"Chronological Guide to Playing Batman Arkham Games"

The Batman: Arkham series stands tall alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man games as some of the finest comic book adaptations in gaming history. Rocksteady Studios masterfully crafted these games, combining exhilarating freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a richly detailed Gotham City to deliver a series of unforgettable action-adventure experiences. With the latest addition to the Arkhamverse in the form of a VR game, now is a perfect time to dive into or revisit these iconic titles.

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 app stores.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

Newcomers to the series have two primary paths to consider. For a chronological journey, start with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. However, since this game was released later in the series, it might spoil elements of the earlier games. If you prefer to follow the release order, begin with Batman: Arkham Asylum, which launched in 2009.

Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

0

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 narrative timeline or by release date. Both methods are outlined below, with brief plot summaries designed to minimize spoilers for newcomers.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

   

   The chronological start of the Arkham series is Batman: Arkham Origins, released in 2013. Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, this game features a younger, less experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty on his head, attracting Gotham's notorious criminals like the Joker and Bane. The story concludes with hints at the reopening of Arkham Asylum, setting the stage for future games. Notably, Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker voice Batman and the Joker, respectively, as this game was developed by WB Montreal, not Rocksteady.

   A mobile version of Arkham Origins exists, but it differs significantly as a brawler developed by NetherRealm Studios, yet it follows the same narrative.

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

2. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

   

   Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate, set three months after Origins, is a 2.5D side-scroller developed by Armature Studio. Batman investigates an explosion at Blackgate Prison, navigating through areas controlled by villains like Penguin and the Joker. Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker reprise their roles as Batman and the Joker.

   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 4. Roger Craig Smith returns as Batman, facing a new villain, The Rat King, alongside Gotham regulars like Jim Gordon. This title is developed by Camouflaj, known for Marvel's Iron Man VR.

   Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

   

   Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

   0

   See it at Amazon

4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

   

   Batman: Arkham Underworld is a now-defunct mobile game where players manage Gotham's criminal underworld. It features characters like Harley Quinn and Scarecrow but has little impact on the overall Arkham narrative. Kevin Conroy voices Batman in this game, which was shut down in 2017.

   Available on: N/A

5. Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

   

   Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set in the Arkhamverse, occurring two years before Arkham Asylum. While not essential for the games, it adds to the broader narrative and is available on HBO Max. The film focuses on Batman's adversaries and features voice acting by Kevin Conroy and Troy Baker.

   Available on: HBO Max

6. Batman: Arkham Asylum

   

   Batman: Arkham Asylum, the first game in the series by release date, introduces players to the Arkhamverse. Kevin Conroy voices Batman as he combats the Joker, who has taken over the asylum to obtain a dangerous serum. This game sets the tone for the series with its intricate storyline penned by Paul Dini.

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

7. 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 tackling another prison escape, voiced by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. This game is no longer available for purchase.

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

8. Batman: Arkham City

   

   Batman: Arkham City, set a year and a half after Asylum, follows Batman as he navigates the newly created Arkham City, a walled-off section of Gotham for criminals. The game features a complex plot involving Hugo Strange and the effects of the Titan serum on the Joker. Again, Paul Dini's storytelling shines here.

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

9. Batman: Arkham VR

   

   Batman: Arkham VR is a virtual reality experience set just before Arkham Knight, focusing on Batman's detective work. It's a brief but engaging narrative featuring familiar characters like Robin and the Joker, voiced by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill.

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

10. Batman: Arkham Knight

    

    Batman: Arkham Knight concludes Rocksteady's trilogy with an expansive Gotham and the introduction of the Batmobile. Set on Halloween, the game involves Scarecrow's fear toxin and the mysterious Arkham Knight. The campaign ties up the series' narrative threads over approximately 16 hours.

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

11. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

    Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League shifts the focus to Task Force X, set five years after Arkham Knight. This game, developed by Rocksteady, promises to continue the Arkhamverse narrative in Metropolis with characters like Harley Quinn and Deadshot.

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

Every IGN Batman Game Review

48 Images

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, there are currently no announced Batman Arkham games in development. Fans are eager for Rocksteady Studios to return to the series after nearly a decade, especially after reports of their interest in single-player projects post-Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.

Related Content:

• God of War Games in Order and Final Fantasy Games in Order
• Take a look at our rankings for the best Batman movies and the best Batman comics of all time
• Shop Batman merch from the IGN Store