The journey of a speedrun is often as fascinating as the game itself. Some titles hit the ground running, while others, much like a developing prodigy, take time to refine their strategies and truly shine. Ratchet & Clank 2: Going Commando (known as Ratchet & Clank 2 in some regions) is a prime example of this evolution in the speedrunning community. Its path from initial runs to mind-bending world records is a testament to player dedication and discovery. This isn't just about beating the game fast; it's about understanding its deepest mechanics, exploiting its code, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Join us as we dive deep into the history of Ratchet & Clank 2 speedrunning, exploring the glitches, skips, and sheer skill that have defined its world record progression.
Table of Contents
The Early Days: Initial Discoveries
When Ratchet & Clank 2 first hit the scene, the speedrunning community was a different beast. Resources were scarcer, and the understanding of game engines was less advanced. Early runs were often focused on simply completing the game as quickly as possible with the knowledge available at the time. These weren't the hyper-optimized, glitch-heavy runs we see today. Instead, they laid the foundational routes and identified major boss fights and objectives that couldn't be easily bypassed.
The initial focus was on a more straightforward approach, often termed "Glitchless" or "Standard" categories in many speedrunning communities. Players meticulously planned their movement, weapon acquisitions, and combat encounters to shave off seconds. The Wrench and early-game Blasters were crucial, and understanding enemy patterns was paramount. It was a period of pure discovery, where every shortcut found, every enemy killed slightly faster, felt like a monumental achievement.
Many of these early runs were recorded and shared, providing a valuable historical record and inspiring future runners. The dedication to simply finishing the game fast, without relying on deep technical exploits, is a core part of the speedrun ethos. It's about mastery of the intended game mechanics. This phase built the bedrock upon which more complex strategies would later be constructed.
Route Refinement and Key Strats
As the community grew and more runners dedicated themselves to Ratchet & Clank 2, the routes began to tighten. This is where the true art of speedrunning starts to show. Runners began experimenting with different weapon loadouts, optimizing purchases, and identifying the most efficient paths through levels. The introduction of the Charge Booth skip and the effective use of the Groove Tech became critical.
One of the most significant developments was the optimization of combat encounters. Instead of fighting every enemy, runners learned which enemies were necessary to defeat to progress and which could be bypassed or kited. Specific strats for boss fights, like General Protopet or Nefarious, were developed to minimize damage taken and maximize damage output. This often involved precise positioning and exploiting AI limitations.
The evolution of weapon usage was key. Learning to chain the RYNO's devastating power with faster-paced weapons like the Flux Rifle or the Plasma Coil drastically cut down boss fight times.
Furthermore, the acquisition of specific gadgets and weapons, like the Hoverboots or the Sheepinator, was timed to perfection. Every pick-up was calculated not just for its utility, but for the minimal time cost involved in obtaining it. This iterative process of refinement, where runs were analyzed frame by frame, led to significant time saves and established the core routes still used today in many categories.
Exploiting the Engine: Major Glitches and Skips
Where Ratchet & Clank 2 truly shines in the speedrunning world is in its potential for deep technical play and glitch exploitation. The game's engine, while robust for its time, harbors secrets that savvy runners have uncovered to bypass entire sections of the game. These aren't just minor time saves; they are game-breaking discoveries that redefine what a "speedrun" can be.
One of the most infamous techniques is the Out of Bounds (OOB) glitch. By manipulating Ratchet's position through precise jumps, falls, or environmental interactions, runners can clip through walls and traverse areas of the map that were never intended to be seen, let alone traversed. This often involves specific setups using explosives or enemy positioning.
- Wall Clipping: Using enemy attacks or weapon effects to push Ratchet through specific wall textures.
- Teleportation Glitches: Certain game events or zone transitions can be triggered in unintended ways to move Ratchet instantly across large distances.
- Sequence Breaking: Discovering ways to trigger events or enter areas before the game normally allows, often by exploiting OOB mechanics.
The discovery and implementation of these glitches require immense practice and a deep understanding of the game's physics and collision detection. A single misplaced jump can lead to a run-ending death or loss of control. The community constantly shares findings, leading to faster execution of these complex tricks. The chase for the World Record often hinges on the perfect execution of one or more of these major exploits.
The pursuit of speed in Ratchet & Clank 2 has led to a symbiotic relationship between players and the game's code. Discovering a new glitch is like finding a hidden treasure, and mastering it to shave off precious seconds is the ultimate reward.
Understanding the Categories
Like most popular speedgame titles, Ratchet & Clank 2 has evolved to include various categories to cater to different playstyles and types of runs. This ensures that runners with different preferences can compete and contribute to the game's history.
- Any%: This is typically the most popular category. The goal is to reach the end credits using any means necessary, including all glitches and sequence breaks. This category often features the most aggressive use of OOB and other exploits.
- Glitchless: As the name suggests, this category prohibits the use of any major glitches or sequence breaks that bypass intended game progression. It focuses on pure platforming, combat, and strategic routing within the game's normal mechanics. This often results in slower times but showcases a different kind of mastery.
- 100%: This category requires the player to collect all Bolts, Gold Bolts, Weapons, Gadgets, and complete all optional objectives before reaching the end credits. It's a much longer category that demands near-perfect execution across the entire game.
- RPGLess: A specific category that focuses on avoiding many of the RPG elements, like extensive weapon upgrades, to achieve the fastest possible time, often using specific combat strats.
Each category has its own dedicated leaderboards on sites like Speedrun.com, fostering diverse communities within the larger Ratchet & Clank 2 speedrunning fanbase. Runners often specialize in one or two categories, dedicating thousands of hours to mastering the specific tricks and routes required.
Pioneers and Record Holders
The history of Ratchet & Clank 2 speedrunning is marked by the contributions of many dedicated runners. While it's impossible to list everyone, certain individuals and teams have left an indelible mark on the progression of world records.
Early pioneers like CCNeverender and CJitsallGewd were instrumental not only in setting early records but also in documenting strategies and pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible. Their collaborative efforts, along with others like Jmans600 and SquidBird (who contributed significantly to community resources and documentation), laid crucial groundwork.
Over the years, the baton has been passed, with new talents emerging to challenge existing records. The pursuit of the Personal Best and the coveted World Record is a constant driving force. Runners like Z tons, Riku, and many others have held the top spot in various categories, each pushing the time down by fractions of a second through sheer dedication and innovation.
The community spirit is strong. Runners often share their discoveries openly on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone benefits from individual breakthroughs.
The constant competition keeps the Ratchet & Clank 2 speedrunning scene vibrant and exciting. Every new record is a milestone, representing countless hours of practice, analysis, and a deep love for the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current world record for Ratchet & Clank 2?
A: World records are constantly being broken! As of my last update, the Any% record is incredibly fast, often under an hour and twenty minutes, thanks to major glitches. It's always best to check the official Speedrun.com leaderboards for the most up-to-date times and specific category records.
Q: Is Ratchet & Clank 2 a difficult game to speedrun?
A: Yes, it can be quite difficult, especially for categories that utilize major glitches. These require extremely precise inputs and a deep understanding of the game's engine. Glitchless categories require high levels of execution and optimization.
Q: Where can I find guides or tutorials for Ratchet & Clank 2 speedruns?
A: The best places to look are Speedrun.com (which often links to community resources and Discord servers), YouTube channels of top runners, and dedicated community Discords. Many top runners share their strats and provide tutorials.
Q: Which category of Ratchet & Clank 2 is the most popular?
A: The Any% category is generally the most popular due to the exciting use of glitches and the fastest overall times. However, Glitchless and 100% also have dedicated followings.
The world of Ratchet & Clank 2 speedrunning is a vibrant ecosystem of discovery, competition, and community. From the initial explorations of the game's potential to the mind-bending glitches that redefine completion, its history is a compelling narrative of player ingenuity. Whether you're drawn to the precision of glitchless runs or the chaotic brilliance of Any%, there's a place for you in this ongoing evolution. If you've got your own tips, strategies, or insights into the Ratchet & Clank 2 speedrunning scene, drop them in the comments below! Join our Discord server to connect with fellow speedrunners and share your passion.