"Batman Arkham Games: Chronological Play Order Guide"

The Batman: Arkham series, crafted by Rocksteady Studios, stands as a pinnacle of comic book gaming, rivaling Insomniac's Spider-Man games in excellence. These titles masterfully integrate dynamic freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a richly detailed Gotham City, resulting in a series that has set the standard for superhero action-adventure games. With the recent addition of a new VR game to the Arkham lineup, fans and newcomers alike might be eager to explore or revisit these iconic games.

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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?

For those new to the series, there are two primary approaches to diving into the Batman Arkham games: by narrative chronology or by release date.

If you prefer to follow the story in chronological order, you should start with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. However, be aware that Origins, being released after the initial game, might inadvertently spoil elements of the earlier entries. Alternatively, if you want to experience the series as it was released, begin with Batman: Arkham Asylum.

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's a detailed guide on how to approach the Batman: Arkham series, both by release date and narrative chronology. These summaries include mild spoilers to give you a sense of the plot and key character introductions.

Batman: Arkham Origins

The chronological beginning of the Arkham saga starts with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, this game features a younger, less seasoned Batman facing a $50 million bounty on his head, attracting Gotham's most dangerous criminals, including the Joker, Black Mask, The Penguin, Mad Hatter, Bane, Deadshot, Firefly, and Killer Croc. The game's conclusion teases the reopening of Arkham Asylum, setting the stage for future events.

Notably, Roger Craig Smith voices Batman, while Troy Baker lends his voice to the Joker, replacing the series' usual duo of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal, the studio behind Gotham Knights, Origins also had a mobile version that, while different in gameplay, follows a similar narrative.

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

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 their work on Resident Evil 4 VR. In this game, Batman investigates a prison breakout at Blackgate, navigating through areas controlled by Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker. Other key characters include 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

Batman: Arkham Shadow

The second VR game in the Arkhamverse, Batman: Arkham Shadow, is set between Origins/Blackgate and Asylum, specifically on July 4th, seven months after the Christmas-set events of Origins. Developed by Camouflaj, the studio behind Marvel's Iron Man VR, this game sees Roger Craig Smith voicing a younger 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.

Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

0 See it at Amazon

Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game where you play as a criminal mastermind in Gotham, commanding villains like Harley Quinn, The Riddler, Scarecrow, Mr. Freeze, and Killer Croc. Set before Arkham Asylum, this game allows you to build a criminal empire, recruit henchmen, and engage in battles. Although it features Kevin Conroy as Batman, it's no longer available to download, having been shut down in 2017.

Available on: N/A

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

The animated film Batman: Assault on Arkham is set two years before Arkham Asylum. It's non-essential for those focused solely on the games but adds depth to the Arkhamverse narrative. Available on HBO Max, it follows Batman's villains, including Harley, Joker, and Riddler, as they break into Arkham Asylum, leading to a significant escape. Kevin Conroy and Troy Baker voice Batman and the Joker, respectively, with Giancarlo Esposito lending his voice to Black Spider.

Available on: HBO Max

Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady's inaugural Batman game, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces the Arkhamverse's version of the Caped Crusader, voiced by Kevin Conroy. Set as the fourth game chronologically but the first released, it features Mark Hamill as the Joker, who, with Harley Quinn's help, infiltrates the asylum to obtain the Titan serum. Batman must navigate the asylum alone to prevent Gotham's destruction.

Paul Dini, with his extensive history with the franchise, wrote the game's story.

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

Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

Released shortly after Arkham City, Batman: Arkham City Lockdown is a mobile fighter set between Asylum and City. Developed by NeatherRealm, it features a roster of Arkham villains and Batman, voiced by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. The game involves Batman tackling another prison escape but is no longer available for purchase.

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

Batman: Arkham City

Batman: Arkham City, Rocksteady's second entry, is set a year and a half after Arkham Asylum. In this game, Mayor Quincy Sharp establishes Arkham City, a walled-off section of Gotham to house criminals. Batman must navigate this lawless area, thwarting Hugo Strange's plot and dealing with the Joker, who is suffering from the effects of the Titan serum.

Paul Dini again penned the story.

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

Batman: Arkham VR

The series' first venture into virtual reality, Batman: Arkham VR, is set shortly before Arkham Knight. This narrative-driven experience focuses on detective work as Batman investigates a close ally's murder. Featuring a brief runtime of around 90 minutes, it's a must-play for VR enthusiasts.

The game includes characters like Robin, Nightwing, Alfred Pennyworth, Penguin, Killer Croc, and the Joker, voiced by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill.

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

Batman: Arkham Knight

Concluding Rocksteady's trilogy, Batman: Arkham Knight features the largest Gotham City yet, a diverse cast of characters, and a fully playable Batmobile. Set on Halloween night, less than a year after Arkham City, the game follows Batman as he battles Scarecrow's fear toxin and the mysterious Arkham Knight, all while grappling with personal demons.

The game's ~16-hour campaign ties up all major storylines, with additional content required to unlock the true ending.

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

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Rocksteady's latest addition to 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. Officially a continuation of the Arkhamverse, it ties up various narrative threads from the previous games and is set about five years after Arkham Knight.

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, there are no confirmed upcoming Batman Arkham games. Fans are hopeful for Rocksteady Studios' return to the series after their focus on Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. While reports suggest Rocksteady is pitching new single-player projects, no official announcements have been made regarding their next endeavor.

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