Are you looking for a list of the finest games like Ratchet & Clank? Well, we’ve got you covered.
The Ratchet & Clank series is known for its eccentric characters, satisfying shooter-platformer gameplay, and cinematic-quality presentation.
Although the franchise is still present today, we thought we’d share our top choices for what to play after you’ve finished the most recent entry, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.
In this list, we’ll be recommending games that are akin to Ratchet & Clank in one way or another, along with the platforms they’re accessible on.
Make sure to check back as we continue to update this list with new games in the future.
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Sunset Overdrive
Platforms: PC, Xbox One
At the time of its release, Sunset Overdrive was seen as a substantial departure for Ratchet & Clank developer Insomniac Games. However, in hindsight, we can see it shares many similarities with Insomniac’s other titles regarding writing and specific aspects of gameplay.
The initial aspect you’ll observe is an abundance of breaching of the fourth wall, a recurring jest in Insomniac games. Moreover, one of the game’s essential mechanics is utilizing grind rails to navigate the vast universe, which evokes memories of the grinding sections in different Ratchet & Clank games.
Lastly, it offers a wide choice of potent weapons, gadgets, and gizmos with amusing names like ‘The Hot Adjuster,’ which is actually a shotgun with two wooden balls dangling from its grip. While Sunset Overdrive does replace R&C’s futuristic sci-fi backdrop for a modern city obsessed with punk rock, its surroundings are intricately designed and enjoyable to investigate.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Although Toys for Bob is the developer behind Spyro Reignited, Insomniac is responsible for making the original three games in the series, which carry their distinct brand of humor. Much like Ratchet, Spyro is portrayed as a sarcastic do-gooder who’s not afraid to make the occasional pun.
As far as gameplay and story go, it’s typical Spyro. You’ll be flying across worlds, rescuing fellow dragons, finding collectibles, and defeating evil foes. Included are Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage! and Spyro: Year of the Dragon.
Toys for Bob did a fantastic job recreating the Spyro universe, updating environments to look better than ever before, and even injecting some much-needed detail into some of the old character designs. Reignited Trilogy is the best way to experience these games on modern consoles if you’ve got a craving for some nostalgia.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
If you’ve ever wanted to venture far, far away from the Solana Galaxy setting of most R&C games, then Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order might be the game for you. Developed by Respawn, the game manages to capture the cinematic quality of the films and adapt it to a video game in a way that feels both engaging and authentic.
Set after the events of Episode III, the game sees you playing as Cal Kestis, a Jedi Padawan on a mission to uncover the mysteries of an ancient civilization. He soon finds himself in the crosshairs of the Empire and their deadly Inquisitors, who continue to pursue you throughout the game.
The gameplay is a mix of real-time combat, open-ended exploration, and 3D platforming on par with the Ratchet & Clank games. The game does an exceptional job of using the Star Wars mythos to flesh out its world, including numerous in-universe references, captivating character backstories, and big set-pieces set in familiar locations.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Platform: PS4
Over the years, Insomniac and Naughty Dog have developed somewhat of an amicable rivalry while operating under the PlayStation brand. Their constant attempts to one-up each other with every release is reflected in several entries in both the R&C and Uncharted series, resulting in some of the finest PlayStation exclusives to date.
If you’ve dabbled around with the Uncharted games before or simply want to experience the most recent installment, we recommend checking out Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. While it’s tonally much darker than your average R&C game, you can always count on Nathan Drake to spout the occasional quip or witty insult at his foes.
Additional characters like Sully and Nadine help create interesting dynamics for Drake to play off, much like Ratchet and Clanks’ unique chemistry. If you end up enjoying yourself, consider going back and playing the rest of the Uncharted series, even if the first two games are a bit dated by today’s gaming conventions.
The Outer Worlds
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
While it may be a tad more systems-driven than your average R&C game, Obsidian’s latest foray into sci-fi storytelling is sure to satiate the biggest of appetites for galactic tomfoolery. The game casts you as The Stranger, a blank slate of a character who’s tasked with determining the fate of the Halcyon Space Colony and its famished citizens.
Your mission sees you journeying across and exploring eight planets that boast exotic locales, dangerous creatures, and a host of NPCs to befriend or betray. Characters that join your party can lend a hand in battle, give you special perks, and possess unique backstories you can unravel by completing sidequests.
Much like the R&C games, The Outer Worlds gives you a broad array of guns and science weapons to experiment with and cause mayhem. Every challenge in the game can be handled in diverse ways based on your preferred playstyle, allowing you to talk yourself out of a jam through dialogue options or brute force your way to victory.
Effie
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
If you’re desperate for a new action-platformer like Ratchet & Clank but can’t be bothered with remakes or sequels to existing franchises, Effie offers an original story focusing on new characters and a vibrant fantasy-inspired setting.
You play as a young gentleman named Galand on a mission to regain his youth after a sorceress curses him with old age. Armed with a enchanted shield, Galand sets out across the area of Oblena to free its cities and conquer the sorceress’s creatures.
The game has a distinctly vintage feel that’s clearly meant to evoke memories of playing old school classics like R&C and Crash Bandicoot only with modern graphics and controls. It’s a bit on the brief side compared to other entries on this list but achieves a lot with its relatively small scope.
Marvel’s Spider-Man
Platform: PS4
Although quite distinct from other games on this list, a few elements of Marvel’s Spider-Man might connect with R&C enthusiasts, particularly if they appreciate Insomniac’s storytelling style. Despite conforming to common superhero video game clichés, the game effectively pays tribute to the original comics.
Peter Parker is a prime candidate for Insomniac’s witty dialogue and won’t hesitate to spout one-liners as you web-swing around New York City. His boisterous personality is frequently juxtaposed by supporting characters like Yuri, an NYPD Captain with little tolerance for jokes.
The game’s most entertaining moments are whenever Spider-Man is compelled to interact with the larger-than-life personalities that comprise his rogue’s gallery of villains. Additionally, combat is designed after the Batman Arkham series and provides abundant opportunity to explore Spider-Man’s distinct capabilities and gadgets.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Crash Bandicoot is one of the many byproducts of the video game industry’s obsession with mascot characters during the 1990s. While the rambunctious marsupial may not have the ability to communicate verbally like Ratchet, he can still convey a lot of information using facial expressions.
That being said, most of your time in N. Sane Trilogy will be spent traversing remastered platforming levels from the first three games in the series: Crash Bandicoot, Cortex Strikes Back, and Crash Bandicoot: Warped.
This is another Toys for Bob project and carries the same outstanding level of polish as Spyro Reignited Trilogy. The updated version also adds a ton of quality-of-life improvements such as unified checkpoints, a dedicated save system, and the ability to pause the game mid-level, which sounds like a crazy thing to type out in 2025.
A Hat In Time
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Despite its obvious Super Mario 64 influence, A Hat In Time has a lot in common with the R&C series. Both feature cartoony graphics, characters with bold personalities, and fine-tuned 3D platforming controls.
In it, you play as a charming girl who dons a top hat and explores the galaxy from the comfort of her space ship. One day, her adventure comes to a sudden halt when the Time Pieces fueling her ship are taken away and scattered on a nearby planet.
What ensues is an epic journey spanning multiple worlds with unique themes and a cast of over-the-top characters. While many of them start out as enemies, Hat Kid can usually win them over using her adorable looks and charming personality.
Yooka-Laylee
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Mac
To round things out, we’ve got one more action-platformer that incorporates some similar ideas as the Ratchet & Clank series. Inspired by the iconic Banjo Kazooie games, Yooka-Laylee is a contemporary interpretation of old school 3D platformers with colorful cartoony graphics.
Similar to R&C, the game focuses on two characters who must work together to achieve their goals. Yooka is a verdant chameleon who can walk around, breathe fire, and curl into a ball, while Laylee is a tiny purple bat that can help Yooka fly and solve various puzzles.
The similarities between them and Ratchet and Clank aren’t quite 1:1, but you can see where we’re headed with this. If you’re in the mood for a traditional 3D platformer without any outdated controls or visuals, Yooka-Laylee will definitely help scratch that itch.