Ratchet & Clank Games In Order: Complete Timeline Guide
Are you confused about the Ratchet & Clank game order? With multiple releases spanning different console generations, it's easy to get lost in the timeline. Whether you're a newcomer wondering where to start or a longtime fan looking to revisit the series, understanding the chronological order of Ratchet & Clank games is essential for the best gaming experience.
The Ratchet & Clank franchise has been a cornerstone of PlayStation gaming since its debut in 2002. Created by Insomniac Games, this beloved series combines action-platforming with innovative weapons, colorful characters, and humor that appeals to both casual and hardcore gamers. Over the years, the series has expanded across multiple consoles, including PlayStation 2, 3, 4, 5, and even the PlayStation Portable (PSP).
Understanding the Ratchet & Clank Timeline
Before diving into the specific order, it's important to understand that Ratchet & Clank games don't follow a simple linear release pattern. Some games serve as direct sequels, while others are prequels, spin-offs, or reimaginings of previous titles. The franchise also includes games released on different platforms, each contributing to the overall narrative.
The series primarily follows the adventures of Ratchet, a Lombax mechanic, and his robot companion Clank as they travel across the galaxy, battling evil forces and collecting an arsenal of creative weapons. The timeline includes main series entries, handheld spin-offs, and even a movie tie-in game, making the complete picture somewhat complex.
Main Series Timeline
The core Ratchet & Clank experience consists of the mainline console games that form the backbone of the franchise's story. These titles typically offer the most polished gameplay, best graphics, and most significant story developments.
Ratchet & Clank (2002)
The game that started it all introduces players to Ratchet, a young Lombax mechanic living on the planet Veldin. When Clank crash-lands near his home, the two form an unlikely partnership to stop Chairman Drek's plan to create a new planet by destroying existing ones. This original title established the series' signature blend of platforming, shooting, and humor.
Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando (2003)
The first sequel picks up where the original left off, with Ratchet and Clank recruited by MegaCorp to recover a stolen experiment. This game expanded on the original formula with more weapons, gadgets, and larger environments. It's often considered one of the strongest entries in the series.
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal (2004)
The third main entry introduces Captain Qwark as a major character and expands the story's scope significantly. This game added online multiplayer and introduced RPG-like upgrade systems for weapons, making it a fan favorite.
Ratchet: Deadlocked (2005)
This fourth installment takes a different approach, focusing more on arena combat than traditional platforming. While divisive among fans, it introduced cooperative gameplay and expanded the series' weapon customization options.
Handheld and Portable Adventures
The Ratchet & Clank franchise expanded to handheld platforms with several unique entries that complement the main series.
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters (2007)
Originally developed for the PSP, this game was later ported to PlayStation 2. It features a standalone story where Ratchet and Clank investigate a mysterious kidnapping while uncovering a larger conspiracy.
Secret Agent Clank (2008)
This PSP-exclusive title puts Clank in the spotlight as a secret agent, with Ratchet playing a supporting role. The game offers a different gameplay style with stealth and spy-themed missions.
PS3 Era and HD Collections
The PlayStation 3 generation brought both new adventures and remastered collections of classic titles.
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction (2007)
This PS3 exclusive rebooted the franchise with a new subtitle and marked the beginning of the "Future" saga. It features improved graphics, new gameplay mechanics, and a more cinematic story.
Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty (2008)
A shorter, downloadable adventure that serves as a bridge between Tools of Destruction and A Crack in Time. This game focuses on Ratchet's search for Clank.
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time (2009)
The conclusion to the Future trilogy brings closure to the story arc while introducing new gameplay elements like time manipulation puzzles.
Ratchet & Clank Collection (2012)
This HD collection bundles the first three main games with updated graphics and Trophy support, making it perfect for newcomers or returning fans.
PS4 and Modern Era
The PlayStation 4 generation brought both a reimagining of the original game and a new adventure.
Ratchet & Clank (2016)
This reimagining of the original 2002 game ties into the animated movie release. It features updated graphics, redesigned levels, and a slightly altered story while maintaining the core gameplay.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (2021)
A PS5 exclusive that showcases the console's capabilities with near-instant loading times and dimensional travel mechanics. This game features stunning visuals and introduces new characters like Rivet.
Chronological vs. Release Order
When deciding how to play the Ratchet & Clank series, you have two main options: chronological order or release order. Release order provides the intended experience as developers built upon previous games, while chronological order can offer interesting story connections.
For newcomers, starting with the original Ratchet & Clank or the 2016 reimagining provides the best introduction to the characters and universe. From there, following release order through the main series ensures you experience the games as they evolved.
Platform Considerations
The Ratchet & Clank series spans multiple PlayStation platforms:
- PlayStation 2: Original trilogy and Deadlocked
- PlayStation 3: Future saga and HD collections
- PlayStation 4: Movie tie-in and Rift Apart
- PlayStation 5: Rift Apart
- PSP: Size Matters and Secret Agent Clank
Some games have been remastered or included in collections, making them accessible on newer hardware. The Ratchet & Clank Collection on PS3 includes the first three games, while Rift Apart is exclusive to PS5.
Story Connections and Spoilers
The Ratchet & Clank series features an overarching narrative that develops across multiple games. While each game tells a complete story, there are character developments and plot threads that continue throughout the series.
Major story elements include:
- The relationship between Ratchet and Clank
- The mystery of the Lombax race
- The recurring threat of various villains
- The development of new technologies and weapons
Playing the games in order helps you appreciate these story developments and character growth, though each game is designed to be enjoyable as a standalone experience.
Collecting and Completion
One of the hallmarks of Ratchet & Clank games is their emphasis on collecting. Throughout the series, you'll gather bolts (currency), gold bolts (collectibles), and various gadgets and weapons. Later games introduced additional collectibles like holo-plans and Zoni.
Completionists will want to track down all collectibles, upgrade all weapons to their maximum levels, and achieve 100% completion in each game. This can significantly extend playtime and provide additional challenges beyond the main story.
Multiplayer and Additional Features
Several Ratchet & Clank games include multiplayer components:
- Up Your Arsenal featured online multiplayer
- Deadlocked introduced cooperative gameplay
- Size Matters included ad-hoc multiplayer on PSP
These features vary by game and platform, so if multiplayer is important to you, research specific titles before playing.
Conclusion
The Ratchet & Clank series offers a rich, evolving experience that has grown alongside PlayStation hardware. Whether you choose to play in release order to experience the series' evolution or follow a chronological path through the story, each game brings something unique to the table.
For the best experience, we recommend starting with the original Ratchet & Clank or the 2016 reimagining, then progressing through the main series. This approach gives you the strongest foundation in the characters and universe while allowing you to appreciate how the games have evolved over time.
Ready to start your Ratchet & Clank adventure? Whether you're revisiting old favorites or discovering these games for the first time, the series offers countless hours of action-packed entertainment with its signature blend of humor, creativity, and heart.
