"Chronological Guide: Playing Batman Arkham Series"

The Batman: Arkham series is widely regarded as one of the finest collections of comic book games ever created, alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man titles. Rocksteady Studios masterfully combined fluid freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a captivating rendition of Gotham City to craft an exceptional series of action-adventure superhero games.

With the recent release of a new VR entry in the Arkham series, fans and newcomers alike may be eager to dive into 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?

In total, the Batman Arkhamverse comprises 10 games. However, only eight of these are currently accessible, as two mobile titles have been discontinued and removed from stores.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

Newcomers to the series have the option to start in two ways: by following the chronological story order or by release date. If you choose the story timeline, you'll begin with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, which, despite being released later, could spoil elements of the earlier games. Alternatively, starting with Batman: Arkham Asylum, the first game released, allows you to experience the series as it was introduced.

Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

Definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy games, including all post-launch content.

See it at Amazon

Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

Below are two methods to experience the Batman: Arkham games: by narrative timeline or by release date. We've designed these guides with newcomers in mind, featuring mild spoilers focused on broad plot points and character introductions.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

The first game chronologically is 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, it follows a less experienced Batman as he contends with a $50 million bounty on his head, attracting Gotham's most notorious criminals like the Joker, Black Mask, and Bane. The game's ending foreshadows the reopening of Arkham Asylum, setting the stage for future events. Origins features Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker, differing from the series' usual voices, Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal, the same studio behind Gotham Knights, Origins also had a mobile version released by NeatherRealm, which follows a similar narrative but in a brawler format.

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 is a 2.5D side-scroller developed by Armature Studio. In this game, Batman investigates an explosion at Blackgate Prison, navigating through areas controlled by Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker. Key characters include Catwoman, Amanda Waller, and Rick Flag, with Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker reprising 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, occurring between Origins and Asylum. Set on July 4, it follows a young Batman voiced by Roger Craig Smith as he confronts a new villain, The Rat King, alongside 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 is a mobile game where players take on the role of a criminal mastermind in Gotham, recruiting villains like Harley Quinn and Scarecrow. Although it's set before Arkham Asylum, it's no longer available for download, having been shut down in 2017. Kevin Conroy reprises his role as Batman.

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 game-only fans, it enriches the overall narrative and is available on HBO Max. It features a heist storyline with Batman's adversaries, voiced by Kevin Conroy, Troy Baker, and Giancarlo Esposito.

Available on: HBO Max

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady's first Batman game, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces the Arkhamverse with Kevin Conroy as Batman. The game, set after Origins, sees Batman dealing with an asylum takeover by the Joker, voiced by Mark Hamill, and a host of other villains. The story, penned by Paul Dini, revolves around the Joker's quest for a Titan serum.

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 prison escape scenario with Batman facing off against Gotham's rogues, voiced by the iconic Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Unfortunately, it's no longer available for purchase.

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

7. Batman: Arkham City

Batman: Arkham City, set a year and a half after Asylum, explores a walled-off section of Gotham called Arkham City, where Batman must navigate and thwart Hugo Strange's plot. The game also deals with the aftermath of the Titan serum on the Joker. Written again by Paul Dini, it offers a rich narrative experience.

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

8. Batman: Arkham VR

Batman: Arkham VR is the series' only virtual reality entry, set before Arkham Knight. It focuses on detective work as Batman investigates a murder, featuring a brief yet impactful story. The game includes characters like Robin, Nightwing, and Alfred, with Conroy and Hamill reprising their roles.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

Batman: Arkham Knight concludes Rocksteady's trilogy, featuring the largest version of Gotham yet, a varied cast, and the introduction of the Batmobile. Set on Halloween, it deals with Scarecrow's fear toxin and the mysterious Arkham Knight. The game's story, voiced by a stellar cast including John Noble, wraps up the trilogy's narrative arcs.

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 is Rocksteady's latest addition to the Arkhamverse, set five years after Arkham Knight. It shifts focus to Task Force X in Metropolis, promising to tie up many narrative threads from previous games.

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 Arkham Shadow last October, there are no confirmed Batman Arkham games currently in development. Fans are hopeful for Rocksteady Studios' return to the series, especially after their focus on single-player games post-Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. While no official announcements have been made, the anticipation for future entries remains high.

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