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 universe now available, you might be eager to revisit (or begin) this acclaimed Batman saga.

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Chronological Play OrderRelease Order Play OrderExploring the Batman Arkham Universe: How Many Games?

The Batman Arkhamverse encompasses 10 games. However, only eight are currently accessible; two mobile titles have been discontinued.

Your Arkham Adventure: Where to Begin?

Newcomers can approach the Arkham series in two ways: chronologically or by release date. A chronological playthrough starts with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, but this might spoil earlier entries. A release-date approach begins with Batman: Arkham Asylum.

### Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

0Definitive editions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy, including all DLC.See it at AmazonChronological Order: A Narrative Journey

Here are two approaches to experiencing the Batman: Arkham games: by release date or narratively. Both paths are detailed below, with minimal spoilers.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Chronologically first, Batman: Arkham Origins (2013) depicts a younger, less experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty. He confronts Gotham's elite criminals: Joker, Black Mask, Penguin, Mad Hatter, Bane, Deadshot, Firefly, and Killer Croc. The game hints at Arkham Asylum's reopening, foreshadowing Rocksteady's Arkham Asylum.

Origins features Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker, replacing the usual Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal, it differs from the Rocksteady titles. A mobile version, a distinct brawler, also exists.

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

2. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

Set three months after Origins, Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate is a 2.5D side-scroller. Batman investigates Blackgate Penitentiary following an explosion that frees its inmates. He explores areas controlled by Penguin, Black Mask, and Joker. Catwoman, Amanda Waller, and Rick Flag also appear.

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, is set in Blackgate Penitentiary between Origins/Origins Blackgate and Asylum – July 4th, seven months after Origins. Batman confronts the Rat King, alongside familiar characters like Jim Gordon and Harley Quinn.

Developed by Camouflaj.

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, lets you command Batman's villains. It's set before Arkham Asylum but is narratively inconsequential.

Available on: N/A

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set roughly two years before Arkham Asylum, focusing on Batman's adversaries infiltrating Arkham Asylum. It's available to stream on HBO Max.

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady's debut, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces Kevin Conroy's Batman and Mark Hamill's Joker. The Joker, aided by Harley Quinn, infiltrates the asylum to acquire Titan, a super-strength serum.

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

6. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

A fighter set between Asylum and City, Batman: Arkham City Lockdown (now unavailable) features a prison break Batman must resolve.

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

7. Batman: Arkham City

Batman: Arkham City (a year and a half after Asylum) sees Batman navigating Arkham City, a walled-off criminal zone, while thwarting Hugo Strange's schemes and confronting the Joker's Titan-related issues.

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

8. Batman: Arkham VR

Batman: Arkham VR (before Arkham Knight) is a detective-focused VR experience.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

Rocksteady's trilogy finale, Batman: Arkham Knight, features a larger Gotham, a diverse cast, and the Batmobile. Scarecrow threatens Gotham with fear toxin, while the Arkham Knight emerges.

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

10. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Set five years after Arkham Knight, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League shifts focus to Task Force X in Metropolis. It's a continuation of the Arkhamverse.

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

IGN Batman Game Reviews

48 ImagesRelease Date Play Order

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)

The Future of Arkham

Following Arkham Shadow, there are no announced Arkham games in development. Fans hope Rocksteady will return to the series.