Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is out now on Epic Game Store, and it comes packing some serious heat. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the series or you’re familiar with the Lombax and his trusty robot pal, because you’re in for an explosively good time.

While Rift Apart features two breakout stars in Rivet and Kit, another crucial character is the game’s arsenal of weapons. Longtime fans have come to expect zany guns from the series, and the folks at Insomniac Games did not disappoint. Whether you’re blasting aliens up close, sniping them from afar, or calling in minions to do your dirty work, the methods of mayhem abound.

With 20 weapons to collect across the cosmos, finding an optimal loadout can be intimidating. Thankfully, this Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart weapons guide is here to share our biggest tips and tricks. Here’s how to master your armaments and restore peace to the galaxy.
 

Burst Pistol

Though it's your starting weapon, the Burst Pistol is surprisingly versatile. A tap of the fire button shoots a single bullet, while a long press fires a steady barrage. Thanks to its large clip, you can mow down enemy hordes while saving your more powerful weapons for stronger foes. When upgraded to level five, it turns into the Blast Pistol, letting you fire three shots at once.

Shatterbomb

The Shatterbomb is a glove that lobs devastating bombs, making it an excellent crowd-control option. Its primary drawbacks are its ammo (it only holds six bombs to start) and rate of fire, but you can upgrade both throughout your adventure. At max power, it becomes the Shatterblast, which gives a targeted enemy a small chance of exploding on impact.

The Enforcer

A hulking shotgun, the Enforcer fires single- and double-barreled shots at close range. Use it to deal heavy damage to a particularly hearty enemy or boss. Like the Shatterbomb, however, you’ll first want to upgrade its ammo and fire rate. Fully upgraded, it becomes the aptly-named Executor, which lets you fire a four-barrel shot for double (or quadruple) the carnage.
Mr. Fungi

Mr. Fungi is a finger-pistol-toting mushroom who assists you in battle. Added firepower aside, he’s a great way to draw enemy aggression away from Ratchet or Rivet. Call him in, then switch to a weapon like the Shatterbomb to capitalize on unsuspecting foes. At level five, you gain access to Ms. Fungal, allowing you to deploy a second fungi friend.
Negatron Collider

Arguably the most satisfying weapon in Rift Apart, the Negatron Collider lets Ratchet or Rivet charge up and fire a massive laser beam. Despite its slow wind-up, the Collider holds its own with its impressive damage output, especially against bigger targets. Its final form is the Large Negatron Collider, which pierces through enemies.

Topiary Sprinkler

Compared to Rift Apart’s more chaotic weapons, the Topiary Sprinkler feels refreshingly serene. It mounts to the ground and turns any enemy it hits into a delicate piece of garden shrubbery. Use it to freeze enemies in place and make them easy targets. Or simply admire them—it’s your adventure. The upgraded Toxiary Sprinkler deals residual damage to your beautiful new hedges.

Ricochet

The Ricochet bounces bullets from one enemy to another—ipinball style. You need to time your button taps to get the most out of it, but doing so extends your streak, allowing you to deal more damage with the same bullet. It’s a great option for whittling down enemy crowds, and it gets even better when you upgrade it to the Wreckochet. Each successful Wreckochet hit ramps up the damage, making it a menace against big baddies.
Lightning Rod

Like the Burst Pistol, the Lightning Rod pelts enemies with an onslaught of bullets. Unlike the Pistol, however, the Rod deals shock damage that can spread to nearby combatants. With its unique stun potential, the Lightning Rod is a nice upgrade from your starting weapon. Better yet, keep both equipped to make use of their large ammunition reserves. The upgraded Lightning Strike lets you charge up shots for an area-of-effect blast.

Drillhound

Too busy dodging gunfire to line up your shots? Try the Drillhound. This weapon locks onto an enemy within your reticule, then shoots a hound that burrows underground and closes in on the target. The gun’s homing ability—coupled with its sizable range—makes hairier firefights a breeze. Upgrade it to the Drillpack to add extra homing hounds.
Void Repulser

The Void Repulser is one of the more novel weapons in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Hold down the fire button to produce a shield that absorbs enemy fire. Release the shield, and you’ll deal a shotgun-like blast to enemies in your periphery. Use the Repulser as a defensive option when staring down larger hoards. Its upgrade, the Void Reactor, catches projectiles and returns them back to sender. Talk about a special delivery. (No, I won't apologize for the puns.)

Cold Snap

If you need time to stop and think, the Cold Snap has you covered. Its bombs freeze enemies in blocks of ice. While the gun doesn’t deal damage on its own, pair it with a few swings of your trusty Omniwrench to best most baddies. You can upgrade it to the Cold Front for an added chill effect that freezes enemies within a set radius. 
Glove of Doom

A Ratchet & Clank series staple, the Glove of Doom summons a trio of robots that munch on enemies and explode after a few seconds. Like Mr. and Ms. Fungi, the Glove of Doom serves as an excellent way to even the playing field. Better yet, you can deploy up to six robots at once. The upgraded Apocalypse Glove deals extra damage, adding spice to an already zesty weapon.

Buzz Blades

Another fan favorite, the Buzz Blades redefine the meaning of the phrase “death by a thousand cuts.” Hold down the fire button to hurl a series of sawblades at your adversaries. Like the Ricochet, any blades you send will bounce around for added damage. No need to worry about timing, though: just aim, fire, and enjoy the show. Its evolution, the Doom Blades, fires additional projectiles that multiply for added spectacle.

Bombardier

The Bombardier is a drone-like support weapon that rains fire from the sky. When you deploy it, it launches a salvo of rockets at enemies on the ground. Its mobility is limited, so don’t expect it to pick off flying enemies. Place it above groups of aliens, though, and it’ll make quick work of them. The upgraded Bomb Voyage explodes, leaving a chain of destruction in its wake.
Warmonger

Now we’re getting to the good stuff. A gargantuan rocket launcher, the Warmonger earns an immediate slot in your loadout. Its slow fire rate and limited ammo reserves are but a small price to pay for the power it packs. Save your rockets for the toughest fights, aim well, and you’ll level the battlefield. Fully upgraded, it becomes the Peacemaker, which fires successive mini-rockets.

Blackhole Storm

The Blackhole Storm is a Gatling gun that offers both power and precision. Warm up its chamber to fire a concentrated barrage of bullets. However, you should be careful: The weapon can easily overheat if you spray and pray. Manage your fire properly, though, and it can be a handy weapon against late-game bosses. The upgraded Blackhole Vortex causes enemies to explode upon death.
Headhunter

The Headhunter is a sniper rifle that offers exceptional range. Zoom in on enemies using an in-game scope, then tap the fire button to dismantle them from afar. A handy slowdown function helps you line up headshots for bonus damage. You can also pair the Headhunter with the Bombardier for some welcome cover fire. Its evolution, the Migraine, lets you load and fire three bullets at a time.
RYNO 8

The RYNO is the toughest weapon to obtain in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Like the other RYNOs before it, it offers unparalleled potency—provided you have the Spybots to buy it. The RYNO 8 summons portals that drop objects on anyone unlucky enough to stumble under one.  As if one wasn’t dangerous enough, you can upgrade it to the RYNO ∞ to summon additional portals.

Bouncer

Embark on Rift Apart’s Challenge Mode (aka New Game+), and you’ll unlock the Bouncer. Like the Shatterbomb, the Bouncer fires explosive bombs at enemies. As the name suggests, however, these bombs bounce before detonating. If you want a change of pace during a fresh playthrough, the Bouncer—or the more potent Heavy Bouncer—will scratch the itch.
Pixelizer

The Pixelizer rounds out Ratchet and Rivet’s toolkit. Also obtained in Challenge Mode, the Pixelizer turns any enemy it hits into a pile of retro-inspired bits. Like the Topiary Sprinkler, this weapon adds some artistry to your arsenal. Upgrade it to the Pixelizer HD to charge up your shots and create a canvas of old-school goodness.
 

Battle tips and recommended loadouts

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart encourages creativity, and players can concoct a successful battle plan with even the scrappiest arsenal. Still, it helps to come prepared. Here are a few tips and optimal loadouts to elevate you from spacefarer to galactic savior.
Use your hotkeys

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart doesn’t have “loadouts” in the traditional sense, as you can access any guns you’ve obtained through your weapon wheel. However, the game lets you hotkey four weapons at once—so make use of them. They’ll reduce downtime and let you pull off some devastating combos, all while making combat smoother.
Be smart with your upgrades 

Each weapon has its own skill tree that lets you improve fire rate, max ammo, area of effect, and more in exchange for Raritanium. As you might expect, Raritanium is, well, rare. Prioritize orange-tinted upgrades that require filling their surrounding nodes. These offer powerful boons, like bigger explosions or faster weapon speed.
Test your mettle at Zurkie’s

If you’re lacking funds for said upgrades, don’t fret. When you’re not wrapped up in Ratchet and Rivet’s escapades, it pays to take a breather. Zurkie’s—located in the Scarstu Debris Field—has a Battleplex where Rivet can compete for bolts, armor pieces, and more. You can even replay completed stages for extra dough.
Don’t sleep on support weapons 

It’s easy to gravitate toward high-power guns like the Warmonger or Enforcer. However, those weapons have slow fire rates, which can leave you vulnerable to enemy attacks. Balance your arsenal with support weapons like Mr. Fungi, which offers cover fire, and Cold Snap, which freezes enemies in place to make them easy targets.
 

Loadouts

Here are a few hotkey loadouts you might want to consider. 

Close Quarters
Weapons: Lightning Rod, The Enforcer, Glove of Doom, Topiary Sprinkler

Map these weapons to your hotkeys, and get up close and personal with your enemies. Use the Glove of Doom to deploy some friendly robots, then set up your Topiary Sprinkler as a helpful distraction. Close the distance with the Lightning Rod’s stun capabilities, then finish enemies off with a few blasts from the Enforcer. 
The Sharpshooter
Weapons: Burst Pistol, Headhunter, Mr. Fungi, Cold Snap

If you pride yourself on your shooting ability, try this loadout. Deploy Mr. Fungi for some cover fire, then throw a few Cold Snap bombs to freeze enemies in place. Use the Headhunter from afar to snipe exposed enemies, and break out the Burst Pistol for any enemies that get too close.

The Mastermind
Weapons: Bombardier, Glove of Doom, Mr. Fungi, Void Repulser

Prefer a more hands-off approach? Use the Bombardier, Glove of Doom, and Mr. Fungi in tandem to assemble an army of minions. Activate your Void Repulser as a shield, then run up to enemies to let your allies do the heavy lifting. Throw in a maniacal laugh and you’re truly living the role.

Lock and Load
Weapons: Blackhole Storm, Negatron Collider, Warmonger, Drillhound

When you need a little extra firepower, call in the big guns. The Blackhole Storm is your go-to thanks to its large ammo clip. Meanwhile, the Negatron Collider, Warmonger, and Drillhound all deal impressive damage from afar. Use this loadout against the toughest bosses in the game and enjoy the fireworks.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is available on Epic Games Store.