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 captivating rendition of Gotham City, delivering an unparalleled action-adventure experience for superhero fans.
With the recent addition of a new VR game to the Arkham series, now is the perfect time 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?
The Batman Arkhamverse encompasses a total of 10 games. However, only eight of these 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 two primary paths to explore: playing in chronological order or by release date. If you choose the chronological route, you'll start with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, which, despite being released later, is set earlier in the timeline. However, starting with Batman: Arkham Origins might spoil elements of the earlier games. For a release order experience, begin 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 approach 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.
- Batman: Arkham Origins
The first game in the chronological order is 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, it features a less-experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty on his head, attracting Gotham's notorious criminals like the Joker, Black Mask, and others. The game's ending teases the reopening of Arkham Asylum, setting the stage for future events. Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker voice Batman and the Joker, respectively, in this title developed by WB Montreal. A mobile version, a brawler by NeatherRealm, also exists but plays differently while hitting the same narrative points.
Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Origins Wiki
- Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate
Set three months after Origins, Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate is a 2.5D side-scroller developed by Armature Studio. Batman investigates an explosion at Blackgate Prison, navigating areas controlled by 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
Batman: Arkham Shadow is the second VR game in the Arkhamverse, set between Origins and Asylum on July 4. Roger Craig Smith voices Batman as he confronts The Rat King, with other Gotham characters like Jim Gordon and Harlene Quinzel making appearances. Developed by Camouflaj, it's available on Meta Quest 3 and 3S.
Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition
0
See it at Amazon
- Batman: Arkham Underworld
Batman: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game where players take on 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, two years before Arkham Asylum. While not essential for the game series, it enriches the narrative and is available on HBO Max. It features Batman's adversaries in a heist at Arkham Asylum, with Kevin Conroy and Troy Baker voicing Batman and the Joker, respectively.
Available on: HBO Max
- Batman: Arkham Asylum
Rocksteady's debut Batman game, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces the Arkhamverse's Batman, voiced by Kevin Conroy. Set after the previous entries in the chronology, it's the first released. Mark Hamill's Joker orchestrates chaos at the asylum, with Batman facing numerous villains alone.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Asylum Wiki
- 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 dealing with another prison escape, voiced by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Unfortunately, it's no longer available for purchase.
Available on: N/A | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Lockdown Wiki
- Batman: Arkham City
Batman: Arkham City, set a year and a half after Asylum, introduces Arkham City, a walled-off section of Gotham for criminals. Batman navigates this lawless area, facing 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
- Batman: Arkham VR
Batman: Arkham VR, the series' first VR game, is set before Arkham Knight. It focuses on detective work as Batman investigates a murder, featuring a rich cast including Robin and the Joker.
Available on: VR | IGN’s Batman: Arkham VR Wiki
- Batman: Arkham Knight
Batman: Arkham Knight concludes Rocksteady's trilogy, set on Halloween night after City. It introduces the Batmobile and features Batman facing Scarecrow's fear toxin and the mysterious Arkham Knight. The game's campaign wraps up multiple storylines.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Knight Wiki
- 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, promising to tie up loose ends from previous games.
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 Batman Arkham games 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 projects, no official announcements have been made.
Related Content:
- God of War Games in Order and Final Fantasy Games in Order
- Best Batman movies and best Batman comics of all time
- Shop Batman merch from the IGN Store
