What Happens After You Beat Ratchet and Clank?
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So, you’ve vanquished Dr. Nefarious, saved the galaxy (again!), and watched the credits roll on your latest Ratchet and Clank adventure. Congratulations, space hero! But what happens next? The good news is the fun doesn’t have to end there. Beating a Ratchet and Clank game usually unlocks a plethora of post-game content, allowing you to further explore the vibrant worlds, experiment with powerful weaponry, and generally wreak intergalactic havoc. After the final boss is defeated, gamers can either choose to continue the adventure in their current save file with all planets unlocked and available for exploration. Alternatively, they can opt to begin a Challenge Mode playthrough, carrying over weapons and upgrades to a new, tougher experience. The specific features and options available depend on which Ratchet and Clank title you are playing.
Unlocking the Galaxy: Post-Game Exploration and Content
One of the most common post-game features is the ability to freely roam the worlds you’ve already visited. This is your chance to revisit planets you loved, seek out any remaining collectibles you missed, complete optional side quests, and generally soak in the atmosphere without the pressure of the main storyline.
- Collectibles Galore: Did you miss a few Gold Bolts, RYNO blueprints, or armor pieces during your first playthrough? Now is the perfect time to backtrack and complete your collection. Finding these unlock new skins, weapons, and cheats.
- Weapon Upgrades: Many Ratchet and Clank games feature weapon leveling systems. By continuing to use your favorite weapons, you can upgrade them to even more devastating versions. This often involves unlocking Omega versions or similar ultimate upgrades that make you practically unstoppable.
- Side Quests and Challenges: Some planets might have optional missions or challenges that you didn’t tackle during your main playthrough. These often offer unique rewards, such as new gadgets, weapon mods, or just a good old-fashioned sense of accomplishment.
- Photo Mode: Many of the later Ratchet and Clank games feature a robust Photo Mode. With all the planets unlocked, you can travel to anywhere in the game and take stunning pictures with the characters in different poses and expressions.
Challenge Mode: A New Game Plus Experience
For those seeking a greater challenge and further progression, most Ratchet and Clank games offer a “Challenge Mode,” also known as “New Game Plus.” This mode allows you to restart the game from the beginning but with some significant advantages:
- Carry Over Your Arsenal: You get to keep all your weapons, gadgets, and upgrades from your previous playthrough. This gives you a massive head start against the early enemies and allows you to experiment with different weapon combinations from the get-go.
- Increased Difficulty: As the name suggests, Challenge Mode typically increases the difficulty of the game. Enemies are tougher, hit harder, and may even have new attack patterns.
- New Upgrades: You can unlock new upgrades and weapon mods that weren’t available in your first playthrough. This allows you to push your weapons to their absolute limit.
- Exclusive Content: Some Challenge Modes may feature exclusive weapons, armor, or other cosmetic items that can only be obtained by completing the game on this difficulty setting.
The Point of No Return
Some Ratchet and Clank titles have a specific point of no return that warns the player about starting the final mission. These are usually very obvious, and the game will explicitly tell you that progressing past this point will initiate the ending sequence. However, many of these games allow you to reload your save after completing the game in order to return before the point of no return, or they let you play Challenge Mode to continue the experience with your unlocked content.
What to Expect in Different Games
The specific post-game features vary from game to game within the Ratchet and Clank franchise.
- Ratchet & Clank (PS4): After completing the game, all planets are unlocked and you can access the Challenge Mode. There are 28 Gold Bolts in the game, finding which will unlock the Ultimate Explorer trophy, options in the Extras menu like Cheats and Appearance Options, and allows you to access more hangars in the Insomniac Museum.
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart: This title offers a robust post-game experience with the ability to explore all planets, collect remaining items, and engage in Challenge Mode. It also features a detailed Photo Mode that allows players to take pictures with Ratchet and Rivet. Insomniac Games released a 20th Anniversary Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Armor Pack DLC in honor of the game’s anniversary.
Still Want to Play?
If you are a scholar or just interested in the academic side of gaming, make sure to check out Games Learning Society for valuable resources. Also, if you’re looking to continue the adventure after completing a Ratchet & Clank game, consider playing the titles in order to fully immerse yourself with the story and characters:
- Ratchet & Clank (The Original Release)
- Going Commando
- Up Your Arsenal
- Future: Tools of Destruction
- Future: Quest for Booty
- Future: A Crack in Time
- Into the Nexus
- Rift Apart
FAQs: After the Credits Roll
1. Can I keep playing after beating Ratchet and Clank?
Yes! Most Ratchet and Clank games allow you to continue playing after beating the final boss. You can explore unlocked planets, search for collectibles, and start Challenge Mode.
2. Does my progress carry over to Challenge Mode?
Generally, yes. Challenge Mode typically allows you to carry over your weapons, gadgets, and upgrades from your previous playthrough.
3. What’s the point of Challenge Mode?
Challenge Mode offers increased difficulty, new upgrades, and potentially exclusive content, providing a new and more challenging experience for seasoned players.
4. Are there any new weapons or gadgets in Challenge Mode?
It depends on the game, but some Ratchet and Clank titles do feature exclusive weapons, armor, or gadgets in Challenge Mode.
5. Can I get 100% completion after beating the game?
Absolutely! Many players use the post-game to achieve 100% completion by finding all collectibles, completing all side quests, and upgrading all weapons.
6. What happens if I missed a collectible during the story?
No worries! You can revisit any planet after beating the game to find any collectibles you may have missed.
7. Is there DLC for Ratchet and Clank?
Some Ratchet and Clank games have received DLC, such as the Armor Pack for Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, which celebrates the franchise’s 20th anniversary.
8. What’s the final mission in Ratchet and Clank?
In the original Ratchet and Clank, the final mission is typically focused on saving Ratchet’s planet.
9. Who is the final boss in Ratchet and Clank?
The final boss in the original Ratchet and Clank (PS4) is Dr. Nefarious.
10. Is there a point of no return in Ratchet and Clank?
Yes, most Ratchet and Clank games have a point of no return before the final boss.
11. How long does it take to 100% Ratchet and Clank?
The time to 100% complete a Ratchet and Clank game varies, but typically it takes around 23 hours.
12. What do Gold Bolts do in Ratchet and Clank?
Gold Bolts unlock different skins, cheats, and options.
13. Are the Ratchet and Clank games short?
Many of the Ratchet and Clank games should take anywhere between five and ten hours to finish.
14. How many planets are in Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart?
There are nine planets in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.
15. Is Ratchet and Clank PS4 just a remake?
The game is a tie-in of the 2016 film of the same name, as well as a remake of the first game in the series.
In conclusion, beating a Ratchet and Clank game is just the beginning of your intergalactic adventure. With post-game exploration, Challenge Mode, and a plethora of collectibles to find, there’s plenty to keep you entertained long after the credits roll. So grab your wrench, charge your weapons, and get ready for even more fun!