The Ratchet & Clank games might have exceeded the number of entries you might have predicted back in the day, but you can’t accuse them of being unoriginal. Only a few other games evoke the same sense of platforming quality and quirky humor this series is known for.
Still, that doesn’t mean you don’t have similar options, and there are certain titles that need to be explored if you enjoy the Ratchet & Clank experience. These games might not strictly be the same in gameplay, but they won’t have any difficulties making a fan out of you due to the quality to be found here.
Updated September 1, 2023 by PJ Molloy - Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart received a Steam port in July 2023, allowing new audiences to experience its quirky third-person shooter platforming goodness. Unfortunately, there's still no news about when the next game in the series will come out, so if you already played Rift Apart when it launched on PlayStation 5 in 2021, it's understandable if the Steam version doesn't scratch that itch for a new title. Thankfully, 3D platformers have been making a comeback lately, and there’s no shortage of charming third-person shooters and adventure games. If you’re looking for some games like Ratchet & Clank to tide you over until the next announcement, there are plenty for you to enjoy
18 A Hat In Time
Approximate Game Length |
7-10 Hours |
---|---|
Genre |
Platformer |
Developer |
Gears for Breakfast |
Platforms |
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, MacOS |
If you like the Ratchet & Clank Games from the PlayStation 2 era, then A Hat In Time is right up your alley. This charming, time-bending adventure is a love letter to 3D platformers from the PS2 and GameCube era. You explore various colorful sandbox worlds and complete platforming challenges while wearing different hats, each giving you a new ability that spices up the gameplay.
A Hat In Time is bursting with the same kind of quirkiness and humor in the Ratchet & Clank series. The platforming is diverse and action-packed, with new secrets and surprises around every corner. If you're looking for a more nostalgic experience, this game is the way to go.
17 Destroy All Humans 2
Approximate Game Length |
8-12 Hours |
---|---|
Genre |
Action-Adventure, Third-Person Shooter |
Developer |
Pandemic Studios |
Platforms |
PlayStation 2, Xbox |
Usually, in sci-fi video games, it's you versus the aliens. Destroy All Humans 2 turns that premise on its head, allowing you to be the alien on a quest for world domination. This PS2 classic is perfect if you're eager for more third-person shooter action, similar to Ratchet & Clank.
The game has you exploring Earth, using a wide variety of over-the-top sci-fi guns and spaceships to blast anything that stands in your way. While the concept may sound intense, it's actually a very silly game. You can even distract enemies by playing some funky music. If you're looking for games similar to Ratchet & Clank, this one will provide the most laughs.
16 Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Approximate Game Length |
17-21 Hours |
---|---|
Genre |
Platfomrer |
Developer |
Toys For Bob |
Platforms |
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC |
The Spyro games are the video game equivalent to required reading if you like Ratchet & Clank. This was Insomniac's big platforming series before it created the iconic duo. Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a phenomenal remake of the first three games from the PlayStation 1 era.
Each game in the trilogy has you running and gliding through fast-paced platforming worlds, collecting items, breathing fire, and ramming your massive horns into enemies to send them flying. It has the same cartoon quirkiness as the Ratchet & Clank games, and with three titles to play, this collection will keep you entertained for many hours.
15 SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle For Bikini Bottom Rehydrated
Approximate Game Length |
8-14 Hours |
---|---|
Genre |
Platformer |
Developer |
Purple Lamp Studios |
Platforms |
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Stadia, Android, iOS |
Games like Ratchet & Clank on PC geared toward young audiences are generally simple in style. This SpongeBob game is a remake of the original from 2003 and brings back elements like platforming and using multiple characters to protect SpongeBob’s home.
Similar to Ratchet & Clank, the combat is mostly about whacking melee weapons at robots and is good enough for the younger audiences to enjoy. With the game also available on consoles, it’s a fun venture into a lighter Ratchet & Clank style of play.
14 Pumpkin Jack
Approximate Game Length |
7 Hours |
---|---|
Genre |
Platformer, Third-Person Shooter |
Developer |
Nicolas Meyssonnier |
Platforms |
PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC |
Here’s another PC and console game like Ratchet & Clank with a premise based on platforming and run-and-gun mechanics. Pumpkin Jack is a comedy horror adventure that has you help the Mythical Pumpkin Lord get up to a lot of mischief.
It’s built like a classic platformer in that you don’t need to waste time on fluffy mechanics, allowing you to focus on going through creative platforming sequences while bringing down enemies. Ratchet & Clank fans will enjoy the balance between the run-and-gun and platforming sequences.
13 Lego Games
Genre |
Action-Adventure, Co-op |
---|---|
Developer |
Traveller's Tales |
You know you've made it as an intellectual property once you get a Lego-themed adaptation. Developer Traveller's Tales has been at it since 2005, starting with Lego Star Wars. Other series covered include Indiana Jones, Batman, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
The series is light on difficulty but perfect for cooperative play with younger, less experienced gamers. One of the best games in the series is Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, which makes some big changes to the formula while recreating the entire mainline Star Wars films.
12 Tearaway Unfolded
Approximate Game Length |
8-10 Hours |
---|---|
Genre |
Platformer |
Developer |
Media Molecule, Tarsier Studios |
Platforms |
PlayStation 4 |
The creators of Tearaway are hardly indie developers, but this game plays close to the creativity featured in such titles. It follows your avatar’s journey across a storybook setting. Everything from the characters to the environments look like they’re made from origami, perfectly encapsulating the feeling of stepping into a picture book.
The gameplay focuses on platforming, as maneuvering yourself around the world is how to accomplish your tasks. Tearaway’s platforming will delight Ratchet & Clank fans, especially those who enjoy the puzzle-solving and subtle gameplay elements.
11 A Boy And His Blob
Approximate Game Length |
9-12 Hours |
---|---|
Genre |
Puzzle, Platformer |
Developer |
WayForward Technologies |
Platforms |
PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Wii, Xbox One, PC, iOS, Android |
Much like Ratchet & Clank, A Boy and his Blob also sees two characters on their journey, with the Blob acting as a useful tool for platforming purposes. You can think of this as a game similar to Ratchet & Clank in a 2D sense.
There’s a kind of innocence to this title that’s hard to miss and very easy to appreciate. It introduces playful mechanics that never bother you with any kind of difficulty. Overall, the game should be a hit for both adults and young fans.
10 Sonic The Hedgehog 2
Approximate Game Length |
3-5 Hours |
---|---|
Genre |
Platformer |
Developer |
Sega |
Platforms |
Sega Genesis, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS, PC, Android, iOS |
This game needs no introduction since just about everyone who plays video games has heard of it. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is more accessible than ever, thanks to the enhanced version included in Sonic Origins.
Sonic 2 remains of elite quality despite the passage of time. This title set the stage for future platformers to incorporate action-based elements. It’s a fast-paced adventure with a diverse lineup of memorable levels. The only downside is that it has a big difficulty curve that some people may find rather hard to handle. Nevertheless, it’s a must-play if you're looking for some platforming action.
9 Sly Cooper: Thieves In Time
Approximate Game Length |
20 Hours |
---|---|
Genre |
Platformer, Stealth |
Developer |
Sanzaru Games |
Platforms |
PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita |
Gameplay-wise, the Sly Cooper series is a departure from the Ratchet & Clank games since it belongs to the stealth genre. However, regarding presentation, quirkiness, and mascot-type figures, Ratchet & Clank fans will feel very familiar with this setting.
Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time instantly hooks you with its unique style and fast-paced stealth gameplay. This particular entry stands out as the best in the Sly Cooper series for bringing harmony between the story and gameplay, making it one of the best games similar to Ratchet & Clank.
8 Yooka-Laylee
Approximate Game Length |
15-20 Hours |
---|---|
Genre |
Platformer |
Developer |
Team17 |
Platforms |
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, MacOS, Linux |
While it’s more child-friendly than you may be used to, Yooka-Laylee still manages to be a fun, casual 3D platformer. It's one of the games like Ratchet & Clank for PC and consoles with two main characters and a focus on platforming.
Yooka-Laylee is the spiritual successor to the Nintendo 64 classic Banjo-Kazooie. The game has you explore vast sandbox worlds, collect items, and unlock fun new abilities in order to progress. If you like Ratchet & Clank, you’ll enjoy the humor and quirkiness this title offers.
7 Sunset Overdrive
Approximate Game Length |
10-12 Hours |
---|---|
Genre |
Third-Person Shooter |
Developer |
Insomniac Games |
Platforms |
PC, Xbox One |
Sunset Overdrive represents a change in style for Insomniac, becoming one of its most critically acclaimed games. The gameplay feels like a whirlwind since the involves using ziplines and parkour moves to traverse the world.
The quirky presentation is what you’d find in games similar to Ratchet & Clank. The splash of colors with quick gameplay makes for an unorthodox environment too intriguing to ignore. Not to mention the diverse set of weapons and platforming. It’s a cult classic worth experiencing for fast-paced, engaging action.
6 Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Approximate Game Length |
8 Hours |
---|---|
Genre |
Third-Person Shooter, Action-Adventure |
Developer |
Naughty Dog |
Platforms |
PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 |
While the popular belief is that it plays closer to Tomb Raider, the first Uncharted game has a comedic angle that Ratchet & Clank fans will love. In addition, the combat is reminiscent of Ratchet & Clank since it features run-and-gun elements.
What makes it one of the best games similar to Ratchet And Clank is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously and takes the time to make adventuring fun. The barrage-filled nature of the combat ensures a quick and breezy playthrough. Uncharted 2 and 3 retain a similar vibe while including significantly larger set pieces.
5 Psychonauts
Approximate Game Length |
12-15 Hours |
---|---|
Genre |
Platformer |
Developer |
Double Fine Productions |
Platforms |
Xbox, PlayStation 2, PC, Mac OS X, Linux |
Psychonauts is a highly underrated game and definitely one of the games like Ratchet & Clank. The story follows a young boy who runs away from the circus and finds a summer camp where he discovers he has psychic powers. Mastering these abilities and uncovering a mystery is the basis of this adventure.
While Ratchet & Clank has you collecting gadgets, Psychonauts involves unlocking and honing psychic powers. Mostly, it’s the level design and soundtrack that Ratchet & Clank fans will connect to, as there’s so much to explore.
4 Metal Arms: Glitch In The System
Approximate Game Length |
12 Hours |
---|---|
Genre |
Third-Person Shooter |
Developer |
Swingin' Ape Studios |
Platforms |
GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox |
If you’ve ever played Secret Agent Clank, where you learn to play as a robot, then Metal Arms: Glitch in the System should be a breeze. It’s pretty much what would happen if Clank was the main playable character, although the story has its own genuine turn.
Set on a distant planet, the goal is to guide the main character, Glitch, in his quest to take down the evil leader of their race. While it sounds bleak, the game is pretty light in its theme and an all-around-worthy adventure.
3 It Takes Two
Approximate Game Length |
13 Hours |
---|---|
Genre |
Action-Adventure, Co-op, Puzzle |
Developer |
Hazelight Studios |
Platforms |
PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC |
Hazelight Studios' first game was the cinematic, co-op action title called A Way Out. It Takes Two further cements the company’s commitment to compelling and unique co-op gaming experiences. The game controls like a 3D platformer but does much more than just have you jump through obstacles.
Every chapter introduces a new gameplay mechanic, and the two playable characters often control differently. Making co-op mandatory was a risky move, but it paid off tremendously, making It Takes Two one of the most unique platformers in recent memory.
2 Marvel's Spider-Man
Approximate Game Length |
17 Hours |
---|---|
Genre |
Open World |
Developer |
Insomniac Games |
Platforms |
PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC |
This one might seem like an outlier, but Marvel's Spider-Man earns a place on the list of best games like Ratchet And Clank because it comes from the same developer. The movement builds upon the fluidity of Sunset Overdrive, allowing you to swing around New York City with a sense of freedom and exhilaration unlike anything else in gaming.
Some of Insomniac's earlier games feature larger environments ripe for exploration, so it is great to see the developer take the idea further into a fully open-world game. It's a must-play if you like superhero games or action games in general.
1 Jak And Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
Approximate Game Length |
8-10 Hours |
---|---|
Genre |
Platformer Beat 'Em Up |
Developer |
Naughty Dog |
Platforms |
PlayStation 2 |
No game has a closer resemblance to Ratchet & Clank than Jak and Daxter. The Precursor Legacy started things off for the series, and it’s a great place to begin if you want to get into the series.
Filled with a unique brand of humor, the game doesn’t take long to establish its extremely likable characters. The dynamic between the leads brings the best that both have to offer in gameplay and story. The game has you traverse an open world to collect energy ecos for power-ups and level progression. If you want some games similar to Ratchet & Clank, this is a must for your list.