Batman Arkham Games: Chronological Play Order Revealed

The Batman: Arkham series stands alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man as the pinnacle of comic book video games. Rocksteady Studios masterfully combined exhilarating freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a captivating portrayal of Gotham City to deliver an unparalleled set of action-adventure superhero experiences.

With the recent addition of a new VR game to the Arkham series, fans and newcomers alike might be eager to dive into—or revisit—these iconic Batman adventures.

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 games are currently playable, as two mobile titles have been removed from app stores.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

Newcomers to the series have multiple entry points. For a chronological experience, start with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, though be aware that it may spoil elements of the earlier games. Alternatively, to follow the release order, begin with Batman: Arkham Asylum.

Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

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Definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy games, including all post-launch content.

See it at Amazon

Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

Here's how to experience the Batman: Arkham games, either by narrative timeline or release date. These brief plot summaries include mild spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

   

   Set on a snowy Christmas Eve, Batman: Arkham Origins introduces a younger, less experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty on his head, attracting Gotham's notorious criminals like the Joker and Bane. The game's conclusion sets the stage for the events in Arkham Asylum. 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

   

   Three months after Origins, Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate shifts to a 2.5D side-scrolling format. Batman investigates an explosion at Blackgate Prison, navigating areas controlled by villains like Penguin and the Joker. Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker return to 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 game in the series, is set between Origins/Origins Blackgate and Asylum. It occurs on July 4th, featuring Batman, voiced by Roger Craig Smith, confronting the Rat King. Developed by Camouflaj, it includes familiar faces like Jim Gordon and Barbra Gordon.

   Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

   

   Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

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   See it at Amazon

4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

   

   In Batman: Arkham Underworld, you play as Gotham’s newest criminal mastermind, managing villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Set before Arkham Asylum, the game is no longer available as it was shut down in 2017.

   Available on: N/A

   Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

   

   The animated film Batman: Assault on Arkham takes place roughly two years before Arkham Asylum. It's a great addition to the Arkhamverse narrative, available on HBO Max, and features Kevin Conroy and Troy Baker voicing Batman and the Joker.

   Available on: HBO Max

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

   

   Rocksteady's inaugural Batman game, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces players to the Arkhamverse with Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker. Batman must thwart the Joker's plan to unleash chaos within the asylum.

   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, takes place between Asylum and City. It's no longer available but featured Batman tackling another prison escape.

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

7. Batman: Arkham City

   

   A year and a half after Asylum, Batman: Arkham City sees Batman navigating a walled-off section of Gotham filled with criminals. He faces threats from Hugo Strange and the deteriorating Joker.

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

8. Batman: Arkham VR

   

   Set before Arkham Knight, Batman: Arkham VR focuses on detective work as Batman investigates a murder. It's a brief but worthwhile VR experience.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

   

   The final chapter of Rocksteady's trilogy, Batman: Arkham Knight features the largest Gotham City to date and introduces the Batmobile. Batman confronts Scarecrow and the enigmatic Arkham Knight.

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

10. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

    Rocksteady's latest venture, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, continues the Arkhamverse narrative. Set five years after Arkham Knight, players control members of Task Force X in Metropolis.

    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 hopeful for Rocksteady Studios' return to the series, especially after reports of their focus on single-player games post-Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.

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