Batman Arkham Games: Chronological Play Order Guide
The Batman: Arkham series stands alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man as the pinnacle of comic book gaming, thanks to Rocksteady Studios' masterful blend of dynamic freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a captivating vision of Gotham City. These elements come together to create a series of action-adventure superhero games that have left an indelible mark on the genre.
With the recent release of a new VR game in the Arkham series, fans both new and old might be eager to dive into (or revisit) these iconic Batman experiences.
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 of these are currently accessible, as two mobile games have been discontinued and removed from app stores.
Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?
For newcomers, there are several ways to begin your journey through the Batman Arkham series. If you wish to follow the story in chronological order, start with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. Be aware, though, that starting here might spoil elements of the earlier released games. Alternatively, to experience the series as it unfolded, begin with Batman: Arkham Asylum, the first game released in the series.
### Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)
0The definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy, including all post-launch content, can be found here: See it at AmazonBatman Arkham Games in Chronological Order
We've outlined two paths for playing the Batman: Arkham games: by release date or by narrative chronology. Both approaches are valid, and each is detailed below. These summaries keep spoilers to a minimum, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.
- Batman: Arkham Origins
Chronologically, the first game is 2013’s Batman: Arkham Origins. Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, it features a less seasoned Batman facing a $50 million bounty on his head, attracting the likes of the Joker, Black Mask, The Penguin, Mad Hatter, Bane, Deadshot, Firefly, and Killer Croc. The game ends with the foreshadowing of Arkham Asylum's reopening, setting the stage for future events. Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker voice Batman and the Joker respectively, replacing the iconic duo of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal, this game introduces a fresh perspective to the Arkhamverse.
A mobile version of Arkham Origins was also released, focusing on a different gameplay style as a brawler developed by NetherRealm Studios, yet maintaining the same narrative milestones.
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 post-Origins. This 2.5D side-scroller, developed by Armature Studio, follows Batman as he investigates a prison breakout at Blackgate. The game is divided into three areas controlled by Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker, with additional characters like Catwoman, Amanda Waller, and Rick Flag making appearances. Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker reprise their roles as Batman and the Joker.
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 players take on the role of Gotham's newest criminal mastermind, managing villains like Harley Quinn, The Riddler, Scarecrow, Mr. Freeze, and Killer Croc. Set before Arkham Asylum, it has minimal impact on the broader narrative and is 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, occurring two years before Arkham Asylum. While not essential for the games, it enriches the overall narrative and is available on HBO Max. The film focuses on Batman's adversaries and features the voice talents of Kevin Conroy as Batman, Troy Baker as the Joker, and Giancarlo Esposito as Black Spider.
Available on: HBO Max
- Batman: Arkham Asylum
Rocksteady's inaugural entry, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces the Arkhamverse with Kevin Conroy's Batman and Mark Hamill's Joker. Set after the earlier games in the chronology but the first released, it sees Batman tackling a breakout at Arkham Asylum orchestrated by the Joker, who aims to obtain the Titan serum. Other key characters include Harley Quinn, Commissioner Gordon, Scarecrow, Bane, and Poison Ivy. Written by Paul Dini, this game set the standard for the series.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Asylum Wiki
- Batman: Arkham City Lockdown
Released post-Arkham City, Batman: Arkham City Lockdown is a mobile fighter set between Asylum and City. It features familiar villains like the Joker (voiced by Mark Hamill), Harley Quinn, Two-Face, Penguin, Solomon Grundy, Poison Ivy, Deathstroke, and Robin. The plot revolves around another prison escape that Batman must address. No longer available for purchase, this game sees Batman successfully returning the escapees to the asylum.
Available on: N/A | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Lockdown Wiki
- Batman: Arkham City
In Batman: Arkham City, set a year and a half after Arkham Asylum, Mayor Quincy Sharp creates Arkham City—a walled-off section of Gotham to house criminals. Batman must navigate this lawless zone and thwart Hugo Strange's scheme, alongside dealing with the Joker's deteriorating condition due to the Titan serum. Paul Dini's storytelling continues to shine in this sequel.
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' sole VR entry, set before Arkham Knight. It's a narrative-driven experience centered on detective work as Batman investigates an ally's murder. Featuring a rich cast including Robin, Nightwing, Alfred Pennyworth, Penguin, Killer Croc, and the Joker, this game offers a unique perspective on the Arkhamverse. Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprise their roles.
Available on: VR | IGN’s Batman: Arkham VR Wiki
- Batman: Arkham Knight
Batman: Arkham Knight concludes Rocksteady's main trilogy with a larger Gotham, an expansive cast, and the introduction of the fully playable Batmobile. Set on Halloween, less than a year after City, it follows Batman as he confronts Scarecrow's fear toxin threat and the mysterious Arkham Knight. The game wraps up multiple storylines over its ~16-hour campaign, with additional content required for the true ending. The supporting cast includes Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Penguin, Riddler, Two-Face, Robin, Commissioner Gordon, and Barbara Gordon.
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 hopeful for a return to the series by Rocksteady Studios, especially after their focus on single-player experiences post-*Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League*. However, there's no official confirmation on their next project.Related Content:
- God of War Games in Order and Final Fantasy Games in Order
- Discover our rankings for the best Batman movies and the best Batman comics of all time
- Shop Batman merch from the IGN Store
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