Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Review – Is It Worth It

Release date: June 11, 2021 ·
Developer: Insomniac Games ·
Platforms: PS5, PC (July 2023) ·
Metacritic score: 88/100 ·
Average playtime: 11–16 hours ·
Number of weapons: 20+

Seven key facts at a glance, with one pattern: the game is a critical darling that also performs technically on both consoles and PC.

Is Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Worth It?

What critics think of Rift Apart

• Metacritic score of 88 from critics (Metacritic)
• OpenCritic ranks it in the 98th percentile of all games (OpenCritic (aggregator))
• The Guardian called it an “unbelievably gorgeous sci‑fi caper” (The Guardian)

Critics are nearly unanimous: the game is a visual and technical showpiece. The Washington Post noted it’s “the first major game released exclusively for the modern console generation” (The Washington Post). That exclusivity, combined with a Metacritic score of 88, puts it in rare company for a PS5 launch‑window title.

How it compares to Ratchet & Clank (2016)

• The 2016 reboot also scored well (Metacritic 85) but lacked the dimension‑hopping mechanic (Metacritic (aggregator))
• Eurogamer described Rift Apart as “featherlight and welcoming” compared to the 2016 game’s more linear design (Eurogamer)

Rift Apart is a clear step forward, but some players preferred the 2016 game’s more grounded story. The trade‑off is that Rift Apart trades narrative depth for spectacle.

Was the game a commercial success?

• It became one of the fastest‑selling Ratchet & Clank games (specific sales figures not disclosed by Insomniac) (IGN)
• PC Gamer noted the PC port is solid but “its price makes it harder to recommend over more substantial experiences” (PC Gamer)

The implication: Rift Apart is a critical success and a commercial hit relative to its franchise, but its premium price and shorter length make it a tougher sell for budget‑conscious buyers.

How Many Hours Is Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart?

Main story playtime

• The main campaign takes about 11–12 hours (IGN)
• What’s unclear: exact times vary by difficulty and skill; the game’s “Rookie” mode can shorten it further.

Completionist run time

• A completionist run with all collectibles and trophies can take 16–18 hours (IGN)
• GamingTrend gave the game a 95 and called it “one of the best games played that year” (GamingTrend (gaming reviews))

Factors that affect playtime

• Difficulty level and exploration choices alter total time (TechRadar)
• Using the “Rift Tether” and dimensional rifts can speed up traversal (Eurogamer)

What this means: Rift Apart is a short game by modern AAA standards, but that brevity is part of its appeal — it’s a polished, no‑filler experience.

Is Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart a Hard Game?

Difficulty options available

• The game offers multiple difficulty levels, including a beginner‑friendly mode (TechRadar)
• “Rookie” mode is the easiest; “Rebel Agent” is the hardest (IGN)

Typical challenge level for series veterans

• It is generally considered easier than previous Ratchet & Clank titles (Eurogamer)
• Enemy health scales with difficulty, but the game’s generous checkpoints and weapon variety keep frustration low (EGM (video game reviews))

Accessibility features

• Accessibility options like auto‑aim and simplified controls are present (TechRadar)
• EGM called it “one of the most stunning games it had ever seen” (EGM)

The pattern: Rift Apart is designed to be accessible to newcomers while still offering a challenge for veterans on the highest difficulty. The lack of a true “hard mode” that rivals the original trilogy’s difficulty may disappoint some fans.

Is Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Multiplayer?

Is Rift Apart 2 players?

No — Rift Apart is single-player only. There is no local or online co-op, and no competitive modes.

Single‑player only design

• Rift Apart is strictly a single‑player experience; no local or online multiplayer (IGN)
• Insomniac focused on the narrative and dimensional rifts concept without multiplayer (Eurogamer)

No cooperative or competitive modes

• No co‑op, no versus, no leaderboards (TechRadar)
• Some mods for PC allow unofficial co‑op, but not supported (PC Gamer)

Reasoning from Insomniac Games

• Insomniac has not publicly explained the lack of multiplayer, but the series has always been single‑player focused (IGN)

Why this matters: If you’re looking for a couch co‑op game or an online shooter, this is not it. Rift Apart is a pure solo narrative adventure, and that’s by design.

Is Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart a Sequel to Into the Nexus?

Story continuity

• Rift Apart is a direct sequel to Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus (2013) (IGN)
• It picks up after the events of Into the Nexus and follows a new dimension‑hopping adventure (The Guardian)

Who is the villain?

• Emperor Nefarious is the main villain, a dimensional variant of Dr. Nefarious (IGN)
• He rules a dimension where he is an emperor, not a scientist (Eurogamer)

Why isn’t Lawrence in the game?

• Lawrence (Dr. Nefarious’s butler) does not appear; no official reason has been given (IGN)
• What’s unclear: fans speculate he may have been omitted due to the dimensional shift, but Insomniac hasn’t commented.

Is Rivet a female Ratchet?

• Rivet is a female Lombax from another dimension, not a gender‑swapped Ratchet (IGN)
• She has her own personality, backstory, and weapon preferences (Eurogamer)

Will there be a sequel?

• A sequel has not been announced, but the ending sets up possibilities (IGN)
• Insomniac has not confirmed any plans for a direct follow‑up (Eurogamer)

For anyone sitting on the fence, the choice is clear: if you own a PS5 or a capable PC and want a short, polished, visually stunning action‑platformer, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a must‑play. For players who prefer longer, more complex RPGs or want a multiplayer experience, the $69.99 price tag may be harder to justify. The game respects your time, but it also asks you to respect its premium price.