How to Play the Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

The Batman: Arkham games are renowned as some of the finest comic book adaptations in gaming, rivaling the acclaimed Insomniac's Spider-Man series. Rocksteady Studios masterfully combined innovative freeflow combat, exceptional voice acting, and a vivid depiction of Gotham City to craft a compelling series of action-adventure superhero games.

With the recent release of a new VR installment in the Arkham series, fans might be eager to dive into or revisit these iconic Batman games.

Jump to:

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

How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?

The Batman Arkhamverse encompasses a total of 10 games. However, only eight of these are currently playable, as two mobile titles have been discontinued and removed from stores.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

Newcomers to the Batman Arkham series have options on where to start. For a chronological experience, begin with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, though be aware that it might spoil some elements of earlier games due to its later release. If you prefer to follow the series' release order, start with Batman: Arkham Asylum.

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 are two approaches to experiencing the Batman: Arkham series: by release date or by narrative chronology. These summaries offer minimal spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

   

   The first game in the chronological timeline is Batman: Arkham Origins (2013). Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, it features a younger Batman facing a $50 million bounty, attracting villains like the Joker, Black Mask, and others. The game's conclusion sets up the events leading to Arkham Asylum. Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker voice Batman and the Joker, respectively, instead of the usual Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal, it's a departure from Rocksteady's work.

   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 (2013) adopts a 2.5D side-scrolling format developed by Armature Studio. Batman investigates a prison riot at Blackgate, confronting villains like Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker. Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker reprise their roles.

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

3. Batman: Arkham Shadow

   The second VR entry in the Arkhamverse, Batman: Arkham Shadow, is set between Origins and Asylum. Taking place on July 4, it features Batman, voiced by Roger Craig Smith, confronting The Rat King at Blackgate Penitentiary. Developed by Camouflaj, it's available on Meta Quest 3 and 3S.

   Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

   

   Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

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   See it at Amazon

4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

   

   This mobile game, Batman: Arkham Underworld, lets players control Gotham's criminal underworld, featuring villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Set before Arkham Asylum, it's no longer available, having been shut down in 2017.

5. Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

   

   Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set within the Arkhamverse, occurring before Arkham Asylum. While not essential for the games' narrative, it enriches the universe. Available on HBO Max, it features voice talents like Kevin Conroy and Troy Baker.

   Available on: HBO Max

6. Batman: Arkham Asylum

   

   The first Rocksteady-developed game, Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009), introduces the Arkhamverse with Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker. The game follows Batman's efforts to thwart the Joker's plan to release a super-strength serum at Arkham Asylum.

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

7. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

   

   Released shortly after Arkham City, Batman: Arkham City Lockdown (2011) is a mobile fighter set between Asylum and City. It features Batman dealing with a prison escape, but it's no longer available for purchase.

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

8. Batman: Arkham City

   

   Set a year and a half after Asylum, Batman: Arkham City (2011) sees Batman navigating a walled-off section of Gotham called Arkham City. The game involves thwarting Hugo Strange and dealing with the Joker's deteriorating health from the Titan serum.

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

9. Batman: Arkham VR

   

   A VR-only title set before Arkham Knight, Batman: Arkham VR (2016) focuses on detective work as Batman investigates a murder. It's a short but immersive experience with Conroy and Hamill reprising their roles.

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

10. Batman: Arkham Knight

    

    The final chapter of Rocksteady's trilogy, Batman: Arkham Knight (2015), introduces the Batmobile and a sprawling Gotham. Set on Halloween, it sees Batman facing Scarecrow's fear toxin and the mysterious Arkham Knight.

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

11. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

    Rocksteady's latest addition to the Arkhamverse, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (2024), shifts focus to Task Force X in Metropolis, set five years after Arkham Knight. It's now available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

    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 last October, no new Batman Arkham games are currently in development. Fans hope Rocksteady Studios, absent from the series for nearly a decade, will return. Bloomberg reported Rocksteady is exploring single-player projects post-Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, but no official announcements have been made.

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