Ratchet & Clank is a single-player third-person shooter with platforming elements, and a reimagining of the series' first game. Players mainly control Ratchet, traveling from planet to planet to battle enemies with a wide range of inventive weapons and gadgets while crossing gaps with a grappling hook, riding grind rails, and solving occasional puzzles. Segments controlling the robot Clank focus on environmental puzzle solving, and the game also includes hoverboard races and spaceship combat. Weapons and gadgets are unlocked through progress or bought using bolts collected during play.