How to Play the Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

The Batman: Arkham series stands as a pinnacle of comic book gaming, rivaling Insomniac's Spider-Man titles in quality and acclaim. Rocksteady Studios masterfully combined seamless freeflow combat, exceptional voice acting, and a compelling depiction of Gotham City to produce an iconic series of action-adventure superhero games. With the latest addition to the Arkham universe in VR, fans might be eager to dive into or revisit these celebrated games.

Jump to:

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

How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There? ---------------------------------------

In total, there are 10 games in the Batman Arkhamverse. However, only eight of these are currently playable, as two mobile games have been discontinued and removed from app stores.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

For newcomers to the series, there are two main approaches: chronological story order or release order. To follow the story chronologically, start with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, though this might spoil elements of the earlier games due to its later release. Alternatively, to experience the series as it unfolded, begin with the original Batman: Arkham Asylum.

### Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

0The definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy, including all post-launch content, are available at Amazon.

Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

We've outlined two ways to experience the Batman: Arkham series: by release date or by narrative chronology. Both paths are detailed below, with mild spoilers to help newcomers understand broad plot points and character introductions.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Chronologically, the series begins with Batman: Arkham Origins (2013). Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, it features a younger, less experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty on his head, attracting villains like the Joker, Black Mask, and Bane. The game's conclusion teases the reopening of Arkham Asylum, setting the stage for future games. Notably, Origins features Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker, differing from the series' usual voices of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal, a mobile version also exists, offering a different brawler-style gameplay but following 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 takes place three months after Origins. This 2.5D side-scroller, developed by Armature Studio, follows Batman as he investigates an explosion at Blackgate Prison, navigating areas controlled by Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker. Notable characters include Catwoman and Amanda Waller. 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* and *Asylum* on July 4th. Developed by Camouflaj, it features a younger Batman voiced by Roger Craig Smith, confronting a new villain, The Rat King, alongside familiar faces like Jim Gordon and Harlene Quinzel.

Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

### Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

0Available at Amazon

4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game where players take on the role of a criminal mastermind in Gotham, managing villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Though set before Arkham Asylum, its narrative impact on the Arkhamverse is minimal. Unfortunately, it is no longer available for download, having been shut down in 2017.

5. 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 game players, it enriches the universe's story, available on HBO Max. It focuses on Batman's adversaries as they attempt to infiltrate Arkham Asylum, featuring voices like Kevin Conroy and Troy Baker.

Available on: HBO Max

6. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady's debut, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces the Arkhamverse's Batman, voiced by Kevin Conroy. Set after the previous entries in the chronology, it features the Joker (Mark Hamill) as the main villain. Batman must navigate Arkham Asylum to stop the Joker from using a super-strength serum, Titan.

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

7. 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 prison escape scenario with familiar villains like the Joker and Harley Quinn. Although no longer available, it's part of the Arkham narrative.

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

8. Batman: Arkham City

Batman: Arkham City follows Asylum by a year and a half. Mayor Quincy Sharp establishes Arkham City, a section of Gotham for criminals. Batman must navigate this area and thwart Hugo Strange's plot, while also dealing with the Joker's deteriorating health due to the Titan serum.

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 narrative-driven VR experience set before Arkham Knight, focusing on detective work to solve an ally's murder. Featuring familiar characters and voices, it's a must-play for VR enthusiasts.

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

10. Batman: Arkham Knight

Batman: Arkham Knight concludes Rocksteady's trilogy with an expansive Gotham, introducing the Batmobile and a diverse cast. Set on Halloween, it involves Scarecrow's fear toxin and the mysterious Arkham Knight. The game wraps up major storylines over its campaign and additional content.

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* continues the Arkhamverse narrative, set five years after *Arkham Knight*. Players control members of Task Force X in Metropolis, exploring new storylines and characters.

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

Every IGN Batman Game Review

48 ImagesHow 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 for Rocksteady Studios' return after their focus on *Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League*. Bloomberg reported Rocksteady pitching single-player games again, but no official announcements have been made regarding their next project.