How to Play the Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

The Batman: Arkham games stand alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man as the pinnacle of comic book game adaptations. Rocksteady Studios masterfully combined fluid combat, exceptional voice acting, and a captivating portrayal of Gotham City to create an unforgettable superhero action-adventure series.

With a new VR entry in the Arkham universe now available, many might be eager to revisit (or experience for the first time) these critically acclaimed Batman titles.

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Chronological Play OrderRelease Order Play OrderExploring the Batman Arkham Game Universe

The Batman Arkhamverse boasts a total of 10 games. However, only eight are currently accessible; two mobile titles have been discontinued.

Your Arkham Adventure: Where to Begin?

Newcomers to the series have two primary options: chronological order or release order. A chronological playthrough begins with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, but this might spoil elements of earlier games. Starting with Batman: Arkham Asylum (release order) provides a more traditional experience.

### Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

0Definitive editions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy, including all DLC.See it at AmazonChronological Order: Unraveling the Arkham Story

Here are two approaches to experiencing the Batman: Arkham games: by release date or narratively. Both paths are detailed below, with minimal spoilers to preserve the enjoyment of newcomers.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Chronologically first, Batman: Arkham Origins (2013) depicts a younger, less experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty on his head. He confronts Gotham's elite criminals, including Joker, Black Mask, Penguin, and more. The game subtly foreshadows the events of Arkham Asylum. Note that Origins features Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as Joker, differing from the iconic Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal.

A distinct mobile version exists, a brawler developed by NetherRealm Studios.

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 is a 2.5D side-scroller. Batman investigates Blackgate Penitentiary following a mass breakout. The game features Penguin, Black Mask, and Joker as antagonists.

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

3. Batman: Arkham Shadow

Batman: Arkham Shadow, the second VR title, primarily unfolds in Blackgate Penitentiary, bridging the gap between Origins/Origins Blackgate and Asylum.

Roger Craig Smith returns as Batman, confronting the Rat King.

Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

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

0See it at Amazon4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld, a now-defunct mobile game, casts the player as a Gotham crime boss, recruiting villains like Harley Quinn and Killer Croc. Kevin Conroy returns as Batman. Its narrative relevance to the main Arkham storyline is minimal.

Available on: N/A

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set approximately two years before Arkham Asylum. It focuses on Batman's villains infiltrating Arkham Asylum.

Kevin Conroy and Troy Baker reprise their roles.

Available on: HBO Max

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady's debut Arkham title introduces Kevin Conroy's Batman and Mark Hamill's Joker. The Joker's plot to unleash chaos within Arkham Asylum forms the core narrative.

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

6. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

A mobile fighting game set between Asylum and City, Arkham City Lockdown is no longer available for purchase.

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

7. Batman: Arkham City

Rocksteady's second installment, Arkham City, expands the setting to a walled-off section of Gotham. Batman confronts Hugo Strange and a Titan-serum-affected 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 is a VR experience set shortly before Arkham Knight, focusing on detective work.

Conroy and Hamill reprise their roles.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

Rocksteady's concluding chapter to their trilogy introduces the Arkham Knight and features a playable Batmobile.

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

10. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Rocksteady's latest, while shifting focus to the Suicide Squad in Metropolis, is considered a continuation of the Arkhamverse.

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

IGN's Batman Game Reviews

48 ImagesRelease Order: A Journey Through Arkham's History

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)

The Future of Arkham

Following Arkham Shadow's release, no further Arkham games are currently announced. Fans eagerly anticipate Rocksteady's return to the series after a significant hiatus.

Related:

God of War Game OrderFinal Fantasy Game OrderBest Batman MoviesBest Batman ComicsIGN Store Batman Merchandise