The Batman: Arkham series stands tall alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man games as the pinnacle of comic book video game adaptations. Rocksteady Studios masterfully crafted this series, merging dynamic freeflow combat, exceptional voice acting, and a richly detailed Gotham City into an unforgettable action-adventure superhero experience. With a new VR addition to the Arkham series recently released, it's 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
There are a total of 10 games in the Batman Arkhamverse. However, only eight are currently playable, 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 options on where to start. For a chronological journey, you'd begin with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, though starting here might spoil some elements of the earlier released games. If you prefer to follow the series by release date, Batman: Arkham Asylum is your entry point.
### Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)
0The definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy, including all post-launch content.
See it at AmazonBatman Arkham Games in Chronological Order
We've outlined two ways to experience the Batman: Arkham series: by release date or by narrative chronology. Both paths are detailed below, with brief plot summaries that avoid major spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.
- Batman: Arkham Origins
Chronologically, the journey begins with Batman: Arkham Origins (2013), set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham. This game features a less experienced Batman with a $50 million bounty on his head, attracting Gotham's notorious criminals like the Joker, Black Mask, and Bane. The game sets the stage for future events by hinting at the reopening of Arkham Asylum. Notably, Roger Craig Smith voices Batman and Troy Baker voices the Joker in this title, developed by WB Montreal.
A mobile version of Arkham Origins was also released, featuring different gameplay as a brawler but covering the same narrative.
Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Origins Wiki
- Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate is set three months after Origins. This 2.5D side-scroller, developed by Armature Studio, sees Batman investigating an explosion at Blackgate Prison, confronting villains like Penguin, Black Mask, 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
- Batman: Arkham Shadow
Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S
### Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition
0See it at Amazon4. Batman: Arkham Underworld
Batman: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game where you play as Gotham's new criminal mastermind, managing villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Though set before Arkham Asylum, 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, two years before Arkham Asylum. While not necessary for the game narrative, it's a fun addition for those wanting the full Arkham experience. Available on HBO Max, it features Kevin Conroy as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker.
Available on: HBO Max
- Batman: Arkham Asylum
Rocksteady's first entry, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces the Arkhamverse with Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker. Set in Arkham Asylum, Batman must stop the Joker's plan involving a super-strength serum called Titan.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Asylum Wiki
- Batman: Arkham City Lockdown
Batman: Arkham City Lockdown is a mobile fighter released shortly after Arkham City, set between Asylum and City. It's no longer available, but it featured many familiar faces like the Joker and Harley Quinn.
Available on: N/A | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Lockdown Wiki
- Batman: Arkham City
Set a year and a half after Asylum, Batman: Arkham City explores a new section of Gotham turned into a prison for criminals. Batman faces threats from Hugo Strange and the Joker, who's suffering from the effects of Titan.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Wiki
- Batman: Arkham VR
Batman: Arkham VR is the series' first VR title, set just before Arkham Knight. It's a short, narrative-driven detective game where Batman investigates a murder.
Available on: VR | IGN’s Batman: Arkham VR Wiki
- Batman: Arkham Knight
Batman: Arkham Knight concludes Rocksteady's trilogy with an expansive Gotham and the introduction of the Batmobile. Set on Halloween night, Batman faces threats from Scarecrow and the mysterious Arkham Knight.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Knight Wiki
- Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Every IGN Batman Game Review
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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, no new Batman Arkham games are currently in development. Fans are eager for Rocksteady Studios to return to the series after their focus on *Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League*. While there have been reports of Rocksteady pitching new single-player games, no official announcements have been made regarding their next project.Related Content:
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