The Ratchet & Clank franchise is more than just a PlayStation series. It’s a timeline of innovation, humor, and action-packed adventures. From the early PlayStation 2 days to the power of the PlayStation 5, the journey has been huge. Fans often ask how to play the ratchet and clank games in order. That’s exactly what we’ll cover here.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know the release order, story order, best entries to play, and what makes this franchise so loved. Whether you are new or a long-time fan, this will serve as your complete roadmap.
Why Should You Play Ratchet and Clank Games in Order?
Playing the ratchet and clank games in order helps you see the characters grow. Ratchet starts as a young mechanic, while Clank begins as a curious robot. Together, they face villains, travel planets, and unlock new powers. Each game connects in subtle ways. Some weapons evolve. Some friends return. Even the humor grows sharper. Skipping around may confuse the story, but following the order makes the adventure richer.
Complete Chronological List of Ratchet & Clank Games
Here’s a breakdown of every Ratchet & Clank game ever released, arranged in order:
| Year | Title | Platform | Notes |
| 2002 | Ratchet & Clank | PS2 | The original adventure |
| 2003 | Going Commando | PS2 | RPG elements introduced |
| 2004 | Up Your Arsenal | PS2 | Online multiplayer added |
| 2005 | Deadlocked | PS2 | More combat-focused |
| 2005 | Going Mobile | Mobile | Rare mobile release |
| 2007 | Size Matters | PSP / PS2 | Portable adventure |
| 2007 | Tools of Destruction | PS3 | Start of the “Future” saga |
| 2008 | Secret Agent Clank | PSP | Focuses on Clank |
| 2008 | Quest for Booty | PS3 | Short expansion |
| 2009 | A Crack in Time | PS3 | Time travel gameplay |
| 2011 | All 4 One | PS3 | Four-player co-op |
| 2012 | Collection | PS3 | Remastered trilogy |
| 2012 | Full Frontal Assault | PS3 | Tower-defense hybrid |
| 2013 | Into the Nexus | PS3 | Short story closer |
| 2016 | Ratchet & Clank (Reboot) | PS4 | Modern reimagining |
| 2021 | Rift Apart | PS5 | Next-gen showcase |
This list is perfect if you want to track every release.
How the Series Began – Ratchet & Clank (2002)?
The very first Ratchet & Clank hit PlayStation 2 in 2002. It was fresh, exciting, and different from other platformers of its time. Players loved the weapons, gadgets, and humor.
The story introduced Ratchet, a Lombax with big dreams, and Clank, a tiny robot with brains and charm. Together, they took down Chairman Drek. This formula of combining combat with exploration set the tone for future games.
Going Commando – Adding RPG Elements
Released in 2003, Going Commando built on the original’s success. It allowed players to upgrade weapons through use, adding RPG mechanics. Fans loved seeing their tools grow stronger the more they played.
This was also when Ratchet matured as a hero. The galaxy expanded, new villains appeared, and the mix of action and strategy deepened.
Up Your Arsenal – Defining a Generation
In 2004, Up Your Arsenal made waves. It was bigger, faster, and more exciting. Online multiplayer was introduced, giving the game replay value like never before. Fans enjoyed the vehicles, new gadgets, and large-scale battles. For many, this is the best PS2 entry. It also helped define what the PlayStation 2 was capable of at the time.
Ratchet: Deadlocked – A Darker Path
Deadlocked (2005) leaned more toward combat. Ratchet was forced into deadly gladiator-style matches. The humor was still there, but the tone was darker. This shift divided some fans, but many loved the risk-taking. It proved the series could change direction and still feel strong.
Portable Adventures – Size Matters & Secret Agent Clank
The PSP brought the series to handheld players. Size Matters (2007) offered a shorter but fun adventure. It still felt like a true Ratchet & Clank game, just smaller in scope. Secret Agent Clank (2008) gave Clank the spotlight. Playing as the witty robot was refreshing, and fans enjoyed the change in perspective.
Enter the Future Saga – Tools of Destruction
With PlayStation 3, Ratchet & Clank leveled up again. Tools of Destruction (2007) looked cinematic and felt huge. This was the start of the “Future” saga. It introduced mysteries about Ratchet’s Lombax heritage. Players got to explore stunning worlds, fight bigger enemies, and experience more polished gameplay.
Quest for Booty – A Short Chapter
Released in 2008, Quest for Booty was more of an expansion. Short in length but packed with action, it filled gaps between Tools of Destruction and A Crack in Time. It was a bite-sized adventure that kept fans entertained.
A Crack in Time – Expanding the Universe
2009’s A Crack in Time was a fan favorite. It introduced time mechanics, letting players record and replay actions. Space exploration was open-ended, letting players fly between planets. This game blended story, puzzles, and combat beautifully. Many consider it the high point of the PlayStation 3 era.
Multiplayer Fun – All 4 One
In 2011, the series experimented with co-op. All 4 One let up to four players join together. It was lighthearted, chaotic, and designed for teamwork. Not everyone loved it, but it brought families and friends into the Ratchet & Clank universe in a new way.
The Collection and Spin-Offs
2012’s Ratchet & Clank Collection remastered the original trilogy for PS3. For new players, it was the best way to experience the classics. That same year, Full Frontal Assault blended tower defense with traditional gameplay. Then, in 2013, Into the Nexus provided a short but powerful conclusion to the Future saga.
A Fresh Start – Ratchet & Clank (2016)
The PlayStation 4 reboot reimagined the very first game. It tied in with the animated movie and introduced new players to Ratchet’s world. Visually, it was stunning. Gameplay was smoother, weapons felt more polished, and humor was top-notch. This game served as a bridge between old fans and newcomers.
Rift Apart – Next-Gen Masterpiece
In 2021, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart showcased what the PlayStation 5 could do. With near-instant loading, ray-traced visuals, and new characters like Rivet, it was breathtaking. Rift Apart felt like a Pixar movie you could play. It was also one of the best reasons to own a PS5 at launch.
Best Ratchet and Clank Game to Start With
If you want to follow the story, start with the original trilogy or the Collection. If you want modern gameplay, begin with the 2016 reboot. Then move to Rift Apart. Both paths are valid, depending on whether you care more about story or modern graphics.
Unique Features That Make the Series Shine
These features explain why playing the ratchet and clank games in order never feels boring.
- Huge weapon variety.
- Upgrade systems that reward replay.
- Fun gadgets and platforming.
- Quirky humor and witty dialogue.
- Large galaxies to explore.
Fan-Favorite Weapons Through the Years
Weapons in this series aren’t just tools-they’re characters themselves.
| Game | Weapon Highlight |
| Ratchet & Clank | Bomb Glove |
| Going Commando | R.Y.N.O. II |
| Up Your Arsenal | Agents of Doom |
| A Crack in Time | Groovitron |
| Rift Apart | Topiary Sprinkler |
Ratchet & Clank and PlayStation Legacy
The franchise is a big part of PlayStation history. Each generation had a Ratchet & Clank that showed off what the console could achieve. From PS2 to PS5, the series never stopped evolving.
Conclusion: Why You Should Play Ratchet and Clank Games in Order?
The Ratchet & Clank franchise is a blend of humor, action, and creativity. Following the ratchet and clank games in order lets you enjoy the full evolution of Ratchet, Clank, and their universe. From PS2 classics to next-gen masterpieces, this series continues to deliver joy to millions of players. If you love platformers with heart and action, Ratchet & Clank is the perfect journey to take.
FAQs
Q1. How many Ratchet and Clank games are there?
Ans. There are 16 main releases, plus spin-offs and collections.
Q2. Do I need to play Ratchet and Clank games in order?
Ans. Yes, for story lovers. But casual players can jump into newer games like Rift Apart without confusion.
Q3. Which Ratchet and Clank is best for beginners?
Ans. The 2016 reboot is perfect for newcomers. It’s modern, polished, and easy to understand.
Q4. Is Ratchet & Clank multiplayer?
Ans. Some games like All 4 One and Full Frontal Assault support co-op. Most entries are single-player.
Q5. Will there be a new Ratchet & Clank?
Ans. Fans expect one, but nothing has been confirmed yet. With Rift Apart’s success, chances are high.
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