How to Play the Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

The Batman: Arkham games stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Insomniac's Spider-Man as the pinnacle of comic book video games. Rocksteady Studios masterfully blended fluid freeflow combat, exceptional voice acting, and a breathtakingly realized Gotham City to create an unforgettable action-adventure superhero experience.

With a new VR entry in the Arkham series now available, many are revisiting (or discovering for the first time) these legendary Batman titles.

Jump to:

Chronological Order | Release Order

How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?

There are a total of 10 games within the Batman Arkhamverse. However, only eight are currently playable; two mobile titles have been removed from app stores.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

There are two primary approaches for newcomers: chronological order (starting with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins) or release order (Batman: Arkham Asylum). Chronological order might spoil elements of earlier games, while release order offers a more natural progression of gameplay mechanics and story evolution.

Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

Definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy, including all DLC.

Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

We'll explore two paths: chronological narrative and release date. Minor spoilers regarding broad plot points and character introductions are included.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Chronologically first, Batman: Arkham Origins (2013) depicts a younger, less experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty on Christmas Eve. He confronts a star-studded rogue's gallery including Joker, Black Mask, Penguin, and more. The ending subtly hints at Arkham Asylum's reopening, foreshadowing Rocksteady's subsequent game. Note that this game features different voice actors for Batman (Roger Craig Smith) and Joker (Troy Baker).

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 prison break. The game features Penguin, Black Mask, and Joker as primary antagonists.

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, is set in Blackgate Penitentiary between Origins/ Origins Blackgate and Asylum. This younger Batman confronts the Rat King alongside familiar faces like Jim Gordon and Harley Quinn.

Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld, a now-defunct mobile game, puts you in the role of a Gotham crime boss, managing villains and building a criminal empire. It's set before Arkham Asylum.

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set roughly two years before Arkham Asylum, focusing on a heist within Arkham Asylum. While not a game, it enhances the overall Arkhamverse narrative.

Available on: HBO Max

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady's debut, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces Kevin Conroy's Batman and Mark Hamill's Joker. The Joker's plot involves a super-strength serum and threats to Gotham.

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 fighting game set between Asylum and City, is no longer available.

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

7. Batman: Arkham City

Rocksteady's second game, Batman: Arkham City, takes place a year and a half after Asylum, featuring a sprawling prison within Gotham. Batman faces threats from Hugo Strange and a Joker grappling with the Titan serum's effects.

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, is set shortly before Arkham Knight, focusing on detective work and a murder investigation.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

Rocksteady's trilogy concludes with Batman: Arkham Knight, featuring a larger Gotham, expanded cast, and the Batmobile. Scarecrow and the mysterious Arkham Knight pose significant threats.

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, set five years after Arkham Knight, shifts the focus to Task Force X in Metropolis. While not featuring Batman, it's considered a continuation of the Arkhamverse.

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

Every IGN Batman Game Review

How to Play the Batman Arkham Games By Release Date

1. Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
2. Batman: Arkham City (2011)
3. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown (2011)
4. Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
5. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate (2013)
6. Batman: Assault on Arkham (2014)*
7. Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
8. Batman: Arkham Underworld (2016)
9. Batman: Arkham VR (2016)
10. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (2024)
11. Batman: Arkham Shadow (2024)

*Animated film

What's Next in the Arkham Series?

Following the release of Arkham Shadow, no future Arkham games are currently confirmed.

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