In a surprise mobile push from Sony, Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble has been officially announced for iOS and Android. The new title is a free-to-play multiplayer arena shooter set in the same colourful universe fans have known since the PS2 days just reimagined for quick matches and mobile-friendly chaos.

Sony describes Ranger Rumble as a fast, drop-in/drop-out experience focused on short bursts of combat. Players pick from a roster of Ratchet & Clank characters, each with their own abilities, and battle across compact maps inspired by planets from the series. Think bite-sized competitive rounds that lean into the franchise’s trademark humour and gadget-heavy mayhem.

Built for Mobile, But Still Very Ratchet & Clank

Early footage shows matches packed with familiar weapons the Groovitron, Buzz Blades, Doom Glove, and even a handheld version of the RYNO. The arenas themselves look more playful than tactical, with environmental traps, bounce pads, and plenty of destructible props. It’s closer to a party shooter than a traditional competitive arena.

Sony says the game will feature:

• Quick 4v4 multiplayer matches
• A growing lineup of heroes and gadgets
• Customizable loadouts
• Seasonal events and rotating maps
• Cross-progression tied to PlayStation accounts

There’s no mention yet of cross-play with console or PC for now, Ranger Rumble seems built purely for mobile.

A New Direction for the Franchise

This is the first major Ratchet & Clank game to launch on mobile platforms, and it marks yet another step in Sony’s broader mobile strategy. Recent job listings and earlier mobile experiments hinted at a bigger push, but few expected a flagship PlayStation franchise to make the jump this soon.

Whether longtime fans embrace the new format remains to be seen, but the reveal has already sparked plenty of curiosity. At the very least, Ranger Rumble looks like a chance to spend more time with Ratchet, Clank, and the wider Lombax crew even if it’s on a smaller screen.

Sony hasn’t announced a release date yet, but pre-registration is expected to go live soon on both app stores.