Batman Arkham Games: Chronological Play Order Revealed

The Batman: Arkham series, crafted by Rocksteady Studios, stands as a pinnacle of comic book gaming, rivaling the excellence of Insomniac's Spider-Man titles. These games masterfully combine fluid freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a richly detailed Gotham City to deliver an unparalleled action-adventure experience for superhero fans.

With the recent release of a new VR addition to the Arkham series, now is the perfect time 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?

The Batman Arkhamverse encompasses a total of 10 games. However, only eight of these are currently accessible, as two mobile titles have been discontinued and removed from app stores.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

Newcomers to the series have two primary paths to explore: chronological story order or release order. Starting with the story's timeline leads you to 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, though this could potentially spoil elements of the earlier games. Alternatively, following the release order begins with Batman: Arkham Asylum.

Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

0

Definitive 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 ways to experience the Batman: Arkham series: by narrative chronology or by release date. Both paths are detailed below, with mild spoilers limited to broad plot points and character introductions for newcomers.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

The first game in the chronological timeline is 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, it features a less seasoned Batman facing a $50 million bounty on his head, attracting Gotham's notorious criminals like the Joker, Black Mask, and others. The game's conclusion teases the reopening of Arkham Asylum, setting the stage for future events. Notably, Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker voice Batman and the Joker, respectively, in this title developed by WB Montreal.

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-scroller, developed by Armature Studio, has Batman investigating an explosion at Blackgate prison, navigating areas controlled by villains like Penguin and the Joker. 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 is the second VR game in the Arkhamverse, set between Origins and Asylum on July 4th. Roger Craig Smith voices Batman as he confronts a new villain, The Rat King, alongside familiar faces like Jim Gordon and others. Developed by Camouflaj, this game is exclusive to Meta Quest 3 and 3S.

Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

0

See it at Amazon

4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game where players assume the role of a criminal mastermind in Gotham, managing villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Set before Arkham Asylum, it's no longer available for download, having been shut down in 2017.

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set in the Arkhamverse, occurring two years before Arkham Asylum. While not essential for the game series, it enriches the narrative and is available on HBO Max.

Available on: HBO Max

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady's inaugural Batman game, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces the Arkhamverse's Batman, voiced by Kevin Conroy. The game follows Batman as he navigates an asylum takeover orchestrated by the Joker, voiced by Mark Hamill, and other villains.

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, is set between Asylum and City. It features Batman tackling another prison escape, with familiar villains like the Joker and Harley Quinn. This 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 Batman navigating the newly established Arkham City, a section of Gotham for criminals. The game involves thwarting Hugo Strange's plot and dealing with the Joker's deteriorating health due to the Titan serum.

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

8. Batman: Arkham VR

Batman: Arkham VR, the series' first VR game, is set before Arkham Knight. It focuses on Batman's detective skills as he investigates a murder, featuring a compact 90-minute narrative.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

Batman: Arkham Knight concludes Rocksteady's trilogy, featuring the largest Gotham yet and introducing the Batmobile. Set on Halloween night, it follows Batman as he battles 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, set five years after Arkham Knight, shifts focus to Task Force X in Metropolis. It's a continuation of the Arkhamverse, available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

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

Every IGN Batman Game Review

48 Images

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 upcoming Batman Arkham games. Fans are eager for Rocksteady Studios to return to the series, especially after their focus on single-player games post-Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. However, no official announcements have been made regarding their next project.

Related Content:

• God of War Games in Order and Final Fantasy Games in Order
• Take a look at our rankings for the best Batman movies and the best Batman comics of all time
• Shop Batman merch from the IGN Store