Win the hoverboard race is a mission in Ratchet & Clank. Following the rescue of Skid's Agent on planet Aridia during the mission "Find Skid's agent", the agent requested that Ratchet take the place of his missing star client, Skidd McMarx. Ratchet is tasked with winning the hoverboard race championship in Blackwater City to obtain the grand prize. In exchange, the agent promised to represent Ratchet as his next star.
Walkthrough[]
Upon arriving, the Mine Glove becomes available at the local Gadgetron vendor for 7,500 bolts. While situational, it is an effective tactical tool, especially when paired with the Taunter.
To begin, take the path to the right. Inside the first building, you will encounter a skirmish between extermibots and amoeboids, overseen by an extermitank. While these factions will fight each other, both remain hostile to Ratchet and will often prioritize him. Extermibots are standard foes manageable with any weapon, whereas the extermitank possesses heavy armor but limited range.
Advance to the subsequent structure using the Heli-Pack and two stretch jumps. Avoid the water, as native sharkigators provide an instant hazard. The next building is initially sealed; activating a nearby floor button unlocks the gate, releasing a squad of extermibots—a perfect opportunity to utilize the Mine Glove. Exit through the rear and trigger another button to extend a bridge leading to more extermibots. Use the elevator to reach a larger open plaza containing a lone amoeboid and two groups of extermibots confined in side rooms. Releasing them will likely result in the bots neutralizing the amoeboid before turning their attention on Ratchet.
After clearing the plaza, take the taxi to the downtown district. You will emerge into another battle between extermibots and amoeboids. Steam-powered sewer caps in this area can be used to reach high ledges containing extra crates. In this district, you will also find the Shady Salesman, who offers the R.Y.N.O. for 150,000 bolts. Continue forward by destroying the extermitank guarding a button; this button opens a gate to more extermibots. Once they are defeated, use the elevator in the newly opened room to descend into an underground tunnel.
The tunnel leads to a large cavern with a circular pit surrounded by three locked rooms filled with extermibots. A central button releases the bots into the pit, which is already occupied by three amoeboids. You can engage them directly or trigger the button and retreat to let the factions deplete each other's numbers. One of the side rooms contains an exit elevator leading to the final leg of the journey.
This next section features a grid-like layout where laser walls segment the path. Use the floor buttons to navigate through the rooms while dealing with the trapped extermibots and amoeboids. After passing the lasers, use another sewer cap to reach a rooftop occupied by an extermitank. Destroying it allows you to enter the final structure. A fourth and final tank guards the interior. Pass through this building and take the last elevator to reach the staging area, where you will meet the Hoverboard Girl and officially enter the Hovercon Intergalactic Hoverboard Competition.
Hoverboard race[]
Winning the championship race completes the mission and awards the Platinum Zoomerator. To control the hoverboard, use 
to steer and 
to jump. Unlike later iterations, acceleration is automatic, so success relies on navigating the track efficiently. Passing over blue boost pads on the ground or through blue rings in the air provides a temporary burst of speed. To maintain a competitive lead, it is essential to cut corners by jumping across gaps and over grassy areas rather than following the wider track bends.
While airborne, tricks can be performed by holding 
, 
, 
, or 
in combination with . Successfully landing these tricks after the first race (once the Zoomerator is obtained) fills a boost gauge, which can be activated with 
for a speed burst. The track is also populated with crates; while standard crates provide bolts, red explosive crates must be avoided as they will knock Ratchet off his board, causing a significant delay. Strategically hitting boost pads and avoiding obstacles is key to overtaking the lead racers by the final lap.
After winning the race it is possible to return to Aridia to complete "Bring prize to agent".