"Batman Arkham Games: Chronological Play Order Revealed"

The Batman: Arkham series stands alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man as some of the finest comic book games ever crafted. Rocksteady Studios masterfully combined fluid freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a richly detailed Gotham City to create a memorable suite of action-adventure superhero games. With the recent addition of a new VR game to the Arkham series, both new and returning players might be eager to dive into—or revisit—these iconic Batman experiences.

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 the option to start with either the chronological or release order. For a chronological experience, begin with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, though be aware that it might spoil plot points from the earlier released games. If you prefer to follow the release order, start with Batman: Arkham Asylum.

Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

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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 release date or by narrative chronology. Both paths are detailed below, keeping in mind newcomers with only mild spoilers such as broad plot points and character introductions.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

The first game chronologically is Batman: Arkham Origins (2013). Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, it features a younger, less experienced Batman with a $50 million bounty on his head, attracting Gotham’s notorious criminals. The game's conclusion teases the reopening of Arkham Asylum, setting the stage for future events. Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker voice Batman and the Joker, respectively, in this title developed by WB Montreal.

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

2. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate follows three months after Origins. This 2.5D side-scroller, developed by Armature Studio, has Batman investigating an explosion at Blackgate Prison, navigating areas controlled by Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker. 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 series, set between Origins/Blackgate and Asylum. Roger Craig Smith voices Batman as he confronts the mysterious Rat King. Developed by Camouflaj, this game is set on July 4, seven months after Origins.

Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

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4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld lets you play as a criminal mastermind in Gotham, managing villains and building your criminal empire. Though set before Arkham Asylum, it's no longer available, having been shut down in 2017.

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set in the Arkhamverse, roughly two years before Arkham Asylum. It's available on HBO Max and focuses on Batman's adversaries, offering a deeper look into the universe.

Available on: HBO Max

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady's inaugural Batman game, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces players to the Arkhamverse with Kevin Conroy voicing Batman. Set in the asylum, the game sees Batman thwarting the Joker's plan involving a super-strength 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's no longer available but features a roster of iconic villains and Batman facing another prison escape.

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

7. Batman: Arkham City

Batman: Arkham City follows a year and a half after Asylum. Mayor Quincy Sharp creates Arkham City, a walled-off section of Gotham for criminals. Batman navigates this chaotic zone while dealing with Hugo Strange and 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

8. Batman: Arkham VR

Batman: Arkham VR is set before Arkham Knight and offers a VR experience focused on detective work as Batman investigates a murder. It features a strong narrative with key characters from the series.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

The conclusion to Rocksteady's trilogy, Batman: Arkham Knight, introduces the Batmobile and a sprawling Gotham. Set on Halloween night, it deals with Scarecrow's fear toxin and the mysterious Arkham Knight.

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 a continuation of the Arkhamverse, set five years after Arkham Knight. It shifts focus to Task Force X, exploring Metropolis with characters like Harley Quinn and Deadshot.

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 new Batman Arkham games in development. Fans are hopeful that Rocksteady Studios, the primary developer, will return to the series after nearly a decade. While Bloomberg reported that Rocksteady is pitching new single-player games, no official announcements have been made regarding their next project.

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