TL;DR
- Gold Bolts unlock cheats, cosmetics, and gameplay modifiers throughout the campaign
- Each planet contains multiple well-hidden collectibles requiring thorough exploration
- Advanced movement abilities like hoverboots and phantom dash are essential for access
- Strategic collection provides significant gameplay advantages and customization options
- Backtracking with new abilities often reveals previously inaccessible Gold Bolts
Gold Bolts represent one of the most rewarding collectible systems in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, continuing the franchise tradition of hidden treasures that significantly enhance your gameplay experience. These shimmering collectibles serve as gateways to substantial gameplay customization and visual upgrades that can transform how you approach combat and exploration.
When collected, Gold Bolts unlock an impressive array of special cheats, cosmetic enhancements, and gameplay modifiers. The cheats range from fun visual filters to practical combat aids, while cosmetics include unique armor sets and weapon skins that let you personalize your characters’ appearance. More importantly, certain unlocks provide tangible gameplay advantages that can make challenging sections more manageable.
Strategic collection of these items early in your playthrough can dramatically improve your overall experience. Unlike many collectibles that offer only completion percentage, Gold Bolts deliver immediate, usable benefits that enhance both the visual appeal and functional mechanics of your adventure. For players looking to maximize their effectiveness, understanding what each unlock provides can inform your collection priority.
Navigating the multiverse requires meticulous exploration across diverse planetary environments, each hiding Gold Bolts in cleverly concealed locations. The following breakdown provides comprehensive guidance for locating every collectible while minimizing spoilers where possible.
Corson V (Nefarious City)
This urban environment contains Gold Bolts hidden in elevated positions and behind destructible elements. Pay close attention to rooftops accessible via grind rails and platforms that require precise jumping sequences. One particularly well-concealed bolt requires using your hoverboots to reach a hidden alleyway behind a main thoroughfare.
Sargasso (Outpost L51)
The jungle planet features Gold Bolts tucked away in cave systems and atop massive creature habitats. Environmental puzzles often guard these collectibles, requiring you to manipulate flora or defeat specific enemy configurations to reveal access paths.
Scarstu Debris Field (Zurkie’s)
Space station and asteroid environments present unique vertical challenges. Look for bolts hidden in zero-gravity sections and on the undersides of floating structures. Ms. Zurkon’s establishment contains one bolt that’s easily missed during initial visits.
Blizar Prime (Blizon Mines)
The dimension-shifting mechanics of this planet create dynamic hiding spots. Gold Bolts may only become accessible in specific timeline versions of areas, requiring you to master the blizon crystal mechanics for full access.
Torren IV (Molonoth Gulch)
Ancient ruins and underwater sections conceal several challenging Gold Bolts. Pay particular attention to submerged areas that become accessible after solving environmental puzzles or progressing the main storyline.
Cordelion (Kedaro Station)
The high-tech research facility hides bolts in ventilation systems, behind security doors, and in laboratory areas. Many require specific gadgets obtained later in the game, making backtracking essential.
Ardolis (Pirate Base)
Tropical islands and pirate strongholds offer both obvious and extremely well-hidden locations. Some bolts require completing side quests for pirate characters or discovering hidden coves accessible only by specific water routes.
Viceron (Zordoom Prison)
The maximum-security prison environment presents the most challenging Gold Bolt locations. Expect complex platforming sequences, timed challenges, and bolts hidden behind multiple layers of environmental puzzles.
Mastering Gold Bolt collection requires more than just thorough exploration—it demands strategic thinking and understanding of game mechanics. These advanced techniques will significantly improve your efficiency and success rate.
Movement and Exploration Tips
Always utilize Ratchet and Rivet’s complete movement arsenal when searching for Gold Bolts. The hoverboots provide extended jump distance and air control, while the phantom dash allows brief invulnerability through dangerous areas. Many seemingly inaccessible locations become reachable with perfect movement execution.
Common Collection Mistakes
Many players prematurely assume they’ve exhausted an area’s secrets. Common errors include neglecting to check vertical spaces, overlooking destructible environmental elements, and failing to return with later-acquired abilities. The game deliberately designs some Gold Bolts to be inaccessible during initial visits, encouraging revisitation with expanded toolkits.
Efficiency Optimization
Systematic exploration beats random searching. Divide each planet into sectors and methodically clear each one, using audio cues (Gold Bolts emit a distinctive shimmering sound) and visual indicators to guide your search. For maximum efficiency, combine Gold Bolt hunting with other collectible searches and side activities. If you’re struggling with combat effectiveness during exploration, our BF6 Weapons Unlock guide offers transferable strategies for managing enemy encounters while collectible hunting.
Understanding character progression systems can also enhance your collection efficiency. The specialized movement and combat techniques discussed in our Class Guide provide foundational skills that apply across different gaming contexts. Similarly, comprehensive game knowledge from resources like our Complete Guide to major titles helps develop the analytical approach needed for thorough collectible hunting.
When activating the initial Blizon Crystal in this region, you’ll transition to the devastated version of Blizar Prime. The Gold Bolt becomes visible immediately to your left, though direct access remains blocked at this stage. Continue forward to locate the subsequent Blizon Crystal. After returning to the pristine Blizar Prime, veer left ascending the slope and follow the trail leading to another dimensional crystal. Striking this crystal transports you precisely to the zone containing the coveted Gold Bolt.
Located during the early stages at Torren IV’s Outskirts district, this Gold Bolt requires precise movement execution. Exit your spacecraft and proceed directly forward until reaching a path divergence, where the Gold Bolt typically becomes visible in the distance. Maintain course along the rightward route while engaging your Hover Boots for acceleration, navigating toward the ramp that propels you into a wall-running sequence. Successfully complete this mobility challenge to arrive directly at the Gold Bolt’s location.
During the planetary rail grinding segment, observant players will spot a Gold Bolt positioned along one of the tracks. Access requires precise timing when Rivet identifies a distant Rift. Immediately deploy your tether to the Rift when indicated, securing your path toward the collectible. Missing this brief opportunity window necessitates returning after completing the planet’s narrative content for another attempt.
This Gold Bolt occupies an isolated platform at the eastern extremity of the central starting area. Upon entering Cordelion’s alternate dimension, descend the primary path. Before utilizing the descending elevator, employ your hover boots to thrust eastward toward the solitary island platform housing a Blizon crystal. Activate the crystal to return to the present dimension Cordelion where the Gold Bolt awaits collection.
Within the alternate dimension Cordelion, utilize the descending elevator and advance along the route until encountering a leftward turn. A malfunctioning security door appears with a Rift visible beyond it. Time your interaction perfectly during the door’s brief opening phases to reach the opposite side and claim the Gold Bolt.
After evading Juice and causing the facility flood in alternate Cordelion, you’ll navigate submerged passages. Continue along the established route until exiting the confined tunnel system. At this junction, a path division emerges. Select the rightward route and advance until discovering a magnetic surface suitable for attachment. Follow this upward path to its summit, where a Gold Bolt awaits discovery.
When initially reaching the Speedle riding section at Poacher’s Pier, accelerate forward beyond the flaming ring archway. Immediately upon clearing this obstacle, turn right and pursue the ramp pathway sequence until reaching a jump leading directly to a Gold Bolt.
The subsequent Gold Bolt appears during the Pirate Trials’ second phase. Another virus-compromised terminal requires hacking intervention, so deploy Glitch to disinfect the system and receive your Gold Bolt reward.
The initial Gold Bolt becomes accessible early at the Scrapyard planetary segment. Proceed beyond the first security checkpoint, but rather than engaging the terminal to advance the primary objective, divert rightward and circumnavigate to locate an additional security gate. This action commits you to a path culminating in a Gold Bolt positioned on a berthed warship.
Following prisoner liberation at the Processing Center, you’ll enter a compact combat arena containing Nefarious Troopers. Eliminate all hostiles, then investigate the arena’s right flank to discover a Gold Bolt situated beyond containment housing an extraterrestrial creature.
Action Checklist
- Upgrade hoverboots and phantom dash abilities for improved mobility
- Systematically explore each planet sector by sector, checking all elevations
- Return to previously visited planets with new gadgets and abilities
- Listen for audio cues and watch for visual shimmer effects
- Complete side quests that may unlock access to hidden Gold Bolt locations
- Master Blizon Crystal sequencing for dimensional access
- Practice hover boots acceleration and wall-running combinations
- Time Rift tethering during rail grinding sections
- Coordinate dimensional shifts with platform navigation
- Utilize Glitch for terminal hacking during Pirate Trials
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