"Batman Arkham Games: Chronological Play Order Guide"

The Batman: Arkham games stand as some of the best comic book adaptations ever crafted, rivaling even Insomniac's acclaimed Spider-Man series. Rocksteady Studios masterfully combined seamless freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a vividly realized Gotham City to deliver a trio of unforgettable action-adventure superhero experiences.

With the recent release of a new VR addition to the Arkham series, fans old and new might be eager to dive into, or revisit, these iconic Batman games.

Jump to:

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

How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?

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

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

For newcomers to the series, there are multiple entry points. If you wish to follow the story in chronological order, start with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. However, since Origins was released after the initial game, it might spoil some elements of the earlier entries. Alternatively, playing by release date would mean starting with Batman: Arkham Asylum.

Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

0

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

See it at Amazon

Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

We've outlined two ways to experience the Batman: Arkham series: by release date or by narrative timeline. Both paths are detailed below, with mild spoilers limited to broad plot points and character introductions to help guide new players.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Set on a snowy Christmas Eve, Batman: Arkham Origins is the chronological starting point of the series. Here, a less experienced Batman contends with a $50 million bounty on his head, attracting Gotham's most notorious villains, including the Joker, Black Mask, and Bane. The game's conclusion hints at 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

Set three months after Origins, Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate takes a different approach as a 2.5D side-scrolling adventure developed by Armature Studio. Batman investigates a prison explosion that frees its inmates, navigating areas controlled by Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker, with Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker returning to 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

The second VR game in the Arkhamverse, Batman: Arkham Shadow, is set between Origins and Asylum. It takes place on July 4th, seven months after Origins. Roger Craig Smith voices a younger Batman, who faces The Rat King and other familiar Gotham figures like Jim Gordon and Harley Quinn. Developed by Camouflaj, the game is exclusive to Meta Quest 3 and 3S.

Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

0

See it at Amazon

4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game where players assume the role of a criminal mastermind in Gotham, recruiting villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Set before Arkham Asylum, it's no longer available for download, having been shut down in 2017.

5. Batman: Assault on Arkham

Basketball: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set in the Arkhamverse, occurring two years before Arkham Asylum. It's not essential for the game series but enriches the overall narrative and is available on HBO Max.

Available on: HBO Max

6. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady's debut in the series, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces players to Kevin Conroy's Batman. Mark Hamill's Joker orchestrates chaos within the asylum, with Batman navigating threats from Harley Quinn, Scarecrow, and others. The story, penned by Paul Dini, sets the tone for the Arkhamverse.

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

7. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

Basketball: Arkham City Lockdown is a mobile fighter released after Arkham City, set between Asylum and City. It features Batman dealing with another prison breakout, with voice talents including Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Unfortunately, it's no longer available for purchase.

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

8. Batman: Arkham City

Set a year and a half after Asylum, Batman: Arkham City expands the setting to a walled-off section of Gotham housing criminals. Batman faces Hugo Strange's overarching plot and the Joker's deteriorating health due to the Titan serum. Paul Dini once again delivers a compelling narrative.

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

9. Batman: Arkham VR

Basketball: Arkham VR is a narrative-driven VR game set shortly before Arkham Knight. Players take on detective work to solve a murder mystery, featuring familiar characters like Robin and the Joker, voiced by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill.

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

10. Batman: Arkham Knight

The trilogy's conclusion, Batman: Arkham Knight, features the largest Gotham City yet and introduces the Batmobile. Set on Halloween night, Batman battles Scarecrow's fear toxin and the enigmatic Arkham Knight, amidst his own internal struggles stemming from previous games.

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

11. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Rocksteady's latest venture, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, is a continuation of the Arkhamverse, set five years after Arkham Knight. Players control members of Task Force X in Metropolis, exploring new narratives and threads from previous games.

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 Arkham Shadow last October, no new Batman Arkham games are currently in development. Fans are eager to see Rocksteady Studios return to the series, with rumors suggesting the studio is pitching new single-player projects.

Related Content:

• God of War Games in Order and Final Fantasy Games in Order
• Best Batman movies and best Batman comics of all time
• Shop Batman merch from the IGN Store