Batman Arkham Games: Chronological Play Order Guide

The Batman: Arkham series, crafted by Rocksteady Studios, stands shoulder to shoulder with Insomniac's Spider-Man as the pinnacle of comic book gaming. This franchise is renowned for its seamless freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a vividly realized Gotham City, making it a must-play for action-adventure superhero fans. With the recent launch of a new VR addition to the Arkham series, it's the perfect time to explore or revisit these iconic 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 comprises a total of 10 games. However, only eight of these are currently accessible, as two mobile titles have been discontinued.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

For newcomers, there are multiple entry points into the Batman Arkham series. To follow the story chronologically, start with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. However, be aware that playing Origins first might spoil elements of the earlier games. If you prefer to experience the series as it was released, begin 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.

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Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

We've outlined two ways to approach the Batman: Arkham games: chronologically by release date or by narrative. Both paths are detailed below, with mild spoilers to help guide newcomers.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Set on a snowy Christmas Eve, Batman: Arkham Origins introduces a less-experienced Batman, who faces a $50 million bounty on his head. This attracts Gotham's most notorious criminals, including the Joker, Black Mask, The Penguin, and others. The game's conclusion teases the reopening of Arkham Asylum, setting the stage for future events. Notably, Roger Craig Smith voices Batman and Troy Baker voices the Joker, filling in for the usual duo of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal, the same studio behind Gotham Knights, Origins also had a mobile version with a different gameplay style but similar narrative.

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

2. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

Three months after Origins, Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate takes place. This 2.5D side-scroller, developed by Armature Studio, has Batman investigating an explosion at Blackgate prison that frees its inmates. The game features three main areas controlled by Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker, with notable characters including Catwoman, Amanda Waller, and Rick Flag. 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

Batman: Arkham Shadow is the second VR game in the Arkhamverse, set between Origins/Origins Blackgate and Asylum. On July 4th, Batman confronts a new villain, The Rat King, with familiar faces like Jim Gordon and Doctors Harlene Quinzel and Jonathan Crane. Developed by Camouflaj, this game is available exclusively on Meta Quest 3 and 3S.

Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

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4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld lets players take the role of a new criminal mastermind in Gotham, commanding villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. This mobile game, though set before Arkham Asylum, has minimal impact on the overall narrative and 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 the game series, it provides additional context for the full Arkhamverse narrative. It's available on HBO Max and features performances by Kevin Conroy as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker, with Giancarlo Esposito voicing Black Spider.

Available on: HBO Max

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady's debut in the series, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces the Arkhamverse's Batman, voiced by Kevin Conroy. Set in the asylum, Batman faces the Joker, voiced by Mark Hamill, who seeks a super-strength serum called Titan. The game features a rich cast, including Harley Quinn and Commissioner Gordon, and was written by Paul Dini, known for his work on Batman: The Animated Series.

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

6. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

Batman: Arkham City Lockdown, a mobile fighter released shortly after Arkham City, is set between Asylum and City. It features a familiar lineup, including the Joker, Harley Quinn, and Batman, voiced by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. The game, no longer available, sees Batman dealing with another prison escape.

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

7. Batman: Arkham City

Set a year and a half after Arkham Asylum, Batman: Arkham City introduces a walled-off section of Gotham to house criminals. Batman navigates this lawless area, facing threats from Hugo Strange and a deteriorating Joker. Paul Dini once again pens the story.

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

8. Batman: Arkham VR

Batman: Arkham VR, the series' first VR experience, is set before Arkham Knight. This narrative-driven game focuses on Batman's detective skills as he investigates a murder. It features a cast including Robin, Nightwing, and Alfred, and is voiced by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

The final chapter in Rocksteady's trilogy, Batman: Arkham Knight, features a vast Gotham City and introduces the Batmobile. Set on Halloween, Batman faces threats from Scarecrow and the mysterious Arkham Knight while grappling with personal demons. The game concludes its narrative threads, with a true ending achievable through 100% completion.

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 marks Rocksteady's continuation of the Arkhamverse, set five years after Arkham Knight. Players take control of Task Force X members in Metropolis, including Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, and 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) (Animated film)
• Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
• Batman: Arkham Underworld (2016)
• Batman: Arkham VR (2016)
• Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (2024)
• Batman: Arkham Shadow (2024)

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 are eager for Rocksteady Studios to return to the series, especially after their focus on single-player games post-Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. While there's been no official announcement, anticipation remains high.

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