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Ending Explained

Ratchet & Clank (2016) Ending Explained – Final Scene & Meaning

Release, runtime and language
2016 · 94 min · English
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Directed by
Jericca Cleland, Kevin Munroe
Starring
Sylvester Stallone, John Goodman, David Kaye, James Arnold Taylor, Jim Ward

When a nefarious alien named Chairman Drek threatens the Solana Galaxy with a planet-destroying weapon, it’s up to a resourceful mechanic named Ratchet and his diminutive robot companion, Clank, to stop him. This unlikely duo teams up with the Galactic Rangers, facing danger and adventure as they race against time to save the galaxy from total destruction. Ratchet’s bravery and Clank’s intelligence prove essential to overcoming the challenges ahead.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What happens at the end
  3. 3 Final events in order
  4. 4 Ending questions answered
  5. 5 Movie threads
  6. 6 Movies like Ratchet & Clank
  7. 7 Every angle
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Ending explained · contains spoilers

What Happens at the End of Ratchet & Clank?

How Ratchet & Clank (2016) ends, what the final scene means, which earlier moments set it up and how to read the ending if the film leaves it open. The full ending explained, with every spoiler.

At the end of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, after a final battle in Megalopolis where Ratchet, Clank, Rivet, and Kit work together to stop Emperor Nefarious from destroying the dimensions, the chaos caused by the destroyed Dimensionator is mostly resolved. Once the conflict is over, Rivet and Kit decide it’s time to return to their home dimension, but not before sharing a moment of camaraderie with Ratchet and Clank. The game’s ending shows them making preparations to leave, with hints that their adventure isn’t necessarily over—especially since the multiverse has been saved and the Dimensionator is back under Ratchet’s control. The closing scene, which plays during the credits, depicts the characters getting ready for their journeys, including Rivet getting a replacement arm made to match her previous one, symbolizing the bond they've formed.

This ending leaves the door open for future stories, implying that Rivet and Kit could return in upcoming titles or spin-offs. Their inclusion hints at more multidimensional adventures, and given the strong performances of the voice actors, fans can look forward to seeing more of these characters. While Rift Apart is mainly an action-packed, visually stunning game that highlights the PlayStation 5’s capabilities, its cheerful, hopeful conclusion assures players that these new friends are here to stay. The story ends on a positive note, emphasizing friendship, heroism, and the exciting possibility of more adventures across different worlds.

Last updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:59

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The last 4 events

How Ratchet & Clank Ends: The Final Events in Order

The last events of Ratchet & Clank (2016) in chronological order, the run-up to the ending explained above. The complete timeline has all 15 events, scene by scene.

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  1. Climactic Battle

    A decisive confrontation occurs between the Galactic Rangers and Nefarious, with Ratchet stepping up to aid in the struggle against the Deplanetizer. The teamwork among the Rangers culminates in a fiery crash that destroys the Deplanetizer, signaling a pivotal victory.

  2. Return as Heroes

    The victorious Galactic Rangers return to their home planets as celebrated heroes. Meanwhile, Quark embarks on an apology tour to redeem himself after his earlier betrayal, illustrating his growth.

  3. Friendship Between Ratchet and Clank

    As Ratchet and Clank solidify their bond of friendship, they officially become Galactic Rangers together. Their alliance marks not just a partnership in battle, but a lasting friendship that will endure future challenges.

  4. Nefarious's Tease

    In a final humorous scene before the credits, repair bots uncover remnants of Nefarious at the crash site, hinting at his potential return. This twist leaves the audience anticipating the next adventure for Ratchet and Clank.

Ending questions answered

Ratchet & Clank Ending: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask most about the ending of Ratchet & Clank (2016): what the final scene means, how the twist works, what happens to each character and how to read the ending. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Why do Rivet and Kit decide to leave at the end?

Rivet and Kit decide to return to their home dimension after the multiverse crisis is resolved. Though they've formed a strong bond with Ratchet and Clank, their own dimension still needs them. The ending suggests they'll always be friends, but their paths temporarily diverge so they can return to their own world and responsibilities.

Foreshadowing: Earlier in the game, Rivet mentions missing her home dimension and the people there, showing her sense of duty.

  • rivet
  • kit
  • leave
  • depart
  • dimension
  • multiverse
Q2

Is the Dimensionator back under Ratchet's control?

Yes, the Dimensionator is back under Ratchet's control by the end of the story. After the final battle in Megalopolis where the heroes stop Emperor Nefarious from destroying the dimensions, Ratchet regains possession of the device. This restores order to the multiverse and ensures that dimensional travel is once again safely manageable.

Foreshadowing: The Dimensionator was originally Ratchet's responsibility throughout the game, and his role as a Guardian was established early on.

  • dimensionator
  • ratchet
  • control
  • multiverse
  • guardian
Q3

What happens to Emperor Nefarious in the end?

Emperor Nefarious is defeated in the final battle. His plan to destroy all dimensions is stopped by Ratchet, Clank, Rivet, and Kit working together in Megalopolis. While the game doesn't show explicit confirmation of his death, his defeat marks the end of his reign of terror across the dimensions.

Foreshadowing: Nefarious's defeat has been building throughout the game as the heroes repeatedly thwart his schemes.

  • emperor nefarious
  • defeat
  • villain
  • death
Q4

What does Rivet's replacement arm signify in the ending?

Rivet's replacement arm, made to match her previous one, symbolizes the lasting bond she formed with Ratchet and Clank during their adventure. It shows that even as she returns to her own dimension, she carries the memory of her new friends with her. The arm represents the connection between the two dimensions and the friendship that transcends multiverse boundaries.

  • rivet
  • arm
  • replacement
  • bond
  • friendship
  • symbolism
Q5

Does the ending set up future stories with Rivet and Kit?

Yes, the ending explicitly leaves the door open for future adventures with Rivet and Kit. The closing scene hints that their story isn't over, with the multiverse saved and the Dimensionator under Ratchet's control making interdimensional visits possible. The positive, hopeful conclusion assures players these new characters will appear in upcoming titles or spin-offs.

Foreshadowing: The game's post-credits scene shows characters preparing for future journeys, indicating more stories to come.

  • rivet
  • kit
  • future
  • games
  • sequel
  • spinoff
Q6

How is the multiverse chaos resolved at the end?

The multiverse crisis is resolved when Ratchet, Clank, Rivet, and Kit defeat Emperor Nefarious in Megalopolis. His plan to destroy all dimensions with the Dimensionator is foiled, and the device is restored to working order. This stops the dimensional instability and restores peace across the Solana Galaxy and beyond.

Foreshadowing: The heroes' combined strengths were hinted at being necessary to stop Nefarious's plan throughout the final act.

  • multiverse
  • crisis
  • resolution
  • dimensionator
  • nefarious
Q7

What happens to Ratchet and Clank after the ending?

Ratchet and Clank remain in their home dimension, now with the Dimensionator safely in their possession. The ending shows them continuing their duties as Guardians, but their adventure concludes on a high note with their friendship with Rivet and Kit solidified. The credits scene depicts them preparing for future adventures, suggesting their hero journey continues.

Foreshadowing: Ratchet's role as a Guardian was established early, and his responsibility to protect the multiverse was a central theme.

  • ratchet
  • clank
  • future
  • adventure
  • guardian
Q8

Is the ending of Rift Apart happy or bittersweet?

The ending is unambiguously happy. The heroes victory is complete, the villain is defeated, and all main characters survive. While Rivet and Kit do return to their own dimension, the ending is hopeful rather than sad because it clearly leaves room for them to reunite. The tone emphasizes friendship, heroism, and the exciting possibility of more adventures across different worlds.

  • ending
  • happy
  • bittersweet
  • tone
  • conclusion

Movie threads

More Movies Like Ratchet & Clank, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Ratchet & Clank tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Sci-Fi Duos Saving the Galaxy like Ratchet & Clank

An unlikely pair with contrasting skills must team up to stop an intergalactic threat. Find more movies like Ratchet & Clank featuring an underdog pair on a galactic quest. If you enjoyed the heroic, comedic teamwork of Ratchet and Clank, discover similar animated adventures and sci-fi comedies about unlikely heroes saving the day.

  • adventurous
  • comedic
  • heroic
  • lighthearted
  • action-packed
  • uplifting
  • Tone: light, comedic, heroic
  • Pacing: fast, action-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a classic hero's journey for two characters who start as strangers or misfits. Through a series of action-packed challenges, they learn to trust each other's unique strengths, forging a powerful bond while battling a clear, external villain to achieve a decisive, happy victory.

Why they belong together: These movies share a core focus on the dynamic between two contrasting protagonists, a fast-paced and humorous tone, and a high-stakes but ultimately lighthearted space adventure. The combination of slapstick comedy, heroic action, and a feel-good friendship arc creates a uniquely fun and uplifting experience.

Lighthearted Animated Action Movies like Ratchet & Clank

Colorful, fast-paced stories where high-stakes action is balanced with constant humor. Looking for more fun animated action movies similar to Ratchet & Clank? Discover films with a fast pace, comedic tone, and heroic stories where the danger is real but the mood stays optimistic and light. Perfect for fans of energetic, family-friendly adventures.

  • action-packed
  • fun
  • lighthearted
  • comedic
  • hopeful
  • colorful
  • Tone: light, fun, optimistic
  • Pacing: fast, energetic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives present a straightforward conflict between good and evil, propelled by a rapid sequence of action set pieces. The plot is linear and easy to follow, with comedic relief woven directly into the action sequences themselves, ensuring the story remains exciting but never stressful or dark.

Why they belong together: This thread groups films based on a specific tonal blend: they are genuinely action-packed but maintain a consistently light, humorous, and optimistic feel. The similarity lies in the skillful balance of spectacle and comedy, creating an experience that is energetic and engaging without being intense or emotionally taxing.

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Every angle

Ratchet & Clank (2016) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Ratchet & Clank in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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