The Basics

Get a grip on Ratchet & Clank (2016) with our guide to RPG-lite mechanics, weapon leveling, mods, and Trespasser puzzles. Your galactic adventure starts here!

Alright, so you're diving into Ratchet & Clank (2016)? Awesome! Let's get you up to speed on the essentials so you can jump right into the action. Think of this as your quick rundown from a buddy who's already been through it.

First off, you'll notice Ratchet starts with just 10 health. Don't sweat it! As you take down baddies, you'll earn experience, shown by that bar under your health. Fill it up, and BAM! You level up. Not only does this restore your health, but it also bumps up your max health by 10. Keep at it, and you'll eventually be able to hit a max of 200 health, though you might need to venture into Challenge Mode for that.

Weapons Galore!

One of the coolest parts of this game is the sheer variety of weapons you'll get your hands on. Most of them? You'll snag 'em from the Gadgetron vendors – those little blue boxes with a 'G' on them. You'll be spending bolts, the game's currency, to buy most of your arsenal. Some special weapons might need a different approach, but for the most part, it's bolt-hunting time!

Here's a neat trick: every weapon starts at level 1. As you blast away with them, they gain experience, just like Ratchet. When a weapon levels up, it gets stronger. Hit level 5, and things get *really* interesting. For example, the Sheepinator transforms into the Goatinator, and now those sheep you create will actually join the fight against your enemies! Pretty handy, right?

Raritanium and Mods

Once you land on the second planet, Novalis, keep an eye out for Raritanium. This shiny mineral is super important because you can use it to buy mods for your weapons. Swing by any Gadgetron vendor and hit the Square button to bring up the mod screen. Each upgrade costs just one piece of Raritanium. As your weapons level up, more mods will unlock. Plus, if you grab all the mods around those orange hexes, you'll unlock special 'Mystery Mods' – some seriously cool enhancements!

Trespasser Puzzles: Get Your Brain Working!

Early on, you'll get the Trespasser gadget. This is your key to opening special locked doors. How does it work? You'll need to rotate lasers to hit specific nodes on the door. Get all the nodes powered up, and the door swings open. These puzzles start out pretty chill, but they ramp up quickly with new mechanics to keep you on your toes.

Later puzzles can be a real head-scratcher, especially when they introduce 'walls' that block your lasers. You might need to find a different angle or rethink your approach entirely. Sometimes, you'll even get the ability to turn rings on and off, adding another layer of complexity. Don't get discouraged; figuring these out is part of the fun!