diverse planets filled with enemies and platforming challenges. The game introduces unique segments, such as Clank’s Giant Mech levels and customizable armor sets that boost Ratchet’s abilities. With its portable format, creative level design, and familiar charm, Size Matters offers a solid Ratchet & Clank experience on a smaller scale.
6. Secret Agent Clank
| Initial Release Date | June 17, 2008 |
| Developer | High Impact Games |
| Platform(s) | – PlayStation 2 – PlayStation Portable |
Secret Agent Clank (2008) puts Clank in the spotlight, starring as a suave, gadget-wielding spy on a mission to clear Ratchet’s name after he’s falsely accused of theft. This PSP title blends classic Ratchet & Clank gameplay with stealth and espionage elements, adding a fresh twist to the series.
Clank’s missions focus on sneaky takedowns, laser-dodging, and using spy gear like the Tie-a-Rang and Cufflink Bombs. Meanwhile, players can control Ratchet in arena-style brawls and even play as Captain Qwark in exaggerated, over-the-top action sequences. The game balances platforming, puzzles, and combat, offering varied gameplay styles across different characters. With its playful spy theme, humorous story, and creative gadgets, Secret Agent Clank delivers a fun, genre-bending adventure.
7. Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
| Initial Release Date | October 23, 2007 |
| Developer | Insomniac Games |
| Platform(s) | – PlayStation 3 |
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction (2007) kicks off the Future saga on PlayStation 3, blending stunning visuals with the series’ signature action-platforming. The story follows Ratchet and Clank as they uncover the secrets of Ratchet’s Lombax heritage while battling Emperor Tachyon, a villain determined to wipe out the Lombax race.
The gameplay expands with motion controls, space combat, and dynamic environments. Players wield a creative arsenal, including the Tornado Launcher and Groovitron, with weapons leveling up through use. Gadgets like the Geo-Laser and Robo-Wings add variety to exploration and puzzle-solving. The game’s cinematic presentation, vast planets, and polished combat make Tools of Destruction a standout entry, pushing the franchise into a new era.
8. Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty
| Initial Release Date | August 21, 2008 |
| Developer | Insomniac Games |
| Platform(s) | – PlayStation 3 |
Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty (2008) is a shorter, pirate-themed adventure that continues the Future saga. After Clank’s mysterious disappearance, Ratchet searches for the Fulcrum Star to track him down, facing off against ghostly pirate Captain Darkwater and his crew.
The gameplay focuses on platforming, puzzles, and exploration, with fewer weapons but more environmental interactions. Ratchet uses tools like the OmniWrench to manipulate objects, move platforms, and solve physics-based puzzles. The game emphasizes close-quarters combat and includes light-and-dark mechanics to navigate eerie environments. With its condensed, action-packed story and swashbuckling charm, Quest for Booty offers a fun, bite-sized Ratchet & Clank experience.
9. Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time
| Initial Release Date | October 27, 2009 |
| Developer | Insomniac Games |
| Platform(s) | – PlayStation 3 |
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time (2009) is the epic conclusion to the Future saga, following Ratchet’s quest to rescue Clank and unravel the mysteries of time itself. The story delves into Ratchet’s past, the ancient race of the Lombaxes, and the evil Dr. N. Volt, who seeks to control time with the powerful Kronoscepter.
The gameplay builds on previous entries, featuring improved combat, platforming, and exploration. Ratchet can now manipulate time using the “Time Paradox” mechanic, allowing him to solve puzzles by pausing, rewinding, or fast-forwarding time. Clank also gets his own gameplay segments, where he controls time with the help of the Zoni. The game introduces new weapons, including the Warmonger and the R.Y.N.O. V, as well as refined visuals and dynamic environments. A Crack in Time delivers a cinematic, action-packed adventure, concluding the Future storyline with a mix of fast-paced combat, intricate puzzles, and heartfelt moments.
10. Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One
| Initial Release Date | October 18, 2011 |
| Developer | Insomniac Games |
| Platform(s) | – PlayStation 3 |
Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One (2011) takes the series in a new direction with cooperative multiplayer gameplay. In this spin-off, Ratchet, Clank, Qwark, and Dr. N. Gin are forced to team up to rescue the galaxy from a mysterious force. The game focuses on teamwork, with each character bringing unique abilities to solve puzzles and defeat enemies.
The gameplay revolves around cooperative action, with up to four players (locally or online) controlling the main characters. Each character has distinct weapons and abilities, and the game features many co-op challenges, such as coordinated attacks, puzzle-solving, and vehicle segments. The game maintains the series’ humor and vibrant visuals, offering both solo play and multiplayer fun. While the focus is on cooperative dynamics, All 4 One introduces new gadgets, platforming mechanics, and team-based combat, creating a fresh twist on the Ratchet & Clank formula.
11. Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault
| Initial Release Date | November 27, 2012 |
| Developer | Insomniac Games |
| Platform(s) | – PlayStation 3 – PlayStation Vita |
Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault (2012) is a hybrid action and tower defense game that combines the series’ signature platforming and combat with strategic elements. Ratchet and Clank must defend their base from waves of enemies while uncovering the secrets behind a new villain, Vendra Prog, and her destructive plans.
The gameplay introduces tower defense mechanics, where players build and upgrade defenses to protect their base from enemy attacks. Alongside this, traditional Ratchet & Clank combat is featured, with a wide range of weapons and gadgets for Ratchet to use against enemies. The game allows for solo play or cooperative multiplayer, where players can take on the roles of Ratchet and Clank (or other characters) in defending key areas. The story is told through humorous dialogue, and the game’s visuals maintain the series’ colorful, cartoony style. Full Frontal Assault adds a unique layer of strategy while still offering the action-packed experience the series is known for.
12. Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus
| Initial Release Date | November 12, 2013 |
| Developer | Insomniac Games |
| Platform(s) | – PlayStation 3 |
Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus (2013) marks the return to the series’ classic formula with a focus on platforming, combat, and story-driven gameplay. Ratchet and Clank find themselves facing a new threat when the notorious criminal Vendra Prog escapes prison and releases dangerous forces from the dimensions. As they journey through different dimensions, they must prevent the collapse of reality itself.
The game introduces new mechanics, such as the “Dimensionator” device, which allows Ratchet to manipulate different dimensions, creating new platforming puzzles and combat opportunities. The arsenal is expanded with new weapons, like the Nether Blades and the Winterizer, while traditional combat and gadgets remain core to the experience. The game also features some low-gravity and zero-gravity sections, adding variety to the gameplay. With vibrant visuals, engaging combat, and a focus on the traditional Ratchet & Clank experience, Into the Nexus serves as a fitting conclusion to the series’ PS3 era.
13. Ratchet & Clank (Remake)
| Initial Release Date | April 12, 2016 |
| Developer | Insomniac Games |
| Platform(s) | – PlayStation 4 |
Ratchet & Clank (2016) is a ground-up remake of the original 2002 game, created to coincide with the Ratchet & Clank movie. The game retells the origin story of Ratchet, a Lombax mechanic, and Clank, his robot companion, as they join forces to stop the evil Chairman Drek from destroying planets.
The remake boasts stunning visuals, with updated graphics and modernized gameplay mechanics while staying true to the original’s spirit. The gameplay retains the classic combination of platforming, exploration, and fast-paced combat, featuring a wide range of upgradeable weapons and gadgets, like the Groovitron and the Pixelizer. New to the remake are expanded story elements, new cutscenes, and voice acting that deepen the characters’ personalities. The game also includes hidden collectibles, space combat, and challenge modes. Ratchet & Clank (2016) offers a polished, action-packed experience with updated mechanics, providing both long-time fans and newcomers with a fresh take on a beloved classic.
14. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
| Initial Release Date | June 11, 2021 |
| Developer | Insomniac Games |
| Platform(s) | – PlayStation 5 – PC |
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (2021) is a dazzling next-gen adventure for the PlayStation 5, pushing the boundaries of the Ratchet & Clank series with incredible visuals, fast-paced combat, and innovative mechanics. The game follows Ratchet and Clank as they travel across multiple dimensions to stop an evil emperor and save the multiverse. Along the way, they meet a new Lombax named Rivet, who plays a key role in the story.
The game takes full advantage of the PS5’s hardware, featuring lightning-fast loading times, stunning ray-traced graphics, and smooth 60fps gameplay. One of its standout features is the dimensional rifts mechanic, which allows players to instantly travel between dimensions, seamlessly warping between environments during both combat and exploration. This mechanic is used creatively in puzzles and fights. The arsenal is expanded with new weapons, including the Rift Tether and the Topiary Sprinkler, while the game also introduces new gadgets and abilities. With a focus on exploration, platforming, and intense combat, Rift Apart delivers a visually spectacular and fun-filled experience, offering both solo play and dynamic new characters.