Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart marks a triumphant return for the beloved duo—this time with extra dimensional flair and new allies. The game bursts with imaginative worlds, wacky weaponry, and chaotic fun. But beneath the cartoon sheen lies a surprising amount of depth. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to maximize your experience, these tips will keep you ahead of the curve.

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1. Explore Everything—Even the Unexpected

At a glance, Rift Apart may seem like a linear ride, but don’t be fooled. Many of its planets feature open-ended sandbox areas that encourage thorough exploration. Stray from the beaten path and you’ll find plenty to keep you busy—be it hidden collectibles, raritanium stashes, or clever optional activities.

Don’t rush the story. Use these open areas to soak in the world and uncover secrets. The game rewards the curious.

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2. Collectibles Are Key (and Fun!)

There are several types of collectibles spread throughout the game:

• Gold Bolts: Over two dozen in total, often hidden with clever platforming.
• Armor Pieces: Found in chests or pocket dimensions; every piece contributes passive buffs.
• Spybots: Hidden recording devices that provide lore—and unlock a unique weapon when fully collected.
• Raritanium: A valuable upgrade material.

Always be on the lookout. Spybots, in particular, are worth hunting down early, as the weapon you unlock for collecting all of them is a powerhouse.

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3. Don’t Skip Pocket Dimensions

These dimensional rifts dot the game’s landscapes and usually lead to short, self-contained platforming challenges. Most reward you with an armor piece upon completion.

Though they’re sometimes tucked away, it’s worth seeking out every single one. They’re quick to complete, fun to play, and make your Lombax look even cooler.

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4. Armor Bonuses Are Always Active

In Rift Apart, armor is cosmetic in function. While each piece comes with a gameplay buff—like reduced damage from a specific enemy type or increased resource gains—you don’t have to wear it to benefit.

Once a piece is collected, its bonus is applied permanently. So feel free to mix and match based purely on what looks best.

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5. Use the Gladiator Arena Frequently

After reaching Scarstu Debris Field, you’ll unlock the Gladiator Arena. Don’t treat it like a one-off diversion. As you progress through the story, new cups will unlock—and each one offers fantastic rewards.

These include bolts, gold bolts, spybots, and raritanium. Plus, the arena is a great way to level up your weapons in concentrated, chaotic battles.

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6. Weapons Level Through Use—So Rotate Often

Each weapon in your arsenal gains XP the more it’s used. Once it hits level 5, it transforms into a more powerful version with an additional perk.

To upgrade your loadout efficiently, rotate your weapon usage frequently. Not only will this keep you from relying too heavily on a single tool, but it’ll also allow you to unlock raritanium-powered upgrades for more weapons faster.

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7. Shared Progression Between Ratchet and Rivet

Although you’ll switch between Ratchet and Rivet throughout the story, you don’t need to worry about doubling up your upgrades. Everything is shared: weapons, ammo, bolts, raritanium, and even collectibles.

Level a gun as Ratchet, and it’ll be just as powerful when Rivet equips it. So, treat them as one unified character when it comes to gameplay progress.

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8. The Topiary Sprinkler Is a Tactical Gem

This weapon may look silly—it turns enemies into hedges—but don’t underestimate it. Immobilizing enemies allows you to control crowds more easily and line up high-damage follow-ups. Even better, enemies affected take increased damage.

Upgrade the sprinkler to enhance its area of effect and increase the debuff duration. When paired with explosive weapons like the Shatterbomb or Warmonger, it’s a recipe for devastation.

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9. Mr. Fungi Is Your Support MVP

Another standout support weapon, Mr. Fungi creates mushroom-like companions that provide automatic fire and draw enemy attention.

They’re especially helpful in hectic fights or boss battles. With upgrades, they can become surprisingly effective on their own. Get in the habit of summoning one or two before every fight—it’s free damage and free distraction.

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10. Don’t Miss Hidden Side Quests

Side quests don’t always show up immediately after landing on a planet. In many cases, they become available only after you’ve completed the main story quest in the area.

Before leaving a planet, check your map or quest log. Or, when entering your ship, review the list of visited planets—any new tasks will be listed there. You might discover a juicy reward or story moment waiting just out of view.

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11. Keep an Eye Out for Map Markers

Your map is smarter than it looks. As you explore, the game will mark nearby collectibles you come close to—even if you don’t interact with them directly. Periodically opening your map is a great way to see what you’ve missed.

Use this to backtrack intelligently and clean up any remaining armor, bolts, or spybots.

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12. Always Check Before Taking Off

Before blasting off to the next planet, do a sweep of the current area. Once the main story quest is done, a side quest may unlock, or you may now have the tools needed to reach previously inaccessible places.

You don’t want to miss a collectible just because you left too early.

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Rift Apart doesn’t just reward skill—it rewards curiosity and preparation. With these tips, you’ll be able to unlock more weapons, collect every hidden item, and make every fight a cinematic masterpiece.

So grab your wrench, charge up Mr. Fungi, and start exploring those dimensions like a true galactic hero.