The gameplay of Deadlocked is similar to that of previous Ratchet & Clank games, with a combination of shooting, action, and platforming, although it emphasizes more on the combat aspects of the series, with little platforming. Deadlocked was the first game in the Ratchet and Clank series to contain an adjustable difficulty level,[6] and is the first to have a cooperative story mode with two players.[7]
The player controls Ratchet from a third-person perspective, although first-person play is possible, while competing in missions and tournaments, defeating enemies, and occasionally controlling vehicles. "Combat bots", two robots which follow the player in most missions, give Ratchet extra firepower, and perform several tasks for him, such as planting explosives and hacking orbs.[6] Combat bots can be upgraded and given new paint schemes, head designs, and weaponry.[6] After completing missions, the player is awarded a certain amount of "Dreadpoints" and bolts, the game's form of currency. Bolts can also be obtained by defeating enemies, or by locating hidden "Jackpot" crates across planets. Certain amounts of "Dreadpoints" are required to unlock new planets, and affect Ratchet's leaderboard rank amongst other contestants of DreadZone.[6]