"Batman Arkham Games: Chronological Play Order Guide"

The Batman: Arkham series stands alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man as some of the finest comic book games ever created. Rocksteady Studios masterfully combined thrilling freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a meticulously crafted version of Gotham City, resulting in a legendary set of action-adventure superhero games.

With the recent release of a new VR addition to the Arkham series, many 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 boasts a total of 10 games. However, only eight of these are currently available for play, as two mobile titles have been discontinued and removed from mobile stores.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

Newcomers to the series have options on where to start. If you prefer to follow the story in chronological order, begin with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. However, since Origins was released after the initial game, it might inadvertently spoil elements of the earlier titles. Alternatively, starting with the first released game, Batman: Arkham Asylum, allows you to experience the series as it unfolded.

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

Here are two ways to experience the Batman: Arkham games: by release date or by narrative chronology. Below, we provide brief plot synopses with minimal spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, Batman: Arkham Origins introduces a less seasoned Batman, who faces a $50 million bounty on his head. This draws the city's most notorious criminals, including the Joker, Black Mask, The Penguin, Mad Hatter, Bane, Deadshot, Firefly, and Killer Croc. The game's conclusion sets the stage for the reopening of Arkham Asylum, which leads into Rocksteady's subsequent title.

Notably, Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker voice Batman and the Joker, respectively, instead of the usual Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Although part of the Arkhamverse, Origins was developed by WB Montreal, the team behind Gotham Knights.

A mobile version of Arkham Origins also exists, though it differs significantly as a brawler developed by NetherRealm Studios, yet it hits the same narrative points.

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 shifts to a 2.5D side-scrolling format, developed by Armature Studio (known for Resident Evil 4 VR). Here, Batman investigates Blackgate Prison following an explosion that frees its inmates. The game features three main areas controlled by Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker, with additional characters like Catwoman, Amanda Waller, and Rick Flag.

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

The second VR title in the series, Batman: Arkham Shadow takes place between Origins/Origins Blackgate and Asylum, specifically on July 4th, seven months after the Christmas-set events of Origins. Roger Craig Smith voices a young Batman as he confronts a new villain, The Rat King, alongside familiar faces like Jim Gordon, Doctors Harlene Quinzel and Jonathan Crane, Arnold Wesker (The Ventriloquist), and Barbra Gordon.

Developed by Camouflaj, the studio behind Marvel's Iron Man VR, this game is exclusive to Meta Quest 3 and 3S.

Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

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4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

In Batman: Arkham Underworld, players step into the shoes of a Gotham criminal mastermind, recruiting villains such as Harley Quinn, The Riddler, Scarecrow, Mr. Freeze, and Killer Croc. This mobile game, now discontinued since 2017, allowed players to build a criminal empire, recruit henchmen, and engage in battles. Set before Arkham Asylum, it's less significant to the overall narrative.

Available on: N/A

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

An animated film set in the Arkhamverse, Batman: Assault on Arkham occurs two years before Arkham Asylum. While not essential for the gaming narrative, it adds depth to the universe. Available on HBO Max, it follows Batman's adversaries as they infiltrate Arkham Asylum, leading to the release of its notorious inmates.

Kevin Conroy voices Batman, Troy Baker voices the Joker, and Giancarlo Esposito lends his voice to Black Spider.

Available on: HBO Max

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady’s inaugural Batman game, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces players to the Arkhamverse's Batman, voiced by Kevin Conroy. Set within the confines of Arkham Asylum, Batman confronts the Joker, voiced by Mark Hamill, who aims to unleash a super-strength serum called Titan. Other characters include Harley Quinn, Commissioner Gordon, Scarecrow, Bane, and Poison Ivy.

Written by Paul Dini, known for his work on Batman: The Animated Series and Batman Beyond, this game sets the tone for the series.

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

6. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

Released soon after Batman: Arkham City, Batman: Arkham City Lockdown is a mobile fighter set between Asylum and City. Developed by NetherRealm, it features familiar villains like the Joker (voiced by Mark Hamill), Harley Quinn, Two-Face, Penguin, Solomon Grundy, Poison Ivy, Deathstroke, and Robin, alongside Batman (voiced by Kevin Conroy). The story revolves around another prison escape, which Batman must resolve.

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

7. Batman: Arkham City

Batman: Arkham City, Rocksteady's second game, unfolds a year and a half after Arkham Asylum. Following the asylum's events, Mayor Quincy Sharp creates Arkham City, a walled-off section of Gotham to house criminals. Batman navigates this lawless zone, thwarting Hugo Strange's sinister plan and dealing with the Joker's deteriorating condition from the Titan serum.

Paul Dini once again penned the story.

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

8. Batman: Arkham VR

The sole virtual reality entry, Batman: Arkham VR, is set shortly before Arkham Knight. This narrative-focused game emphasizes detective work as Batman investigates the murder of an ally. With a runtime of about 90 minutes, it features a cast including Robin, Nightwing, Alfred Pennyworth, Penguin, Killer Croc, and the Joker, with Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprising their roles.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

The culmination of Rocksteady's trilogy, Batman: Arkham Knight, presents the largest Gotham City yet, a varied cast, and the Batmobile as a key gameplay element. Set on Halloween night, less than a year after Arkham City, Batman faces Scarecrow's fear toxin threat and the mysterious Arkham Knight, all while dealing with personal demons from previous games.

The game features a 16-hour campaign, with a true ending unlocked at 100% completion. Key characters include Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Penguin, Riddler, Two-Face, Robin, Commissioner Gordon, and Barbara Gordon.

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

10. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Although set in the Arkhamverse, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League shifts focus to Task Force X, exploring Metropolis as Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, or King Shark. Set five years after Arkham Knight, this game continues many of the series' storylines.

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 Batman: Arkham Shadow last October, no new Batman Arkham games are currently in development. Fans are hopeful for Rocksteady Studios to return to the series after nearly a decade, especially after Bloomberg reported their interest in single-player projects post-Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. However, no official announcements have been made regarding Rocksteady's next venture.

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