11 Best Ratchet and Clank Games 2026 – An Explosive Trip Through the Series

Ratchet and Clank

game can turn any day into an intergalactic adventure. Bursting with crazy weapons and wild planets, you can play in chronological order or dive back for a fun replay. Each entry brings something new – sometimes it’s a hilarious story, other times it’s jaw-dropping action.

Fans debate endlessly about which adventure tops the list, but I’ve done the legwork for you. I’ve rounded up the top games in the series, ranking them by gameplay, story, and pure fun.

Get ready to dive into epic battles, explore imaginative worlds, and discover why Ratchet and Clank remain one of gaming’s most beloved duos.

Our Top Picks for Ratchet and Clank Games

The best

Ratchet and Clank

games shine because they mix explosive fun with clever design and heart. Out of all the entries, a few stand tall as the absolute must-plays.

The first time I played these top picks, I found it interesting how wild weapons, clever gadgets, and sharp humor combined into an awesome adventure across strange worlds.

Each one pushed the series forward in its own way, leaving a mark that still feels fresh today. Let’s kick things off with the three games that truly define the

Ratchet and Clank

franchise.

Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando

(2003)

– Classic gameplay, outrageous weapons, and nonstop action. This one set the standard for the series and hasn’t lost its edge.

Ratchet and Clank

(2016)

– A reimagining of the original, it retells Ratchet and Clank’s origin with gorgeous visuals and modern gameplay polish. It’s both a nostalgic trip and the perfect entry point for newcomers.

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

(2021)

– Stunning visuals and instant dimension-hopping make this a mind-blowing thrill ride. Weapons feel wild, combat is smooth, and every world is bursting with detail.

Each of these games showcased a different strength. One pushed the hardware. Another told its sharpest story. The third set the blueprint that still works today. Together, they map out the evolution of the

Ratchet and Clank

game ranked better than any trailer could.

And for fans hungry for more, it’s just the start of our full ranking ahead.

11 Best Ratchet and Clank Games

Ratchet and Clank

have grown with every generation. Each new release brought fresh ideas and bigger ambitions. Some changed how the series plays, others deepened its story.

But which one stands out as the best

Ratchet and Clank

game? How many of these have you played?

Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando [Epic Space Adventure]

• Our Score
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 (HD Collection), PlayStation Vita
• Creator/s
• Insomniac Games
• Average Playtime
• ~12–15 hours
• Weapon leveling, hoverbike races, space combat, RPG-style perks
• Metacritic Score
• Going Commando

cranks everything up from the first game. I remember racing through the Bogon Galaxy just to see my weapons evolve into chaos machines.

Enemies keep you sharp, and platforming sections push your timing skills.

Hoverbike races and space battles mix things up and keep the pace fresh. Experimenting with weapon combos became my favorite mini-game.

Pro tip

Stick with one weapon during a level to level it quickly. By the time you reach the bosses, your favorite gun will be a total monster.

Every mission has surprises, clever tricks, and moments that make you laugh. The story hits just enough to make you care, but never slows down the action. Fast and full of charm, it’s easy to see why this single-player game set the standard for the series.

Final Verdict:

Going Commando is the first Ratchet adventure that defined the series. It perfected combat, introduced weapon leveling, and added clever side missions that kept every moment exciting. Its mix of humor still hits, making it the benchmark for every

Ratchet and Clank

game after.

Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal [Action-Packed Sequel]

• Our Score
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita
• Creator/s
• Insomniac Games
• Average Playtime
• 10–12 hours
• Online multiplayer, Lock-Strafe combat, Qwark challenges
• Metacritic Score
• Up Your Arsenal
• is a
• weapon lover’s dream

. The Bouncer rains down explosive balls of chaos, while the Quack-O-Ray turns enemies into harmless ducks. The Lava Gun scorches everything in its path, and the Suck Cannon? It literally inhales foes.

I’ve heard other players rave about the Rift Inducer 5000, a dimension-bending beast that makes combat feel like a fever dream. The fun multiplayer game mode was a turning point, offering intense battles and a chance to show off your arsenal.

Pro tip

Upgrade the Qwack-O-Ray to turn entire groups of enemies into ducks–perfect for crowd control and a good laugh.

This sequel leans into the Clank series charm, with Secret Agent Clank adding stealthy missions, and Captain Qwark with the Q Force bringing comic chaos.

Final Verdict:

Up Your Arsenal didn’t reinvent the wheel, but made it spin smoother. Some call it the worst Ratchet for reusing planets, but the new weaponry and multiplayer modes still kept it exciting and worth playing.