How Long Does It Take to Complete Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando?

The average playthrough of Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando, also known as Ratchet & Clank 2, takes approximately 12-15 hours to complete the main story. However, achieving 100% completion, which includes upgrading all weapons, finding all secrets, and completing all side missions, can extend the playtime to 20-25 hours.

Factors Influencing Playtime

Several factors influence how long it takes to complete Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando. These include:

• Playstyle: A more cautious and exploratory playstyle will naturally take longer than a speedrun approach.
• Difficulty Level: Playing on a higher difficulty setting will require more strategic combat and potentially more retries, extending playtime.
• Familiarity with the Game: First-time players will typically take longer to complete the game than those familiar with the level layouts, enemy patterns, and weapon functionalities.
• Completionist Tendencies: Players aiming for 100% completion, including all skill points, golden bolts, and weapon upgrades, will spend significantly more time with the game.
• Weapon Mastery: Efficient use and upgrading of weapons is essential. Those who spend time learning each weapon’s strengths and weaknesses will generally progress faster.

Breaking Down the Completion Time

Here’s a rough breakdown of how time is spent in the game:

• Main Story Missions: Approximately 8-10 hours. This includes traveling to different planets, completing objectives, and defeating bosses.
• Side Missions and Challenges: Around 2-3 hours. These include arena challenges, optional exploration tasks, and collecting extra items.
• Weapon Upgrading and Grinding: 2-4 hours. Upgrading all weapons to Mega versions requires collecting bolts and using them frequently.
• Collectibles and Secrets: 3-5 hours. Finding all Golden Bolts and Skill Points often requires backtracking and exploring hidden areas.

Replay Value and Additional Content

Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando offers significant replay value. After completing the game, you can start a Challenge Mode, which allows you to replay the game with all your weapons and upgrades. This provides a more challenging experience and an opportunity to further upgrade weapons to their Ultra versions. The game also features several hidden areas and secrets that may be missed during a first playthrough, encouraging exploration and repeated playthroughs.

FAQs About Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando Completion Time

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify aspects of completing Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando:

Q1: Is Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando longer than the first game?

Yes, Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando is generally considered longer than the original Ratchet & Clank. It features larger levels, more diverse gameplay mechanics, and a more extensive upgrade system.

Q2: How long does it take to beat Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando on Challenge Mode?

Challenge Mode playthroughs typically take 8-12 hours. Because you start with fully upgraded weapons from your previous playthrough, you can move through the game more quickly, focusing on the story missions.

Q3: What are the most time-consuming aspects of 100% completion?

The most time-consuming aspects include:

• Upgrading all weapons to Mega versions: This requires extensive grinding for bolts.
• Finding all Golden Bolts: Some are hidden in very obscure locations.
• Completing all Skill Points: Many require specific actions in specific areas.

Q4: Can I speedrun Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando? What is the record?

Yes, Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando is a popular game for speedrunning. The current world record is around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Speedrunners utilize glitches, skips, and optimized routes to complete the game as quickly as possible.

Q5: Does the PS2 version have different completion times compared to the HD remake?

The gameplay and story content are the same between the PS2 version and the HD remake. Therefore, completion times are generally similar. Minor differences in loading times might lead to slight variations.

Q6: What difficulty setting is recommended for a first playthrough?

The Normal difficulty setting is generally recommended for a first playthrough. It offers a balanced challenge without being overly difficult.

Q7: Are there any missable collectibles that can impact 100% completion?

No, there are no missable collectibles in Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando. You can return to any planet at any time to find any remaining items or complete any unfinished objectives.

Q8: How important is weapon choice in speeding up the game?

Weapon choice is crucial. Some weapons, like the B2 Brawler and the Mini-nuke, are particularly effective for dealing with large groups of enemies or bosses and can significantly speed up your progress.

Q9: Does dying frequently add significantly to the completion time?

Yes, dying frequently can add to the completion time, especially on higher difficulty settings. Learning enemy patterns and upgrading your armor are essential to minimizing deaths.

Q10: What strategies can reduce the time spent upgrading weapons?

• Use the weapons frequently: Weapons level up faster the more you use them.
• Play arena challenges: The arena challenges offer a good source of bolts and experience.
• Purchase the Bolt Grabber: This gadget increases the amount of bolts you collect.

Q11: Is it necessary to complete all side missions to finish the main story?

No, it is not necessary to complete all side missions to finish the main story. However, side missions often provide valuable rewards, such as bolts, weapons, or upgrades, that can make the main story easier.

Q12: How does the Skill Point system affect completion time?

Completing all Skill Points can add several hours to the completion time. Some Skill Points require specific actions, such as defeating a certain number of enemies with a particular weapon or completing a challenge within a time limit.

Q13: Does the game have a new game plus feature?

Yes, after beating the game you can start a Challenge Mode, which functions as a New Game Plus.

Q14: What is the most efficient way to farm bolts in Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando?

The most efficient way to farm bolts is typically by replaying the Megacorp Games and exploiting any readily available multipliers while also using weapons that quickly dispatch enemies.

Q15: How many planets are there in Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando?

There are a total of 22 planets to explore in Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando, each offering unique challenges and environments.

By understanding these factors and using efficient strategies, players can enjoy a fulfilling and engaging experience in Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando, regardless of their desired completion time. Whether aiming for a quick playthrough or striving for 100% completion, the game offers plenty of content to keep players entertained.