Hey, buddy! If you’re a gamer like me, you’ve probably spent hours blasting through alien worlds with Ratchet and Clank, those lovable PlayStation heroes. Lately, I’ve been hearing a question buzzing around the gaming community: “Will there be a new Ratchet and Clank game?” As a lifelong fan who’s played every title from the PS2 days to the shiny PS5 era, I’m just as curious as you are. I’ve been digging into forums, news, and my own gaming memories to get the scoop. So, grab a controller, settle in, and let’s explore this topic together. I promise it’ll be a fun ride through the galaxy, full of hope and excitement for what’s next!
Why Ratchet and Clank Matters to Gamers
First, let’s talk about why Ratchet and Clank is such a big deal. This series isn’t just a game—it’s a piece of PlayStation history. Ratchet, the scrappy Lombax mechanic, and Clank, his witty robot sidekick, have been saving the universe since 2002. I remember popping the first game into my PS2 and being blown away by the colorful planets and wacky weapons like the Sheepinator. It was pure joy.
The series mixes platforming, shooting, and puzzles with a buddy-cop vibe that’s hard to resist. It’s family-friendly but clever enough for adults. I’ve laughed at Clank’s sarcasm and cheered for Ratchet’s heroics. With over 20 years of games, spin-offs, and even a movie, it’s no wonder fans like us are itching to know if a new adventure is coming.
The Latest Game: Rift Apart Sets the Bar High
To figure out if a new game is on the way, let’s look at the latest chapter. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart dropped in June 2021 for the PS5, and wow, it was a stunner. I played it the day it came out, and the graphics made my jaw drop. The game uses the PS5’s power to let you zip through dimensional rifts, hopping between worlds in seconds. It’s like a theme park ride.
Rift Apart introduced Rivet, a female Lombax, and her robot pal Kit. They’re awesome additions, and I loved playing as both Ratchet and Rivet. The story left some mysteries, like Ratchet’s search for his Lombax family, that scream for a sequel. Critics loved it, and it sold nearly 4 million copies by mid-2023. With such a hit, you’d think a new game is a no-brainer, right? But it’s not that simple.
Insomniac Games: The Studio Behind the Magic
The folks at Insomniac Games make Ratchet and Clank, and they’re a busy bunch. I’ve followed their work since their Spyro days, and they’re known for pumping out quality games fast. But right now, they’re juggling a lot. They’ve got Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 out and Marvel’s Wolverine in the works, plus rumors of other Marvel projects like Venom and X-Men.
I get why they’re leaning into Marvel. Spider-Man games are cash cows, and Wolverine looks gritty and cool. But as a Ratchet fan, it’s frustrating to see our favorite duo take a backseat. Insomniac’s been with Ratchet and Clank for over two decades, so I don’t think they’d abandon it. The question is when they’ll have time for a new game.
Rumors and Leaks: A New Game in 2029?
Here’s where things get juicy. In late 2023, a big hack hit Insomniac, leaking their plans for years to come. I read about it on gaming forums, and one slide mentioned a new Ratchet and Clank game targeting a 2029 release. 2029! That’s a long wait, but it got me excited. The leaks said Ratchet, Clank, Rivet, and Kit would all return, with co-op gameplay, spaceship customization, and a darker villain.
But then, another rumor surfaced in 2024. A Twitch streamer claimed Insomniac canceled the game to focus on Marvel projects. I was gutted reading that, but it’s just a rumor. No official word confirms it, and leaks aren’t always true. I’m holding out hope that the 2029 plan is still on, maybe as a PS6 launch title. Imagine a Ratchet game with next-gen graphics—it’d be mind-blowing.
Why a 2029 Release Makes Sense
A 2029 release sounds far off, but let’s break it down. Rift Apart came out in 2021, and Insomniac’s schedule is packed. Spider-Man 2 launched in 2023, Wolverine might hit in 2025, and other projects could follow. If they start a new Ratchet game after Wolverine, it’d take a few years to make. I’ve seen how long AAA games take—three to five years is normal.
Plus, 2029 could align with the PS6’s launch. Rift Apart showed off the PS5’s power, and Insomniac loves using Ratchet to flex new tech. I can picture a new game with huge worlds and seamless rifts, blowing us away on a new console. The wait stinks, but it could mean a game that’s worth every second.
Could We Get Something Sooner?
Okay, but what about something before 2029? I’ve been crossing my fingers for a spin-off or remaster. Insomniac’s done spin-offs before, like Secret Agent Clank or Size Matters. A Rivet and Kit spin-off, like Spider-Man’s Miles Morales, would be awesome. I’d love to explore Rivet’s dimension more, maybe with new weapons and planets.
Remasters are another possibility. The PS5 already has most Ratchet games via PS Plus Premium, but classics like Tools of Destruction or A Crack in Time could get a glow-up. I’d replay those in 4K in a heartbeat. Insomniac didn’t do much for the series’ 20th anniversary in 2022, though, so I’m not holding my breath for a quick release.
Fan Demand: Why We Need a New Game
Fans like us are loud about wanting more Ratchet and Clank. I’ve scrolled through Reddit and Twitter, and the love is real. People post about Rift Apart’s beauty, share fan art of Rivet, and beg for a sequel. The series has a loyal base, and it’s grown with new players thanks to the PC port of Rift Apart in 2023.
I think fan demand matters. Sony knows Ratchet and Clank is a PlayStation mascot, like Crash or Spyro. Rift Apart proved the series can still shine, so ignoring it would be a shame. I’ve seen fans say they’d buy a PS6 just for a new Ratchet game. That’s the kind of passion that pushes studios to act.
What Could a New Ratchet and Clank Game Look Like?
Let’s dream a bit. If a new game comes, what could it be? Based on Rift Apart and the leaks, I’ve got some ideas. First, I’d love a story that dives into Ratchet’s Lombax roots. Rift Apart teased his family, and I want answers. Maybe he and Rivet team up to find their people, with Clank and Kit fixing rifts along the way.
Gameplay could evolve too. The leaks mentioned co-op, which sounds fun. I’d play split-screen with a friend, one as Ratchet, one as Rivet. Spaceship battles and customization could add variety, like Star Fox meets Ratchet. And those weapons! I want new gadgets, like a gravity gun or a time-freeze bomb, keeping the series’ silly vibe.
The leaks also hinted at a darker tone. I’m curious but cautious. Ratchet and Clank is lighthearted, and I don’t want it too gritty. A balance, like A Crack in Time’s mix of humor and heart, would be perfect. Whatever they do, I trust Insomniac to make it epic.
The Role of PlayStation’s Strategy
Sony’s got a big say in whether a new game happens. They own Insomniac and decide what gets made. Right now, Sony’s all about big, cinematic games like God of War and Spider-Man. Ratchet and Clank fits that mold, but doesn’t sell as much as Spider-Man. I checked sales data, and Rift Apart sold well but not at Spider-Man levels.
Still, Sony loves Ratchet as a brand. It’s a first-party exclusive that shows off their consoles. I think they’ll greenlight a new game eventually, especially if Marvel projects wrap up. Sony’s also pushing PC ports, so a new Ratchet game could hit PS6 and PC, reaching more players.
Challenges Facing a New Game
Making a new Ratchet and Clank isn’t easy. I’ve thought about the hurdles Insomniac faces. First, their team is stretched thin. With Marvel games in full swing, they might not have enough staff for Ratchet. AAA games cost millions, and Sony wants sure bets. Ratchet’s a safe bet, but not as safe as Spider-Man.
The gaming industry’s tough right now, too. Layoffs and studio closures are hitting hard. Insomniac’s been stable, but the 2023 hack shook them up. Leaks can mess with plans, and if the 2029 game was canceled, it might be due to budget or focus shifts. I hope they bounce back and keep Ratchet alive.
The Legacy of Ratchet and Clank
No matter when a new game comes, Ratchet and Clank’s legacy is huge. I get nostalgic thinking about it. The series defined my childhood, from collecting bolts to fighting Dr. Nefarious. It’s one of PlayStation’s longest-running franchises, with nine main games and a bunch of spin-offs.
The series has grown with gaming itself. The PS2 games were simple platformers, but Rift Apart feels like a movie. I love how Insomniac keeps the heart of the series—fun, friendship, and crazy weapons—while pushing tech forward. A new game would carry that torch, and I’m ready to see where it goes.
What Fans Can Do While Waiting
Waiting for a new game can feel like forever, but we’ve got options. I replay Rift Apart when I need a Ratchet fix. It’s still gorgeous, and hunting for gold bolts keeps me busy. The PS Plus Premium catalog has classics like Up Your Arsenal or Going Commando, perfect for nostalgia.
You can also dive into the community. I follow Ratchet and Clank subreddits and join discussions. Fans share theories, like what Rivet’s backstory is, and it’s fun to geek out. Supporting Insomniac’s other games, like Wolverine, might free them up for Ratchet sooner. And who knows? Maybe a petition could nudge Sony to act faster.
Why I Believe a New Game Will Happen
Call me an optimist, but I’m sure we’ll get a new Ratchet and Clank. Insomniac’s too attached to the series to let it die. Rift Apart was a love letter to fans, and its success proves there’s demand. The 2029 leak, even if shaky, shows they’re planning something. Plus, Ratchet’s a PlayStation icon—Sony won’t let him fade.
I think about how far the series has come. From a quirky PS2 game to a PS5 showcase, it’s always adapted. A new game might take time, but it’ll be worth it. I can already hear Clank’s quips and feel the rumble of a new weapon. It’s coming, friend—I can feel it.
Conclusion
Wow, we’ve traveled across the galaxy talking about Ratchet and Clank, haven’t we? From Rift Apart’s dazzling rifts to the hope of a 2029 game, I’m more excited than ever for what’s next. As a fan, I know waiting can be tough, but the love for Ratchet and Clank keeps us going. Insomniac’s got big plans, and even if Marvel’s stealing the spotlight, our favorite Lombax and robot will return. The series’ legacy, fan passion, and PlayStation’s support make a new game feel inevitable. So, keep your OmniWrench ready, stay hyped, and let’s dream of new planets to explore. Thanks for geeking out with me—here’s to blasting through the next adventure together!
FAQs
Is a new Ratchet and Clank game confirmed?
No official confirmation yet, but a 2023 leak suggested a game for 2029. Rumors of cancellation exist, but nothing’s certain.
When was the last Ratchet and Clank game released?
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart came out in June 2021 for the PS5, with a PC port in July 2023.
Why is it taking so long for a new game?
Insomniac’s busy with Marvel games like Spider-Man 2 and Wolverine. Their focus on those delays is Ratchet and Clank.
Could we get a Ratchet and Clank spin-off?
It’s possible. Fans want a Rivet and Kit spin-off, but no plans have been confirmed. Spin-offs have happened before, so there’s hope.
Will the new game be on PS5 or PS6?
If it releases in 2029, it’s likely for the PS6. Insomniac might make it a next-gen showcase, like Rift Apart was for PS5.