How to Play the Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

The Batman: Arkham series stands tall as one of the premier comic book game franchises, rivaling even Insomniac's acclaimed Spider-Man series. Rocksteady Studios masterfully crafted the Arkham games, delivering a compelling blend of dynamic freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a richly detailed Gotham City, making these titles some of the most memorable action-adventure superhero experiences available.

With the recent release of a new VR addition to the Arkham series, fans and newcomers alike may find themselves eager to dive into or revisit these iconic games.

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How to play in chronological orderHow to play by release orderHow Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?

In total, the Batman Arkhamverse comprises 10 games. However, only eight of these are currently accessible to players, as two mobile titles have been discontinued and removed from app stores.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

New players have several entry points into the Batman Arkham series. For a chronological experience, start with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, though be aware it might reveal some plot points from earlier games. For a release order playthrough, begin with Batman: Arkham Asylum, the first game released in the series.

### Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

0The definitive edition of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy, complete with all post-launch content. See it at AmazonBatman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

We offer two paths to explore the Batman: Arkham series: by narrative chronology or by release date. Both approaches are detailed below, designed with newcomers in mind and featuring minimal spoilers.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Chronologically, the journey begins with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, this game features a younger, less seasoned Batman facing a $50 million bounty on his head, attracting the likes of the Joker, Black Mask, The Penguin, and others. The game's conclusion hints at the reopening of Arkham Asylum, setting the stage for future events. Notably, Roger Craig Smith voices Batman, and Troy Baker voices the Joker, differing from the usual Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal, this game expands the Arkhamverse originally established by Rocksteady.

A mobile version of Arkham Origins also exists, offering a different brawler-style gameplay but hitting similar 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 follows three months after Origins and shifts to a 2.5D side-scrolling format developed by Armature Studio. In this game, Batman investigates an explosion at Blackgate prison that has freed its inmates, facing off against Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker. Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker reprise their roles as 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*, the second VR game in the Arkhamverse, is set between *Origins/Origins Blackgate* and *Asylum*, specifically on July 4. Roger Craig Smith voices a youthful Batman confronting a new villain, The Rat King, alongside familiar faces like Jim Gordon and others. Developed by Camouflaj, this game brings a fresh VR perspective to the series.

Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

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

0See it at Amazon4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld places you in the role of Gotham's new criminal mastermind, managing villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Set before Arkham Asylum, its narrative impact is minimal, and unfortunately, it's no longer available to download, having been shut down in 2017.

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set in the Arkhamverse, roughly two years before Arkham Asylum. While not essential for game players, it enriches the overall narrative and is available on HBO Max. The film focuses on Batman's adversaries attempting to break into Arkham Asylum, featuring voice talents like Kevin Conroy and Giancarlo Esposito.

Available on: HBO Max

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham Asylum introduces players to the Arkhamverse, with Kevin Conroy voicing Batman. Mark Hamill's Joker orchestrates chaos at the asylum, seeking a super-strength serum called Titan. This game is the first released but fourth in the chronology.

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 released shortly after Arkham City, bridges the gap between Asylum and City. It features familiar characters and another prison breakout scenario, though it's 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, follows Batman in the new, walled-off Arkham City, combating Hugo Strange’s sinister plans and the lingering effects of the Titan serum on the Joker.

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

8. Batman: Arkham VR

Batman: Arkham VR, a VR experience set before Arkham Knight, focuses on detective work as Batman investigates a murder. It's a short, narrative-driven game worth exploring for VR enthusiasts.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

Batman: Arkham Knight, the final chapter in Rocksteady's trilogy, expands Gotham and introduces the Batmobile. Set on Halloween, it follows Batman's battle against Scarecrow's fear toxin and the mysterious Arkham Knight.

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*, though focused on Task Force X in Metropolis, is officially part of the Arkhamverse, set five years after *Arkham Knight*. It promises to tie up loose ends from previous games.

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

Every IGN Batman Game Review

48 ImagesHow 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 hopeful that Rocksteady Studios, absent from the series for nearly a decade, might return to develop a new single-player game, as hinted by recent reports.

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