The Plasma Striker is a weapon featured in A Crack in Time, Into the Nexus, and Ratchet & Clank (2016 game). Manufactured by GrummelNet Industries, it operates as a sniper rifle with crossbow aesthetics, offering excellent range and damage while enabling the targeting of enemies' weak spots through its experimental bioscope.
With use, the Plasma Striker can be upgraded to the Plasma Slayer, which gains the ability to pierce through enemies and hit those behind the initial target. In challenge mode, the Omega Plasma Slayer becomes available.
Characteristics[]
The Plasma Striker is a yellow, metallic, high-velocity combat crossbow that fires plasma-charged bolts with pinpoint accuracy.[1] It features GrummelNet's patented bioscope,[2] a laser sight, and a left-hand grip, blending the design of a traditional crossbow with that of a sniper rifle.
The upgraded Plasma Slayer features two blue crossbows forming an X-shape, merged into a single rifle with a large scope. In Into the Nexus, the Plasma Slayer retains the same design but features the colors of the original Plasma Striker.
Gameplay[]
Overview[]
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Weapon interface from the 2016 re-imagined Ratchet & Clank.
The Plasma Striker has a low rate of fire and limited ammunition, but its shots are exceptionally powerful with a very long range. Its damage output is significantly enhanced by targeting enemies' weak points, which are visible when aiming down the weapon's scope. This makes the Plasma Striker ideal for eliminating larger targets from a distance before Ratchet engages in close combat, as aiming down the scope is challenging in close-quarters scenarios.
Alternatively, players can use crowd control weapons to disable enemies, making it easier to aim down the scope and target weak points. The Striker is also effective against large bosses, where the risk of missing a shot is minimal.
When upgraded to the Plasma Slayer, the weapon gains the ability to pierce through the first enemy and hit those behind it, increasing its effectiveness against grouped enemies when fired from afar. Despite these upgrades, the weapon remains situational and is best used for long-range engagements.
A Crack in Time[]
A view through the Plasma Striker's experimental bioscope. Weak spots on the agorian beast are marked by red circles.
The Plasma Striker is available for purchase upon reaching Krell Canyon for 33,000 bolts. It upgrades to the Plasma Slayer with use (at V5). In challenge mode, the Omega Plasma Slayer can be purchased for 233,000 bolts.
The Plasma Striker pairs effectively with the CryoMine Glove or Mag-Net Launcher to immobilize enemies, making it easier to hit their weak points. The Groovitron Glove can also be used for this purpose, though weak points are more difficult to target while enemies are dancing.
Into the Nexus[]
The Plasma Striker returns in Into the Nexus as a sniper weapon and can again be upgraded to the Plasma Slayer with use (at V3). It can also be enhanced with raritanium upgrades.
Ratchet & Clank (2016 game)[]
The Plasma Striker is available for purchase upon reaching Gaspar for 21,000 bolts from a Gadgetron vendor. It upgrades to the Plasma Slayer at V5 and can also be enhanced with raritanium. In challenge mode, it upgrades to the Omega Plasma Slayer, which becomes available for purchase after completing the Plasma Striker holocard set.
Behind the scenes[]
The Plasma Striker appears as a weapon for Ratchet in PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale.