One of the major additions to the R&C series began in this game. They are known as Arena Battles, and can be found at two different areas of the game.
The first arena you come across in the Maxtar Nebula. You will follow the left path from the start of the level and eventually make it to the arena. More challenges are unlocked when you beat the challenge there for you already. Some need to be beaten to progress the story, while others are extras there to add fun and give you more bolts if you manage to beat them. The battles in the first arena consist of:
* Battle For Electrolyzer (need to beat to progress the story) * Hazard Challenge: Watch Your Step! * Chainblade Challenge * Time Challenge: Kill 30 Enemies in 30 Seconds * Time Challenge: Kill 60 Enemies in 60 seconds * Battle the B2 Brawler * Mega Challenge! * Limited Weapon Challenge: Use only 300 Heavy Lancr Shots * Tag Team Battle: Chainblade and B2 Brawler * Endurance Challenge * Ultimate Challenge * Timed Avoidance Challenge: Dodge Chainblade for 2 Minutes!
The second arena is located on Planet Joba. You take the main path (straight) and eventually you will make it to the arena. Like the other arena, you partake in various challenges. Some you need to complete to progress the story, while others are there for fun and a chance to get some extra bolts. The arena challenges on this planet consist of:
* Battle for the Gravity Boots (need to beat to progress the story) * Cage Match for the Infiltrator (need to beat to progress the story) * Arachnoid Battle * Damage Avoidance Challenge: Don't Take A Hit! * Hazard Cage Match: Look Out Below! * Time Challenge: Kill 90 Enemies in 90 Seconds * Megapede Battle * Limited Weapon Challenge: Use Only The Wrench * Time Challenge: Kill Megapede in 3 Minutes * Damage Avoidance Challenge: Don't get hit by Megapede! * Timed Limited Weapon Challenge: Lancer all enemies in 60 seconds * Impossible Challenge (60 rounds of battle; includes some boss battles)