Insomniac Games has built a reputation for creating some of the most outrageous weapons in all of gaming. Therefore, it shouldn't come as a surprise to see that the studio has gone all out with the PS5 exclusive, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart.
Featuring a host of 22 different weapons, each contributes to a unique roster that's unlike any other arsenal found in any other franchise. Not all of the guns in Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart are instant Hall of Famers, though, as some stand out more than others.
S-Tier Weapons
RYNO 8 - Few things are as guaranteed within a Ratchet and Clank game as the devastating power of the RYNO superweapons. Insomniac Games' latest take on the ultimate tool of destruction is particularly special in Rift Apart though, thanks to the PlayStation Easter eggs it's capable of summoning.
Negatron Collider - For a weapon that's available during Ratchet's very first visit to Nefarious City, this dramatically named beam-weapon packs a punch that will remain useful throughout the entire game. Charging up a shot and then unleashing it through a group of enemies is always deeply satisfying, too.
Blackhole Storm - Miniguns have never been a common occurrence in the history of Ratchet and Clank, which is why this incarnation of the gun type feels special in Rift Apart. Utilizing the DualSense's Adaptive Triggers to spool up the barrel before unleashing a torrent of rounds helps make this gun feel especially engaging.
A-Tier Weapons
Buzz Blades - Making a return to the franchise yet again, no gun has ever been able to fill the niche that this pistol inhabits within Ratchet and Rivet's arsenal. Ricocheting deadly saw blades as they swarm enemies has also never been more satisfying thanks to the DualSense.
Warmonger - There's a reason why Ratchet has repeatedly come back to this classic RPG since his PS3 adventures. Admittedly simple in premise, the Warmonger makes up for this by being the second most powerful gun in this latest adventure.
The Enforcer - Thanks To Rift Apart's clever enemy AIs, having a shotgun at hand is always a handy option when combat gets overcrowded. Being able to control how many barrels are used via the Adaptive Triggersis also a welcome feature.
Lightning Rod - Shooting lighting from what's ostensibly a pistol is a simple yet ingenious idea on Insomniac Games' part. Seeing electrified enemies spread the damage to their comrades is also more satisfying than it probably should be.
B-Tier Weapons
Cold Snap - Most of the weapons that find themselves in Rift Apart's B-Tier offer unique support options on the battlefield. Take the Cold Snap for example, which freezes Emperor Nefarious' villainous minions, leaving them vulnerable to conventional attacks.
Topiary Sprinkler - The Topiary Sprinkler functions in a similarly hilarious manner, instead transforming enemies around it into shrubbery ripe for pruning without any player input needed.
Glove of Doom - An old fan favorite, the tiny army of robots this grenade throwing glove summons remains the most reliable form of crowd control in Rift Apart. Unlike other returning guns ranked bellow it, there isn't really an alternative available that fills this role.
Mr. Fungi - Acting as a substitute to the now employed Zurkon family, Mr. Fungi provides excellent covering fire for the player. While he and his eventual wife lack comedic timing, they more than make up for this due to the fact that 5 of them can be spawned simultaneously.
Ratchet's OmniWrench/ Rivet's Hammer - No matter which incarnation of Lombax the player finds themselves controlling, there's a reason why their wrench and hammer are the only melee weapons needed in the game. Combo-whacking foes is still as deeply gratifying as it was in the original Ratchet and Clank, 19 years later.
Shatterbomb - Offering a devastating amount of damage and pin point precision thanks to the Adaptive R2 Trigger still isn't enough to elevate Rift Apart's take on the predictable grenade glove higher than the middle of the pack.
C-Tier Weapons
Pixelizer - Making a third consecutive appearance in a Ratchet and Clank game, this alternate shotgun lacks a solid punch despite turning enemies into adorable 8-bit versions of themselves. It is made available during a second Challenge Mode playthrough, or can be instantly unlocked by players who pre-ordered Rift Apart.
Headhunter - Having the godly ability to slow down time would have secured this devastating sniper a rifle a higher ranking if it wasn't for the fact that it's by far the most expensive gun in the game. It only appears towards the finale as well.
Drillhound - Technically a spin on a classic RPG, this missile launcher is unique thanks to the fact it fires rockets underground. Despite featuring a lock on option via the L2 button, the Drillhound is still outclassed by more traditional launchers.
Burst Pistol - Reliable, quick, and packing a decent amount of bulle-hell inspired damage once upgraded, Ratchet's starter gun in Rift Apart is still a no thrills tool that fades into the background as more outrageous firearms are unlocked.
D-Tier Weapons
Bombardier - Firing a barrage of projectiles via a tiny drone, this spin on the grenade-throwing guns of Ratchet and Clank's past is less gratifying to use because of this detachment. Lacking ammo, and only launching in a straight line, the drone is limited.
Void Repulser - Having the option to whip out a protective shield is a nice idea in theory. However, the fast paced nature of Rift Apart's combat, coupled with the movement velocity of Ratchet and Rivet, ensures this weapon is never as fun to use in practice.
Bouncer - Like the Pixelizer, this micro-grenade throwing gun makes a return to the Ratchet and Clank franchise without having changed at all. More of a nostalgic throwback, it too is limited by being tied to Challenge Mode playthroughs.
Ricochet - Designed as a weapon capable of bludgeoning enemies out from cover with chainable projectiles, the Ricochet's unique ability is no substitute to getting up close and personal with an enemy instead.
Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart is available now, exclusively on PS5.