How to Play the Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

The Batman: Arkham series stands alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man games as some of the finest comic book adaptations in gaming history. Rocksteady Studios crafted a remarkable blend of dynamic freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a vivid depiction of Gotham City, resulting in a legendary series of action-adventure superhero games.

With the recent launch of a new VR title in the Arkham series, fans and newcomers alike may 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 app stores.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

For those new to the series, there are two main approaches to start your journey: by following the story chronologically, which begins with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, or by release date, starting with the original Batman: Arkham Asylum. Choosing Origins first might spoil some elements of the earlier games, so consider your preference carefully.

### Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

0The definitive editions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy, including all post-launch content, are available for purchase. See it at Amazon.

Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

Here are two ways to experience the Batman: Arkham games: by release date or by narrative chronology. We've tailored these options to be friendly for newcomers, with minimal spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Chronologically, the first game is 2013’s Batman: Arkham Origins. Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, it follows a younger, less experienced Batman dealing with a $50 million bounty on his head. This draws a host of Gotham's notorious villains, including the Joker, Black Mask, The Penguin, and others. The game's ending teases the reopening of Arkham Asylum, setting the stage for future events.

Origins features Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker, stepping in for the iconic duo of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. While Rocksteady established the Arkhamverse, Origins was developed by WB Montreal, creators of Gotham Knights. A mobile version was also released, which, despite its brawler gameplay, follows the same narrative.

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. It shifts to a 2.5D side-scrolling format, developed by Armature Studio, known for Resident Evil 4 VR. In Blackgate, Batman investigates an explosion at the prison, navigating areas controlled by villains like Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker. Other key characters include Catwoman, Amanda Waller, and Rick Flag.

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* is the second VR game in the series, set between *Origins/Origins Blackgate* and *Asylum*, specifically on July 4th, seven months after *Origins*. Roger Craig Smith voices the younger Batman as he confronts a new villain, The Rat King, alongside Gotham staples like Jim Gordon, Doctors Harlene Quinzel and Jonathan Crane, and others.

Shadow marks the first Arkhamverse game by Camouflaj, the studio behind 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 players take on the role of a new criminal mastermind in Gotham, commanding villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Though set before Arkham Asylum, it has minimal impact on the overarching narrative and is no longer available for download, having been shut down in 2017.

5. Batman: Assault on Arkham

Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set in the Arkhamverse, two years before Arkham Asylum. While skippable for those focused solely on games, it adds depth to the universe and is available on HBO Max. The film, which received a high rating from IGN, follows Batman's adversaries infiltrating Arkham Asylum.

Kevin Conroy and Troy Baker lend their voices to Batman and the Joker, with Giancarlo Esposito voicing Black Spider.

Available on: HBO Max

6. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady’s debut in the series, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces players to the Arkhamverse's Batman, voiced by Kevin Conroy. Set as the fourth game chronologically but the first released, it features Mark Hamill as the Joker, who, with Harley Quinn's help, takes over the asylum to obtain the Titan serum. Batman must thwart the Joker's plan while facing various villains alone.

Written by Paul Dini, the game is available on multiple platforms and has an extensive wiki on IGN.

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

7. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

Batman: Arkham City Lockdown, released shortly after Arkham City, is a mobile fighter set between Asylum and City. It features many familiar faces, including the Joker (Mark Hamill) and Batman (Kevin Conroy), as they deal with another prison breakout. This game is no longer available for purchase.

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

8. Batman: Arkham City

Batman: Arkham City, Rocksteady’s second main entry, is set a year and a half after Asylum. It introduces Arkham City, a walled-off section of Gotham for criminals, where Batman must navigate to stop Hugo Strange's plot and deal with the deteriorating health of the Joker due to the Titan serum.

Also penned by Paul Dini, Arkham City is available on several platforms and has an extensive IGN wiki.

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 the series' only virtual reality game, set shortly before Arkham Knight. It focuses on detective work as Batman investigates the murder of an ally. With a runtime of about 90 minutes, it's a narrative-driven experience featuring key characters and is available on VR platforms.

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

10. Batman: Arkham Knight

Batman: Arkham Knight concludes Rocksteady's trilogy, featuring the largest Gotham and a playable Batmobile. Set on Halloween, less than a year after City, it pits Batman against Scarecrow's fear toxin and the mysterious Arkham Knight, while he battles his own internal struggles.

With a campaign lasting around 16 hours and additional content to unlock the true ending, Arkham Knight is available on multiple platforms and has an extensive IGN wiki.

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

11. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Rocksteady’s latest addition, *Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League*, expands the Arkhamverse beyond Gotham, focusing on Task Force X in Metropolis. Set five years after *Arkham Knight*, it promises to tie up loose ends from the previous games. Players can control Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, or King Shark.

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, there are no confirmed new Batman Arkham games in development. Fans are hopeful for Rocksteady Studios' return 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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