"Batman Arkham Games: Chronological Play Order Guide"

The Batman: Arkham games are widely regarded as some of the best comic book games ever made, standing alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man series. Rocksteady Studios masterfully combined exhilarating freeflow combat, exceptional voice acting, and a captivating rendition of Gotham City to produce an unparalleled series of action-adventure superhero games.

With the recent release of a new VR addition to the Arkham series, many fans 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 games 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 different ways to begin your journey with the Batman Arkham games. If you prefer to follow the story chronologically, start with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. However, since Origins was released after the initial game, it might spoil elements of the earlier titles. For a release order experience, you should begin with Batman: Arkham Asylum.

### 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 are two approaches to experiencing the Batman: Arkham games: by release date or by narrative chronology. Below, you'll find both paths outlined to help you decide.

These plot summaries are designed for newcomers and contain only mild spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Set on Christmas Eve in a snow-covered Gotham, Batman: Arkham Origins is the first game chronologically. It features a less-experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty on his head, attracting Gotham's most notorious criminals like the Joker, Black Mask, The Penguin, and more. The game's ending sets the stage for the reopening of Arkham Asylum, leading into Rocksteady’s subsequent title.

Origins features Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker, replacing the series' usual voices, Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. While Rocksteady established the Arkhamverse, Origins was developed by WB Montreal, the team behind Gotham Knights.

A mobile version of Arkham Origins was also released, which, while different in gameplay style—a brawler developed by Mortal Kombat studio NetherRealm—covers the same narrative points.

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-scrolling game, developed by Armature Studio, follows Batman as he investigates an explosion at Blackgate prison that has freed its inmates. The game is divided into three main areas, each controlled by notorious villains: Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker.

Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker return to voice Batman and the Joker.

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 takes place on July 4, seven months after *Origins* and four months after *Blackgate*. In this game, Batman, voiced again by Roger Craig Smith, confronts a new villain, The Rat King, along with familiar Gotham characters like Jim Gordon and others.

Shadow is the first Arkhamverse game developed by Camouflaj, known for Marvel's Iron Man VR.

Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

### Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

0See it at Amazon

4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game where you play as Gotham’s newest criminal mastermind, managing Batman's villains. Although set before Arkham Asylum, it has minimal impact on the overall Arkhamverse narrative. The game is no longer available for download, having been shut down in 2017.

Available on: N/A

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set in the Arkhamverse, occurring roughly two years before Arkham Asylum. While not essential for gamers, it enhances the broader narrative and is available on HBO Max. The film follows Batman's adversaries as they attempt to infiltrate Arkham Asylum.

Kevin Conroy and Troy Baker voice Batman and the Joker, with Giancarlo Esposito lending his voice to Black Spider.

Available on: HBO Max

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady's first Batman game, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces the Arkhamverse's version of Batman, voiced by Kevin Conroy. In this game, the Joker, with help from Harley Quinn, takes over the asylum to obtain the Titan serum. The story, penned by Paul Dini, features a rich cast including Commissioner Gordon, Scarecrow, Bane, and Poison Ivy.

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 set between Asylum and City, was the first Arkham mobile game released and developed by NetherRealm. It features familiar villains like the Joker, Harley Quinn, and Two-Face as Batman deals with another prison escape. The game is no longer available for purchase.

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

7. Batman: Arkham City

Batman: Arkham City, set a year and a half after Asylum, sees Mayor Quincy Sharp create Arkham City, a walled-off section of Gotham to house criminals. Batman must navigate this lawless area while thwarting Hugo Strange's plot and dealing with the Joker's deteriorating health due to the Titan serum.

The story was also written by Paul Dini.

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 the series' only virtual reality game, set before Arkham Knight. It focuses on detective work as Batman investigates the murder of a close ally. Featuring a brief ~90-minute runtime, it's a must-play for VR enthusiasts.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

Batman: Arkham Knight concludes Rocksteady's trilogy with the largest version of Gotham yet, introducing the fully playable Batmobile. Set on Halloween night, less than a year after City, the game deals with Scarecrow's fear toxin and the mysterious Arkham Knight. The campaign spans ~16 hours, with additional content for 100% completion.

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 Rocksteady's latest game, set five years after *Arkham Knight*. It shifts focus to Task Force X, with players exploring Metropolis as Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, or King Shark. It 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)*
• 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, there are no confirmed Batman Arkham games currently in development. Fans are hopeful for Rocksteady Studios' return to the series after nearly a decade, especially after reports of their interest in single-player games post-*Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League*.

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