Batman Arkham Games: Chronological Play Order Revealed - News

The Batman: Arkham series, alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man titles, stands as some of the finest comic book adaptations in gaming history. Rocksteady Studios masterfully combined dynamic freeflow combat, exceptional voice acting, and a vivid portrayal of Gotham City to deliver a series that has become a benchmark for superhero games.

With the recent release of a new VR installment in the Arkham series, fans and newcomers alike may be eager to explore 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 available to play, as two mobile titles have been discontinued and removed from digital stores.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

For newcomers to the series, there are two primary ways to start your journey through the Arkham games:

Chronological Order: Begin with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, which is set before the other mainline games. However, note that starting here might spoil elements of the earlier released titles.
Release Order: Start with the first game released, Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009), to experience the series as it unfolded.

Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

0Definitive 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 look at how to approach the series, either by narrative chronology or by release date, with brief plot overviews that minimize spoilers.

Batman: Arkham Origins

Batman: Arkham Origins (2013) is the first game chronologically, set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham. It follows a younger, less-experienced Batman as he navigates a $50 million bounty on his head, drawing out villains like the Joker, Black Mask, and others. The game's conclusion sets the stage for the reopening of Arkham Asylum. Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker voice Batman and the Joker, respectively, instead of the series' usual Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal, this game also has a mobile version that follows a different gameplay style but hits similar story points.

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 (2013) is a 2.5D side-scroller. Batman investigates an explosion at Blackgate Prison, confronting villains like 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

Batman: Arkham Shadow

Batman: Arkham Shadow is the second VR game in the series, set between Origins/Origins Blackgate and Asylum. It takes place on July 4, seven months after Origins. Batman, voiced by Roger Craig Smith, battles a new villain, The Rat King, alongside familiar faces like Jim Gordon and others. Developed by Camouflaj.

Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

0See it at Amazon

Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld was a mobile game where players took on the role of a criminal mastermind in Gotham, recruiting villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Although it's set before Arkham Asylum, it has minimal impact on the overall narrative and is no longer available for download.

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

Batman: Assault on Arkham (2014) is an animated film set two years before Arkham Asylum. It's not essential for the game series but enriches the Arkhamverse narrative. Available on HBO Max, it features voices by Kevin Conroy, Troy Baker, and Giancarlo Esposito.

Available on: HBO Max

Batman: Arkham Asylum

Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009) introduces the Arkhamverse with Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker. The game sees Batman tackling a breakout at Arkham Asylum orchestrated by the Joker, who aims to use a super-strength serum called Titan. Written by Paul Dini, this game set the standard for the series.

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

Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

Batman: Arkham City Lockdown (2011) is a mobile fighter set between Asylum and City. It features Batman dealing with another prison breakout and is no longer available for purchase.

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

Batman: Arkham City

Batman: Arkham City (2011) is set a year and a half after Asylum. It introduces Arkham City, a section of Gotham turned into a prison for criminals. Batman faces multiple threats, including the Joker's deteriorating health due to the Titan serum. Also written by Paul Dini.

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

Batman: Arkham VR

Batman: Arkham VR (2016) is a VR experience set before Arkham Knight, focusing on detective work as Batman investigates a murder. It features a brief runtime and stars Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill.

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

Batman: Arkham Knight

Batman: Arkham Knight (2015) concludes Rocksteady's trilogy with the largest Gotham yet and introduces the Batmobile. Set on Halloween, it follows Batman as he battles Scarecrow and the mysterious Arkham Knight while dealing with the aftermath of previous events.

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

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (2024) is a continuation of the Arkhamverse, shifting focus to Task Force X in Metropolis. Set five years after Arkham Knight, it promises to tie up loose ends from the series.

Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Every IGN Batman Game Review

48 Images

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 currently no announced projects in development for the Arkham series. Fans are hopeful for Rocksteady Studios' return to the franchise, especially after their work on Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Bloomberg reported that Rocksteady is exploring single-player games again, but no official announcements have been made yet.

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