Every Ratchet and Clank game from shortest to longest

The initial successful series by Insomniac, Spyro the Dragon, departed the company's hands after only three games. Their subsequent endeavor, Ratchet & Clank, has experienced enduring success since its inception in 2002. Throughout its existence, there have been ten main game installments and numerous spin-offs, almost all of which have garnered critical acclaim and achieved impressive sales figures.

The following list arranges each game in the series, including mobile titles, from shortest to longest gameplay duration. Many of the games should take you between five and ten hours to complete, although there are some outliers that are slightly shorter or longer than the average.

Updated on August 29, 2023, by Kyle Chamaillard: It has been a while since the last Ratchet & Clank game was released on PlayStation 5 and PC, and it appears that Insomniac will be busy with other titles. We have decided to revise this list to include both mobile games, ensuring that every game in the series is represented, allowing you to discern which ones offer shorter experiences and which ones provide lengthier adventures.

16 Going Mobile (1 Hour)

Technically the fifth game in the Ratchet & Clank series, Going Mobile was released in 2005 for mobile devices such as the Nokia 6620 and Motorola Razr. Not only was it the protagonist's first 2D adventure, but it also offered the convenience of being playable anywhere after downloading the game for a few dollars.

Going Mobile features the charm and silly weapons from the console games, and the transition from 3D to 2D appeared seamless. The biggest drawback of the game was that it took about an hour, if that, to complete. It is the shortest adventure in the series, but it was quite impressive when it was first released.

15 Before The Nexus (1 1/2 Hours)

Seven years after the first mobile appearance of Ratchet & Clank, the former member of the dynamic duo returned to the small screen in 2013 for another solo adventure. Serving as a prequel to "Into the Nexus," this endless runner puts players in control of Ratchet as he jumps between rails and tracks to collect bolts.

You can use the bolts to purchase new weapons, ammunition, and armor, which makes defeating enemies much easier. Previously, "Into the Nexus" was only slightly longer than "Going Mobile," but it offers more replayability and is still available for download on some devices if you're seeking a touch of nostalgia.

14 Quest For Booty (3 Hours)

After "Future: Tools of Destruction" in 2007, Insomniac made the decision to develop several shorter games for the PlayStation 3. The choice was largely well-received, at least for the first attempt with this release model, "Quest for Booty". Some found that the shorter gameplay duration led to a better pace.

Platformer games are notorious for turning into sprawling collect-a-thons to sustain the player's interest for longer periods. However, sometimes that is unnecessary. "Quest for Booty" wastes no time with tedious side quests or added content, making it likely possible to complete it in a single session if you have a few hours to spare that you'd like to fill.

13 Full Frontal Assault (5 Hours)

While "Quest for Booty" was unanimously loved by most critics, "Full Frontal Assault" left a little more to be desired. Some changes to the core gameplay and the addition of new tower defense features were not well-received in this spin-off. It still remains one of the shortest Ratchet & Clank games, but it feels like there could have been a bit more trimming to create a better overall package.

With a gameplay duration of just five hours, one can at least say that it doesn't overstay its welcome. It also offers a co-op mode, a feature that always enhances a game. If you're looking for something you can play with a friend or a loved one, "Full Frontal Assault" is entertaining enough to keep you engaged until the end credits.

12 Into The Nexus (5 1/2 Hours)

Released in 2013, "Into the Nexus" is the final main sequel in the series before an eight-year hiatus. It is a short game, but it at least concludes the story that began in "Future: Tools of Destruction" back in 2007. Whether "Into the Nexus" would have benefited from a longer campaign remains unknown, but at least you can start it with the assurance that it shouldn't take longer than six hours to complete.

The reviews for "Into the Nexus" were mostly positive, but the game didn't reach the same critical heights as the most celebrated entries in the series. There are many fantastic ideas lurking around every corner, but after so many Ratchet & Clank games were developed so quickly, it felt like the developer was running out of steam.

11 Size Matters (7 Hours)

"Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters" was the first mobile entry in the series that was not developed for cell phones. Although it is a spin-off for the PSP and originates from a completely different developer, the gameplay remains familiar, just like a Ratchet & Clank game.

It also managed to generate significant buzz by seamlessly bringing the gameplay of the main series to a handheld device, while receiving incredibly positive reviews. Seven hours is almost the perfect length for this type of game: long enough to keep you engaged for several gaming sessions, and not short enough to feel like the gaming experience is cut short.

10 Secret Agent Clank (7 1/2 Hours)

The second spin-off for the PSP diverges radically from the main series. In "Secret Agent Clank," players control Ratchet's best friend and sidekick. After being absent in "Going Mobile," "Before the Nexus," and mostly relegated to a supporting role in other adventures, it was great to see Clank finally taking the spotlight.

Although he is usually reserved for short puzzle sequences in earlier titles, he is the main playable character here and even engages in combat. However, Ratchet is not completely absent, and players can control him in certain sequences. This PSP game is quite ambitious, clocking in at just over seven hours, and every second is worth immersing yourself in.

9 Deadlocked (7 1/2 Hours)

The fourth installment of the series, "Deadlocked," introduces some changes to the core formula. While the gameplay remains familiar to fans of the previous games, there is a greater emphasis on combat and significantly less on platforming elements. The campaign should take less than eight hours to complete, but the centerpiece of "Deadlocked" lies in its excellent multiplayer mode, which can be played for hours.

The step led to a well-received game, but it may still be the least beloved part of the series for the PlayStation 2. It differs greatly from the games that came before it, and the focus on combat may have deterred some people. It's always interesting to see how a developer brings something new to an established franchise, and "Deadlocked" was certainly a step in an intriguing direction.

8 Ratchet And Clank 2016 Remake (10 Hours)

Ratchet & Clank had a fantastic year in 2016. Not only did the duo star in their first feature-length film, but their original adventure was completely remade for the PlayStation 4. While the former failed to attract a new audience, the latter was widely praised and helped revive interest in the series.

After the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 housed a variety of Ratchet & Clank games, it was somewhat peculiar to see this remake as the only game developed exclusively for the PlayStation 4. With a ten-hour campaign, it is neither the longest nor the shortest game in the series, but it is long enough to satisfy both longtime fans and those who are diving in for the first time.

7 All 4 One (10 Hours)

Co-op was part of several installments, but "All 4 One" on the PlayStation 3 is built around this feature. You and a few friends can control Ratchet, Clank, Dr. Nefarious, and Captain Qwark throughout the entire adventure. With roughly the same length as the 2016 Ratchet & Clank remake, you can enjoy almost ten hours of action either alone or with some others.

"All 4 One" received a considerable amount of criticism for its length and repetitive gameplay, but nevertheless, it is a lot of fun. When "All 4 One" was released, there weren't as many co-op games available as there are now, so many PlayStation 3 owners were glad to have something they could play with a friend.

6 A Crack In Time (10 1/2 Hours)

Among all the Ratchet and Clank games on the PS3, "A Crack in Time" is only one of two full-fledged adventures, with the second being "Future: Tools of Destruction." This game received particularly high praise for the new mechanics introduced, most of which involve manipulating time.

Weapons are more customizable than ever before, and they can even be completely unique for each individual gaming session. "A Crack in Time" was universally praised for its graphics, humor, and fantastic puzzle sequences featuring Clank in the lead role.

5 Rift Apart (11 Hours)

"Rift Apart" proves that the Ratchet & Clank games haven't lost their juice yet. Not only does it look stunning, but it also showcases one of the greatest features of the PlayStation 5 - shortened loading times. You can seamlessly transition between environments without experiencing a moment of boredom, creating an immersive experience like nothing else comparable.

"Rift Apart" offers all the expected elements - creative weapons, witty dialogues, and unforgettable characters. Eleven hours may seem like a lot at first glance, but not a single second is wasted as you journey through space in one of the duo's greatest adventures.

4 Up Your Arsenal (11 1/2 Hours)

The third main installment is often regarded as the best in the series and perhaps even one of the best games on the PS2. It adds many elements to the core gameplay, including vehicles and online multiplayer. It is also one of the longest Ratchet & Clank games, which is surprising considering other games released on more advanced hardware.

"Up Your Arsenal" also offers an extensive campaign. While other games have been praised or criticized for being either too long or too short, "Up Your Arsenal" has found the perfect length without ever feeling like it drags on. This is partly due to how well-made it is.

3 Ratchet And Clank (12 Hours)

The first game in the series hasn't aged as well as the other titles on the PS2, but it's still worth revisiting, even if you've never played a Ratchet & Clank game before. It lacks many mechanics introduced in later installments, but it still contains all the core elements that have contributed to making the series one of the most consistent brands on the PlayStation.

In most scenarios, the first installment of a series tends to be the shortest, while later entries expand the universe and introduce more characters and scenarios. With sixteen entries, the original Ratchet & Clank is still one of the longest adventures. It's remarkable how much Insomniac packed into the first game and how much they have been able to innovate since then.

2 Tools Of Destruction (12 1/2 Hours)

The first Ratchet & Clank game for the PlayStation 3 was released a year after the console's launch. The PlayStation 3 was still trying to find its footing, and "Tools of Destruction" was another significant exclusive title to convince anyone who was initially skeptical about the console and its high price.

The visual effects were absolutely stunning for the time, and the gameplay was seen as a significant improvement compared to the predecessors of "Tools of Destruction." It is also the first chapter of the Future storyline, which was concluded six years later with "Into the Nexus."

1 Going Commando (13 Hours)

As strange as it may be that the first game in the series is one of the longest, its successor - released just a year later - ultimately takes the title for the longest Ratchet & Clank adventure. "Going Commando" has improved nearly everything from the original, from a better story to improved gameplay and everything in between.

Going Commando is just slightly longer than the games before and after it, but every minute is well invested as you travel through the Bogon Galaxy, searching for new weapons and worlds to explore. Although it takes about thirteen hours, one of the best PlayStation 2 games is still shorter than other platform games like Psychonauts or Super Mario Galaxy.