The Ratchet & Clank franchise has been a beloved cornerstone of action-platformer gaming for nearly two decades, offering players a unique blend of fast-paced combat, inventive weapons, and humor-filled storytelling. For newcomers and returning fans alike, understanding the order of every Ratchet & Clank game can greatly enhance the overall experience, allowing players to follow the evolution of the characters, their relationships, and the expansive universe created by Insomniac Games. This comprehensive guide outlines every game in the series, including main titles, spin-offs, and remakes, so fans can enjoy the adventures of Ratchet and his robotic companion Clank in the intended progression.
Original Trilogy on PlayStation 2
The foundation of the Ratchet & Clank series was built on the PlayStation 2, where the original trilogy established core gameplay mechanics, storytelling style, and the dynamic between Ratchet and Clank.
Ratchet & Clank (2002)
The first game introduces Ratchet, a skilled Lombax mechanic, and Clank, a small intelligent robot. Together, they battle Chairman Drek, the villain seeking to destroy planets to create a new one. Players are introduced to the series’ inventive weaponry, platforming challenges, and humorous narrative. This title set the tone for all future games and is essential for understanding the origins of the duo.
Ratchet & Clank Going Commando (2003)
The second entry, known as Locked and Loaded in some regions, builds on the first game by expanding the variety of weapons, larger levels, and a more complex story. Ratchet and Clank face Dr. Nefarious for the first time, a recurring villain in the franchise. Gameplay improvements and refined combat made this game a fan favorite.
Ratchet & Clank Up Your Arsenal (2004)
The third installment introduces online multiplayer and further refines platforming and combat mechanics. The storyline continues with Dr. Nefarious’ schemes, and players experience large-scale battles alongside the classic humor the series is known for. Up Your Arsenal solidified Ratchet & Clank as a major franchise for PlayStation fans.
Future Series on PlayStation 3
Following the success of the PS2 trilogy, the Future series launched on PlayStation 3, bringing enhanced graphics, new gameplay mechanics, and more sophisticated storytelling.
Ratchet & Clank Future Tools of Destruction (2007)
This game introduces the new threat of Emperor Tachyon and focuses on the discovery of Ratchet’s heritage as a Lombax. Players explore vast planets and utilize new weapons and gadgets. Tools of Destruction marked a major step forward in graphics and gameplay sophistication.
Ratchet & Clank Future Quest for Booty (2008)
A shorter adventure, Quest for Booty follows Ratchet’s journey to rescue Clank and uncover secrets about the Lost Ships of the Lombax. It focuses heavily on platforming and puzzles while maintaining the humor and charm of the series.
Ratchet & Clank Future A Crack in Time (2009)
Considered one of the best games in the series, A Crack in Time introduces time-based mechanics, expands the narrative significantly, and includes puzzle-solving elements that challenge players strategically. The story delves deeper into Ratchet’s background and Clank’s capabilities.
PlayStation Portable and Spin-offs
The franchise expanded onto handheld devices with titles designed to fit portable gaming experiences while maintaining the core mechanics of the series.
Ratchet & Clank Size Matters (2007)
Released for the PSP and later ported to PS2, Size Matters features Ratchet and Clank dealing with a villain named Dr. Nefarious Tropy. The game keeps the series’ humor and weapon creativity intact, with levels designed for handheld play.
Secret Agent Clank (2008)
A spin-off focusing on Clank as the main character, Secret Agent Clank allows players to explore stealth-based gameplay while maintaining series humor and platforming elements.
Ratchet & Clank QForce / Full Frontal Assault (2012)
This game blends tower defense elements with traditional Ratchet & Clank gameplay, adding strategic challenges alongside combat and platforming. It showcases the franchise experimenting with new gameplay styles.
Remakes and Reimaginations
To introduce new players to the franchise and update classic titles, Insomniac Games released several remakes with modern graphics and gameplay enhancements.
Ratchet & Clank (2016)
This PlayStation 4 remake reimagines the original 2002 game with updated visuals, refined controls, and integration with the 2016 animated movie. It preserves the core story while offering improved combat and platforming, making it accessible to modern audiences.
Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart (2021)
The latest mainline entry for PlayStation 5 introduces dimension-hopping mechanics, next-generation graphics, and enhanced combat systems. Rift Apart continues the story while showcasing the potential of modern console technology, including seamless transitions between worlds and highly detailed environments.
Recommended Playing Order
For the best narrative experience, players are encouraged to follow a hybrid order that balances release chronology with story continuity
- Ratchet & Clank (2002) – original introduction to the duo
- Ratchet & Clank Going Commando (2003)
- Ratchet & Clank Up Your Arsenal (2004)
- Ratchet & Clank Size Matters (2007) – optional spin-off
- Ratchet & Clank Future Tools of Destruction (2007)
- Ratchet & Clank Future Quest for Booty (2008)
- Ratchet & Clank Future A Crack in Time (2009)
- Ratchet & Clank QForce / Full Frontal Assault (2012)
- Ratchet & Clank (2016 remake) – updated version of the original game
- Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart (2021)
The Ratchet & Clank series offers a rich, entertaining universe filled with humor, inventive weapons, and dynamic platforming. By following every game in order, players can fully appreciate the evolution of characters, storylines, and gameplay mechanics. From the original PS2 trilogy to the advanced visuals and mechanics of Rift Apart, the franchise continues to captivate new and veteran players alike. Whether exploring classic adventures or diving into modern reimaginings, the Ratchet & Clank series provides a memorable, action-packed experience that has cemented its place as one of gaming’s most enduring franchises.