How to Play the Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

The Batman: Arkham games stand alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man as the pinnacle of comic book video games. Rocksteady Studios masterfully combined fluid combat, exceptional voice acting, and a captivating portrayal of Gotham City to create an unforgettable superhero action-adventure series.

With a new VR entry in the Arkham series now available, many players might be eager to revisit (or experience for the first time) these iconic Batman titles.

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Chronological Play OrderRelease Order Play OrderThe Batman Arkham Game Lineup

The Batman Arkham universe boasts a total of 10 games. However, only eight are currently accessible, as two mobile titles have been discontinued.

Your Arkham Adventure: Where to Begin?

Newcomers to the Arkham series have a couple of options: A chronological playthrough starts with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. However, playing Origins first might spoil elements of the earlier games due to its later release date. Alternatively, a release date order begins with Batman: Arkham Asylum.

### Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

0Definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy, including all DLC.See it at AmazonChronological Order: The Arkham Story

Here are two approaches to experiencing the Batman: Arkham games: by release date or narratively. Both paths are detailed below. Plot summaries are kept brief to minimize spoilers.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Chronologically, 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins is the first. Set on Christmas Eve in a snow-dusted Gotham, a less experienced Batman faces a $50 million bounty, attracting top-tier villains like Joker, Black Mask, Penguin, and more. The game hints at Arkham Asylum's reopening, foreshadowing events in Rocksteady's game of the same name. Note that Roger Craig Smith voices Batman and Troy Baker portrays the Joker, differing from the usual Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal (Gotham Knights), not Rocksteady.

A mobile version exists, a distinct brawler from NetherRealm, but shares the core narrative.

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

2. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate follows three months later. A 2.5D side-scroller (developed by Armature Studio), it deviates from the main series' third-person perspective. Batman investigates Blackgate Penitentiary after a prison break. He explores areas controlled by Penguin, Black Mask, and Joker, encountering Catwoman, Amanda Waller, and Rick Flag. Smith and 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, the second VR title, primarily unfolds in Blackgate Penitentiary, bridging Origins/Origins Blackgate and Asylum—specifically on July 4th, seven months after Origins. Smith returns as Batman, facing the Rat King. Gordon, Quinzel, Crane, Wesker, and Barbra Gordon also appear. Developed by Camouflaj (Marvel's Iron Man VR).

Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

### Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

0See it at Amazon4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld, a now-defunct mobile game (discontinued in 2017), casts the player as a Gotham crime boss, commanding villains like Harley Quinn and Killer Croc. Conroy returns as Batman. Its placement in the timeline is before Arkham Asylum, but its narrative impact is minimal.

5. Batman: Assault on Arkham

Batman: Assault on Arkham, an animated film, is set roughly two years before Arkham Asylum. While optional for those solely focused on the games, it enriches the overall Arkhamverse narrative. It's available on HBO Max and follows Harley, Joker, and others infiltrating Arkham Asylum. Conroy and Baker reprise their roles, with Giancarlo Esposito as Black Spider.

Available on: HBO Max

6. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady's debut Arkham game introduces Conroy's Batman and Hamill's Joker. The Joker, aided by Harley Quinn, infiltrates the asylum for a super-strength serum, Titan, while threatening Gotham with bombs. The cast includes Gordon, Scarecrow, Bane, and Poison Ivy. Written by Paul Dini.

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

7. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

Batman: Arkham City Lockdown, a fighter released after Arkham City, is set between Asylum and City. It features Hamill's Joker, Harley Quinn, Two-Face, and others, and is no longer available for purchase.

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

8. Batman: Arkham City

Rocksteady's second game, Batman: Arkham City, occurs a year and a half after Asylum. Mayor Sharp creates Arkham City, a walled-off criminal zone. Batman navigates this lawless area, confronting Hugo Strange and the Joker, suffering from the effects of the Titan serum. Written by Paul Dini.

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

9. Batman: Arkham VR

Batman: Arkham VR, a VR title, is set shortly before Arkham Knight. It focuses on detective work as Batman investigates a murder. The supporting cast includes Robin, Nightwing, Alfred, Penguin, Killer Croc, and Joker (Conroy and Hamill).

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

10. Batman: Arkham Knight

Rocksteady's trilogy finale, Batman: Arkham Knight, takes place on Halloween, featuring Scarecrow's fear toxin and the mysterious Arkham Knight. The game includes a fully playable Batmobile. The cast includes Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Penguin, and others.

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

11. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Rocksteady's latest, set five years after Arkham Knight, shifts focus to Task Force X in Metropolis. It's considered a continuation of the Arkhamverse.

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

Every IGN Batman Game Review

48 ImagesRelease Order: The Arkham Timeline

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

The Future of Arkham

Following Arkham Shadow's release, no new Arkham games are currently announced. Fans hope Rocksteady will return to the series after a long absence.

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