If there's one thing that sets the Ratchet and Clank games apart from other 3D platformers (the similar Jak and Daxter titles, for instance), it's the incredibly wide range of weapons at the player's disposal, which has helped cement the series as one of the best on PlayStation systems. When a new entry is set to release, fans are itching to know whether their favorite weapon made the cut.
After almost 20 years of the series (the beloved original was treated to a remake in 2016), the full arsenal used by the iconic duo has grown to boast some of gaming's best weapons. With so many wacky options, though, it was inevitable that some would be better than others. So, which weapons are the best choices for the galaxy -saving Lombax?
10 The OmniWrench: Ratchet's Faithful And Deadly Companion
The OmniWrench may not be the most creative or destructive weapon, but it's the franchise's most famous. It's been through several redesigns, but the OmniWrench has appeared in every game in the Ratchet and Clank series. Serving not only as a tool but also as a formidable melee weapon, the OmniWrench is a great choice for taking on low level enemies when players need to save ammo.
Ratchet also has the ability to throw the wrench, which will then return to his hand like Thor's hammer, adding some ranged capabilities. The exact abilities of the OmniWrench vary depending on the game, with some including special effects like burning and poison. It doesn't matter which game in this excellent series fans are enjoying, though: Ratchet simply doesn't look right without his trusty OmniWrench. It is very basic, though, compared to some of the wild weapons the franchise has to offer.
9 The Pyrocitor: Turning Up The Heat
The Pyrocitor's short range and quick expenditure of ammunition makes it very unwieldy and difficult to use on every enemy. Its spread and sheer power can be very handy, however. It's the perfect tool for when the player is overwhelmed by a large amount of smaller enemies, as the Pyrocitor can take them out with ease.
The player can eventually upgrade the Pyrocitor into the Omega Lavacitor using Raritanium. In addition to increasing the damage dealt, this revamped version can cause defeated enemies to burst into flames, which can damage other enemies nearby.
8 The Buzz Blades: Bringing Pain From Every Direction
The Buzz Blade launcher is as visually spectacular as it is deadly, rapidly firing saw blades which ricochet off enemies dealing multiple hits. Its range and high ammo capacity make it an essential weapon for both one-on-one combat and tackling large groups.
The Buzz Blades may not have the quirkiness of some of the more inventive weapons in the series, but its speed, power and range are excellent. This gun can also be also be upgraded into the Doom Blades, which increase the amount of hits you can get from ricocheting blades. For some fans, though, it's just a little too practical and not silly enough.
7 The Pixelizer: Shotgun With A Retro Twist
The Pixelizer is a perfect example of what makes a lot of the weapons in this series so much fun. It takes a traditional weapon (in this case a shotgun) and gives it a creative twist. In the case of the Pixelizer, the twist is morphing the enemies hit with this gun's blasts into retro 2D sprites. There are unique 'pixel' versions of every enemy, making the Pixelizer a blast to experiment with.
Defeated enemies are turned into a pile of pixels which Ratchet can smash into pieces (which provides no tactical advantage but is incredibly satisfying). The Pixelizer can also be upgraded into the Pixelizer HD, which allows the player to charge before they fire for a more powerful shot. The Pixelizer is a reliable weapon which packs a decent punch, but does suffer somewhat due to its limited range.
6 The Predator Launcher: Explosively Accurate
While not the only rocket launcher in the series, the Predator Launcher sets itself apart from the others. It has the special function of locking onto multiple targets and firing missiles at all of them at once, with perfect accuracy.
The Predator Launcher also boasts a higher ammo capacity than its counterparts. It can be upgraded into the Raptor Launcher, increasing the number of targets selectable. The Predator Launcher can also target one enemy multiple times, making it incredibly useful for tackling larger enemies and bosses. Practicality doesn't top silliness in this series, though, so it's still topped by a few other tricks in Ratchet's arsenal.
5 The Sheepinator/Morph-o-Ray
There are several guns in the franchise with the function of transforming their target into something ridiculous. Over the years, Ratchet has been able to turn his enemies into chickens, cows, ducks and, of course, sheep. No matter which version of the enemy transformation ray fans prefer, there are few feelings better than turning deadly enemies into harmless animals.
Not only is this useful for removing threats, there is also an inexplicable amount of joy in morphing space monsters into cute critters. These weapons may lack the destructive power of some of the others, but with infinite ammo and quick results, they're bound to come in handy for any Galactic Ranger. They're unfailingly hilarious, too.
4 The Rift Inducer 5000: Inter-Dimensional Portal Gun
First introduced as the Rift Inducer (a gun which opened a black hole that sucked enemies into it), the Rift Inducer 5000 was a major improvement. This weapon opens a portal, allowing the deadly tentacles of an inter-dimensional monster (named Fred) to emerge.
Not only does this gun take out enemies very effectively, but the implication that they have been taken to a ghastly dimension of monsters adds another level of fascinating horror. It's a great weapon for crowd control and it never fails to put on a show. It doesn't get much more absurd.
3 The Groovitron: Dancing With Death
This weapon takes a very different approach to dealing with enemies. The Groovitron is a disco ball that can be thrown, emitting addictive music that forces any enemy who hears it to break into a dance.
The Groovitron works on every enemy gamers will encounter, even bosses and (impossibly) tanks. It's one of the most brilliantly bizarre weapons in the series, but its ability to stop large groups of enemies and their deadly attacks quickly makes it invaluable. It's super funny but it's not just a novelty.
2 The RYNO: Power And Beauty Combined
There are a number of weapons which bear the name RYNO (Rip You a New One), but the 2016 iteration is perhaps the most explosive, the most useful and the most fun.
Unlocked only after collecting all the RYNO cards (a real feat), this is definitely the most powerful weapon in the remake. A rapid-fire missile launcher which destroys everything in its path. This is a gun which turns every fight it's used in into easy mode. The RYNO is such an exceptional piece of weaponry that it even causes classical music to blast in the background of your destruction. No amount of Bolts (the franchise's odd currency) could buy the player a more powerful weapon.
1 Mr. Zurkon: Ratchet's Other Wise-Cracking Robot Friend
Ratchet can also call in the support of Mr. Zurkon. Featuring in many different games in the franchise, Mr. Zurkon is among the most iconic tools available to the player. Blurring the line between weapon and companion, Mr. Zurkon is a robot armed with a laser who will follow Ratchet, firing at anyone in range.
However, the true fun of using Mr. Zurkon is in his attitude. During his time following the player, Mr. Zurkon will routinely break out several one-liners and delightfully vicious jokes directed at his victims. Sometimes he can be upgraded to the more powerful Zurkon the Destroyer, and sometimes he can be upgraded to include other members of the Zurkon family, like the enigmatic Ms. Zurkon and Zurkon Jr. He can be used simultaneously with any other weapon, so despite having less firepower than the RYNO, Mr. Zurkon is always guaranteed to be useful (and very funny) in a tight spot.