The Batman: Arkham series stands as a pinnacle of comic book gaming, rivaling the excellence of Insomniac's Spider-Man titles. Developed by Rocksteady Studios, the Arkham series is celebrated for its innovative freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a richly detailed Gotham City that brings the action-adventure superhero experience to life.
With the recent release of a new VR game in the Arkham series, fans and newcomers alike might be eager to dive into or revisit these iconic 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 encompasses a total of 10 games. However, only eight of these are currently playable, as two mobile titles have been discontinued and removed from mobile storefronts.
Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?
For newcomers, there are several approaches to starting the Batman Arkham series. If you prefer to follow the story chronologically, you'll begin with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. However, be aware that playing Origins first might spoil elements of the earlier released games. Alternatively, if you want to experience the series as it was released, 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.
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Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order
We've outlined two ways to experience the Batman: Arkham series: by narrative chronology or by release date. Below, you'll find both paths detailed, keeping in mind the needs of series newcomers with minimal spoilers.
- Batman: Arkham Origins
Set on a snowy Christmas Eve, Batman: Arkham Origins introduces a less-experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty on his head. This attracts Gotham's notorious villains, including the Joker, Black Mask, and others. The game's ending sets the stage for the reopening of Arkham Asylum. Notably, Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker voice Batman and the Joker, respectively, in this WB Montreal-developed title.
A mobile version also exists, developed by NetherRealm Studios, which follows the same narrative but as a brawler.
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 is a 2.5D side-scroller developed by Armature Studio. Batman investigates a prison explosion and navigates three areas controlled by Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker, with other characters like Catwoman and Amanda Waller making appearances.
Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, Nintendo DS, PS Vita, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate Wiki
- Batman: Arkham Shadow
Batman: Arkham Shadow is the second VR game in the Arkhamverse, set between Origins/Origins Blackgate and Asylum. Batman confronts the Rat King, with familiar faces like Jim Gordon and others appearing. Developed by Camouflaj, this game is available on Meta Quest 3 and 3S.
Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition
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- Batman: Arkham Underworld
In Batman: Arkham Underworld, you play as Gotham's newest criminal mastermind, recruiting villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Although set before Arkham Asylum, its narrative impact is minimal. Unfortunately, this mobile game is 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, occurring two years before Arkham Asylum. While not essential for the game series, it adds depth to the universe and is available on HBO Max.
Available on: HBO Max
- Batman: Arkham Asylum
Batman: Arkham Asylum is Rocksteady's first entry, introducing the Arkhamverse's Batman (voiced by Kevin Conroy) and the Joker (voiced by Mark Hamill). Batman battles the asylum's escapees, led by the Joker, who seeks a super-strength serum called Titan.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Asylum Wiki
- Batman: Arkham City Lockdown
Batman: Arkham City Lockdown, a mobile fighter developed by NetherRealm, is set between Asylum and City. Batman deals with another prison escape, but this game is no longer available for purchase.
Available on: N/A | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Lockdown Wiki
- Batman: Arkham City
In Batman: Arkham City, set a year and a half after Asylum, Batman navigates a walled-off section of Gotham called Arkham City. He confronts Hugo Strange's plot and the deteriorating Joker.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Wiki
- Batman: Arkham VR
Batman: Arkham VR is a narrative-driven VR game set before Arkham Knight, focusing on Batman's detective skills as he solves a murder. It's a concise experience, lasting about 90 minutes.
Available on: VR | IGN’s Batman: Arkham VR Wiki
- Batman: Arkham Knight
Batman: Arkham Knight concludes Rocksteady's trilogy with a vast Gotham and the introduction of the Batmobile. The game deals with Scarecrow's fear toxin threat and the mysterious Arkham Knight, wrapping up storylines over its 16-hour campaign.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Knight Wiki
- 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, featuring 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 Batman Arkham games currently in development. Fans hope Rocksteady Studios will return to the series, but no official announcements have been made regarding their next project.
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