"Batman Arkham Games: Chronological Play Order Revealed"

The Batman: Arkham series, developed by Rocksteady Studios, stands alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man games as some of the best comic book adaptations in gaming history. The series is renowned for its innovative freeflow combat system, exceptional voice acting, and a meticulously crafted version of Gotham City, resulting in a series of action-adventure superhero games that have captivated fans worldwide.

With the recent release of a new VR title in the Arkham series, many gamers may be inspired to explore or revisit the iconic Batman games. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned fan, here's a guide to navigating the Batman: Arkham universe.

Jump to:

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

How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?

There are a total of 10 games in the Batman Arkhamverse. However, only eight of these are currently playable, as two mobile games have been discontinued and removed from mobile storefronts.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

For newcomers to the series, there are two main approaches to starting the Batman Arkham series:

• Chronological Order: Begin with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, which takes place before the other games in the series' timeline. However, starting here might spoil elements from earlier released games.
• Release Order: Start with Batman: Arkham Asylum, the first game released in 2009, to experience the series as it unfolded.

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 ways to approach the Batman: Arkham series: by narrative chronology or by release date. We'll provide brief plot synopses with minimal spoilers to help newcomers decide their path.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

   

   Batman: Arkham Origins (2013) is the first game chronologically, set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham. It follows a less experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty, attracting villains like the Joker, Black Mask, and others. The game ends with the reopening of Arkham Asylum, setting the stage for future events. Developed by WB Montreal, it features Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker.

   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 has Batman investigating a prison explosion and dealing with villains like Penguin 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 Arkhamverse, set between Origins/Origins Blackgate and Asylum. It occurs on July 4th, seven months after Origins. Batman, voiced by Roger Craig Smith, faces a new villain, The Rat King, alongside other Gotham characters. Developed by Camouflaj.

   Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

   

   Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

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   See it at Amazon

4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

   

   Batman: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game where players manage Gotham's criminal underworld. While it's set before Arkham Asylum, it has little impact on the main narrative and is no longer available for download.

   Available on: N/A

5. Batman: Assault on Arkham

   

   Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set two years before Arkham Asylum. It focuses on Batman's adversaries and is available on HBO Max. While not essential for the games' narrative, it adds depth to the Arkhamverse.

   Available on: HBO Max

6. Batman: Arkham Asylum

   

   Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009) is Rocksteady's first Batman game, introducing the Arkhamverse. Batman, voiced by Kevin Conroy, faces the Joker's takeover of Arkham Asylum. Mark Hamill voices the Joker, and the story is penned by Paul Dini.

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

7. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

   

   Batman: Arkham City Lockdown is a mobile fighter set between Asylum and City. It features Batman dealing with another prison escape but is no longer available for purchase.

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

8. Batman: Arkham City

   

   Batman: Arkham City (2011) follows Asylum and introduces Arkham City, a section of Gotham housing criminals. Batman navigates this area to thwart Hugo Strange's plot and deal with the Joker's deteriorating health.

   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 VR game set before Arkham Knight, focusing on detective work as Batman investigates a murder. It features voice acting by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill.

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

10. Batman: Arkham Knight

    

    Batman: Arkham Knight (2015) concludes Rocksteady's trilogy, introducing the Batmobile and a larger Gotham. Set on Halloween, Batman faces Scarecrow's fear toxin and the mysterious Arkham Knight.

    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 is Rocksteady's latest game, set five years after Arkham Knight. It shifts focus to Task Force X in Metropolis and continues the Arkhamverse narrative.

    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) - Animated film
• Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
• Batman: Arkham Underworld (2016)
• Batman: Arkham VR (2016)
• Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (2024)
• Batman: Arkham Shadow (2024)

What's Next in the Arkham Series?

After the release of Batman: Arkham Shadow last October, there are no known upcoming Batman Arkham games in development. Fans are hopeful that Rocksteady Studios will return to the series, especially after Bloomberg reported that the studio is pitching new single-player games. However, there's been no official word on their next project.

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