Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a single-player action platformer developed exclusively for the PlayStation 5. Players control the lombax hero Ratchet and the new character Rivet across multiple dimensions in a story-driven campaign that mixes fast-paced combat, precise platforming, and creative traversal tools. The core loop centers on collecting weapons and gadgets, clearing enemy encounters, solving light environmental puzzles, and moving between planets through dimensional rifts that instantly swap environments without loading screens.
Gameplay
The action combines third-person shooting with fluid movement. Ratchet and Rivet share an expanding arsenal that includes the Burst Pistol for rapid fire, the Topiary Sprinkler that turns foes into plants, and the Shatterbomb for area damage. Each weapon features distinct firing patterns and upgrades that reward experimentation during fights. Gadgets allow zip lines across cityscapes, boosts into combat, and rift jumps that reposition the player mid-battle or reach distant platforms.
Combat emphasizes positioning and weapon switching rather than cover shooting. Enemies appear in varied groups that require different approaches, while dimensional rifts create dynamic battlefields by altering terrain on the fly. Platforming sections test timing and momentum, often blending with combat as players leap between platforms while firing. The DualSense controller delivers haptic feedback for weapon recoil and surface textures, while adaptive triggers change resistance based on the selected weapon or gadget.
Exploration rewards players with bolts for upgrades and hidden collectibles scattered across new planets and alternate versions of familiar locations. The fast SSD enables seamless planet-hopping and rift travel that keeps momentum high throughout each level.
Game Modes
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart offers a single-player campaign only. There are no multiplayer modes, co-op options, or separate competitive playlists. The entire experience unfolds as one continuous story that alternates between Ratchet and Rivet, with both characters using the same weapons and movement tools. Progress carries across the full adventure without branching paths or repeatable challenge modes beyond the main sequence of levels.
Visual options function as selectable performance profiles rather than separate modes. Fidelity prioritizes native 4K resolution and ray tracing at 30 frames per second. Performance targets 60 frames per second with variable resolution and reduced ray tracing. Performance RT combines 60 frames per second with ray tracing at a lower resolution. Players can switch profiles from the options menu at any time, though the game reloads from the last checkpoint after a change.
Visuals and Technical Features
The game leverages PlayStation 5 hardware for enhanced lighting, ray tracing, and dynamic 4K output with HDR support. Tempest 3D AudioTech creates directional sound that helps locate enemies and environmental cues. Near-instant loading keeps the pace brisk during frequent dimension shifts and planet transitions. These technical elements integrate directly into gameplay rather than serving as optional extras, allowing rifts to function as both traversal tools and combat advantages.
Five armor sets inspired by earlier Ratchet & Clank games became available through a free update. The sets alter appearance only and do not change gameplay mechanics or stats.
Is It Worth Playing?
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart suits players who enjoy single-player action platformers with strong shooting mechanics and polished movement systems. The campaign delivers consistent variety through new weapons, gadget abilities, and dimensional shifts that refresh encounters and environments. Reception has been strongly positive, with critics highlighting tight controls, humorous writing, and standout use of PlayStation 5 features. The game launched in 2021 and remains a complete, self-contained experience without ongoing seasons or required updates beyond the initial performance patches.
Those seeking multiplayer or live-service elements will find none here. Players who value visual fidelity and technical showcase titles on PlayStation 5 will find the performance options and controller integration particularly rewarding. The standalone story makes it accessible to newcomers while providing enough series callbacks for longtime fans. Overall, the title stands as a focused, high-quality single-player action experience best suited to those who prefer campaign-driven gameplay over competitive or cooperative modes.
