Can You Platinum Ratchet & Clank in One Playthrough? A Lombax-Sized Guide

The short answer? Absolutely! Yes, you can achieve the coveted platinum trophy in a single playthrough of most Ratchet & Clank games. However, this relies heavily on meticulous exploration, completion of side objectives, and a savvy understanding of the game’s upgrade systems. It demands a focused approach and a willingness to leave no stone (or bolt) unturned. It’s a testament to skill and thoroughness, turning you into a true intergalactic hero.

One Playthrough Platinum: The Path of the Skilled Lombax

Achieving platinum in one run requires a strategic mindset. Don’t just blast your way through the main story. Embrace the explorer within!

• Explore Every Nook and Cranny: Each planet is brimming with secrets, collectibles, and hidden areas. Take your time, use every gadget available, and leave no area unexplored. Missing a single gold bolt can extend your platinum journey significantly.
• Embrace Side Missions: Side quests aren’t just fluff; they often reward you with essential items, bolts, and weapon upgrades that streamline the rest of your playthrough. Plus, they usually contribute towards trophy progress.
• Weapon Mastery is Key: Focus on leveling up your weapons. Utilize every weapon in your arsenal to maximize your experience gain. Different enemies are vulnerable to different weapon types, so diversification is key. Exploit enemy weaknesses to quickly level up your weapons.
• The Groovitron Strategy: This quirky device is your best friend for certain trophies. Make sure you use the Groovitron on every enemy type at least once. Missing just one can force you into another playthrough.
• Bolt Farming: Managing your finances wisely is crucial for purchasing weapons and upgrades. Find efficient bolt farming locations and strategies. Using bolt multipliers (if available in your game) can speed this process up significantly.
• Collectibles are Crucial: Gold Bolts, RYNO Holocards, CraiggerBears, and other collectibles often unlock game-enhancing features or contribute towards specific trophies. Keep a checklist to ensure you don’t miss any.
• Plan Your Skill Points: Allocate your skill points strategically. Prioritize upgrades that enhance your combat effectiveness and survivability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Aspiring Platinum Hunters

Here are some of the most common questions players have about platinuming Ratchet & Clank games.

How long does it typically take to platinum a Ratchet & Clank game?

The time varies from game to game. Some entries can be platinumed in around 10-15 hours, while others might take 20 hours or more. Factors affecting playtime include your skill level, familiarity with the game, and how thoroughly you explore each area. Check specific guides for targeted time estimates.

Are there any difficulty-related trophies?

Typically, no. Most Ratchet & Clank games do not include trophies tied to specific difficulty settings. You can often earn the platinum on the easiest difficulty setting.

Can I use cheats and still get trophies?

This depends on the game. In some Ratchet & Clank titles, using cheats like infinite ammo might disable certain trophies or halt weapon leveling. Always check the trophy descriptions and experiment cautiously to avoid compromising your progress. However, recent titles such as Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart allow you to earn trophies, even with cheats enabled.

Are there any missable trophies?

This also varies by game. Some entries might have missable trophies related to specific actions in certain areas. Consult a trophy guide before playing to identify potential missable trophies and take precautions. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart has no missable trophies, so the user can rest easy.

Do I need to play through Challenge Mode to get the platinum?

Challenge Mode (New Game+) is sometimes required for completing certain weapon upgrades or collecting additional items. Check the specific trophy list for the game you’re playing. It might be necessary for certain completionist trophies.

How important is it to level up my weapons?

Extremely important! Many trophies require you to fully upgrade all weapons. Prioritize using a variety of weapons to maximize your experience gain. Grinding for weapon experience is a common task in platinum runs.

What’s the best way to farm bolts?

Find a location with a high density of enemies that respawn quickly. Some areas with destructible environments also offer excellent bolt-farming opportunities.

How do I use the Groovitron effectively?

The Groovitron is vital for the “Everybody Dance Now” (or equivalent) trophy. Make sure you use it on every enemy type in the game. Keep a checklist or take notes to avoid missing any.

Does difficulty affect weapon XP gain?

Generally, no. Weapon experience gain is usually unaffected by the chosen difficulty setting.

Can I free roam after beating the main story?

Most Ratchet & Clank games allow you to revisit planets after completing the main storyline. This is essential for collecting missing items and completing any remaining tasks.

What’s the shortest Ratchet & Clank game to platinum?

Titles like Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus or Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault are often considered some of the shortest games in the series, leading to potentially faster platinum times.

Are the PS2 Ratchet & Clank games harder to platinum than the PS4/PS5 games?

The PS2 Ratchet & Clank games can be more challenging due to their age and sometimes less forgiving mechanics. However, with patience and the right strategies, they are still very achievable.

What are the best weapons to focus on upgrading early?

This depends on the game, but generally, prioritize weapons with good area-of-effect damage and crowd control capabilities. Versatile weapons will help you survive tough encounters and maximize bolt farming potential.

Does using infinite ammo disable trophies related to weapon usage?

Again, this varies by game. Some games might disable weapon-related trophies if infinite ammo is active. It is always best to check online to see what effects the infinite ammo cheat has on trophies.

What if I accidentally miss a gold bolt or collectible?

If you miss a collectible, most games allow you to revisit the planet and retrieve it. Ensure you explore thoroughly before moving on. Otherwise, you might have to play again to get it.

Platinum-ing a Ratchet & Clank game in one playthrough is a challenge, but a rewarding one. With careful planning, dedicated exploration, and a healthy dose of Lombax-sized determination, you’ll be well on your way to adding another platinum trophy to your collection. It’s not just about speed; it’s about mastering the game and becoming a true intergalactic champion.

The journey of a thousand bolts begins with a single wrench throw! Learn more about the world of gaming and its potential educational applications by visiting the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Good luck and happy hunting!