"Batman Arkham Games: Chronological Play Order Guide"

The Batman: Arkham series stands alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man as the pinnacle of comic book video games, thanks to Rocksteady Studios' masterful blend of fluid combat, stellar voice acting, and a vividly realized Gotham City. This exceptional series has captivated fans worldwide, and with the recent addition of a new VR game to the Arkham lineup, there's renewed interest in diving into or revisiting these iconic superhero adventures.

Jump to:

• How to play in chronological order
• How to play by release order

How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?

The Batman Arkhamverse comprises a total of 10 games. However, only eight of these titles are currently accessible, as two mobile games have been discontinued and removed from digital storefronts.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

For newcomers to the series, there are two primary ways to begin your journey with the Batman Arkham games. If you prefer to follow the story in chronological order, start with Batman: Arkham Origins from 2013. However, be aware that playing Origins first could potentially spoil elements from the earlier released games. If you opt for the release order, your starting point should be Batman: Arkham Asylum, which was the first game released in the series.

Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

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Definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy games, including all post-launch content.

See it at Amazon

Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

Here's a detailed guide on how to experience the Batman: Arkham games, both by release date and by narrative chronology. We'll keep spoilers to a minimum, focusing on broad plot points and key character introductions.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Batman: Arkham Origins, released in 2013, is the chronological starting point for the series. Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, it follows a less-experienced Batman as he navigates a $50 million bounty on his head, attracting Gotham's most notorious criminals such as the Joker, Black Mask, and Bane. The game's ending teases the reopening of Arkham Asylum, setting the stage for subsequent games. Notably, Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker voice Batman and the Joker, respectively, instead of the series' usual duo, Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal, Origins offers a different take on the Arkhamverse.

Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Origins Wiki

2. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

Set three months after Origins, Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate takes a different approach as a 2.5D side-scrolling adventure developed by Armature Studio. Batman investigates a prison breakout at Blackgate Penitentiary, facing off against Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker, who control different sections of the prison. Other characters include Catwoman, Amanda Waller, and Rick Flag.

Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, Nintendo DS, PS Vita, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate Wiki

3. Batman: Arkham Shadow

Batman: Arkham Shadow is the second VR game in the Arkhamverse, set between Origins and Asylum. Taking place on July 4, seven months after Origins, Batman confronts a new villain, The Rat King, amidst familiar faces like Jim Gordon and Doctors Harlene Quinzel and Jonathan Crane. Developed by Camouflaj, this VR experience brings a fresh perspective to the Arkham narrative.

Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

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4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game where players take on the role of Gotham's newest criminal mastermind, managing villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Set before Arkham Asylum, this game, though narratively inconsequential, features Kevin Conroy as Batman. Unfortunately, it is no longer available for download, having been shut down in 2017.

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set in the Arkhamverse, roughly two years before Arkham Asylum. While not essential for understanding the game series, it's a compelling addition to the Arkham narrative, available on HBO Max. The film follows Batman's adversaries as they attempt a heist at Arkham Asylum, featuring voices by Kevin Conroy, Troy Baker, and Giancarlo Esposito.

Available on: HBO Max

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Batman: Arkham Asylum, the first game released by Rocksteady, introduces players to the Arkhamverse with Kevin Conroy's Batman and Mark Hamill's Joker. Set after the events of Origins, Batman must thwart the Joker's plan to unleash a super-strength serum called Titan from within the asylum. The game features a rich cast including Harley Quinn, Commissioner Gordon, and Scarecrow.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Asylum Wiki

6. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

Batman: Arkham City Lockdown, released shortly after Arkham City, is a mobile fighter set between Asylum and City. It features Batman (voiced by Kevin Conroy) dealing with another prison escape, confronting villains like the Joker (Mark Hamill), Harley Quinn, and Poison Ivy. Unfortunately, this game is no longer available for purchase.

Available on: N/A | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Lockdown Wiki

7. Batman: Arkham City

Batman: Arkham City, set a year and a half after Asylum, follows Batman as he navigates the newly established Arkham City, a section of Gotham designated for criminals. The game features a complex plot involving Hugo Strange and the deteriorating health of the Joker due to the Titan serum. Once again penned by Paul Dini, Arkham City expands the scope and depth of the Arkhamverse.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Wiki

8. Batman: Arkham VR

Batman: Arkham VR is a narrative-driven virtual reality experience set shortly before Arkham Knight. Players engage in detective work to solve the murder of a close ally, featuring a concise yet impactful story with characters like Robin, Nightwing, and the Joker, voiced by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill.

Available on: VR | IGN’s Batman: Arkham VR Wiki

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

Batman: Arkham Knight concludes Rocksteady's trilogy, offering the largest rendition of Gotham and introducing the Batmobile. Set on Halloween, the game follows Batman as he confronts Scarecrow's fear toxin and the mysterious Arkham Knight, all while battling his own internal struggles. The game's extensive campaign ties up multiple narrative threads, featuring a diverse cast of characters.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Knight Wiki

10. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Rocksteady's latest addition to the Arkhamverse, shifts focus to Task Force X in Metropolis. Set five years after Arkham Knight, the game promises to resolve many of the series' ongoing storylines. Players can control Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, or King Shark.

Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Every IGN Batman Game Review

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How to Play the Batman Arkham Games By Release Date

• Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
• Batman: Arkham City (2011)
• Batman: Arkham City Lockdown (2011)
• Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
• Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate (2013)
• Batman: Assault on Arkham (2014)*
• Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
• Batman: Arkham Underworld (2016)
• Batman: Arkham VR (2016)
• Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (2024)
• Batman: Arkham Shadow (2024)

*Animated film

What's Next in the Arkham Series?

Following the release of Arkham Shadow in October, there are no confirmed Batman Arkham games currently in development. Fans are eager for Rocksteady Studios to return to the series, especially after reports that the studio is pitching new single-player projects. However, no official announcements have been made regarding their next endeavor.

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