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The Batman: Arkham series, developed by Rocksteady Studios, stands alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man as the pinnacle of comic book gaming experiences. These games masterfully combine fluid freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a vivid rendition of Gotham City to craft a truly memorable action-adventure superhero saga.
With the recent addition of a new VR game to the Arkham series, now might be 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
The Batman Arkhamverse encompasses a total of 10 games. However, only eight of these titles are currently available for play, as two mobile games have been discontinued.
Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?
New players have several entry points into the Batman Arkham series. For a chronological experience, start with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. However, since Origins was released after the initial game, it might spoil elements of the earlier titles. If you prefer to follow the series by release date, 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 experience the Batman: Arkham series: by narrative chronology or by release date. Each approach is detailed below, keeping spoilers to a minimum 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, this game features a younger, less seasoned Batman facing a $50 million bounty that attracts Gotham's most notorious criminals, including the Joker, Black Mask, The Penguin, Mad Hatter, Bane, Deadshot, Firefly, and Killer Croc. The story concludes with hints at the reopening of Arkham Asylum, setting the stage for future events.
Batman: Arkham Origins features Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker, replacing the iconic duo of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. While Rocksteady established the Arkhamverse, Origins was developed by WB Montreal, the team behind Gotham Knights.
A mobile version of Arkham Origins was also released, offering a different gameplay style as a brawler developed by NetherRealm Studios, yet it follows the same narrative arc.
Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Origins Wiki
- Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate takes place three months after Origins. This game shifts to a 2.5D side-scrolling format developed by Armature Studio (Resident Evil 4 VR).
In Blackgate, Batman investigates a prison explosion that has freed its inmates. The game's setting is divided into three main areas, each controlled by a Gotham villain: Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker. Notable characters include Catwoman, Amanda Waller, and Rick Flag.
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
Shadow marks the first Arkhamverse game developed by Camouflaj, the studio behind Marvel's Iron Man VR.
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 new criminal mastermind in Gotham, recruiting and commanding villains like Harley Quinn, The Riddler, Scarecrow, Mr. Freeze, and Killer Croc. The game, set before Arkham Asylum, was shut down in 2017 and is no longer available for download.
Kevin Conroy returns as Batman in this title, which has minimal impact on the overall Arkhamverse narrative.
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 game series, it enriches the Arkhamverse narrative and is available on HBO Max. The film follows Batman's adversaries as they infiltrate Arkham Asylum, leading to a chaotic breakout.
Kevin Conroy and Troy Baker voice Batman and the Joker, respectively, with Giancarlo Esposito lending his voice to Black Spider.
Available on: HBO Max
- Batman: Arkham Asylum
Rocksteady's first foray into the Arkhamverse, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces us to the series' Batman, voiced by Kevin Conroy. Set as the fourth game in the chronology but the first released, it features Mark Hamill as the Joker, alongside other characters like Harley Quinn, Commissioner Gordon, Scarecrow, Bane, and Poison Ivy.
The story follows Batman's efforts to stop the Joker from using a super-strength serum called Titan, while also managing an asylum-wide breakout.
Paul Dini, known for his work on Batman: The Animated Series and Batman Beyond, penned the story.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Asylum Wiki
- Batman: Arkham City Lockdown
Released soon after Arkham City, Batman: Arkham City Lockdown is a mobile fighter set between Asylum and City. Developed by NetherRealm, it features familiar faces like the Joker (Mark Hamill), Harley Quinn, Two-Face, Penguin, Solomon Grundy, Poison Ivy, Deathstroke, Robin, and Batman (Kevin Conroy).
The plot involves another prison escape, which Batman must resolve. Though no longer available for purchase, the story concludes with Batman successfully returning the escapees to the asylum.
Available on: N/A | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Lockdown Wiki
- Batman: Arkham City
Batman: Arkham City, Rocksteady's second entry, occurs a year and a half after Arkham Asylum. Following the asylum's events, Mayor Quincy Sharp establishes Arkham City, a walled-off section of Gotham for criminals. Batman must navigate this chaotic area while thwarting Hugo Strange's sinister plans and dealing with the Joker's deteriorating health due to the Titan serum.
Paul Dini returns to write the story for Arkham City.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Wiki
- Batman: Arkham VR
The series' only virtual reality game, Batman: Arkham VR, is set shortly before Arkham Knight. It's a narrative-driven experience centered on detective work as Batman investigates the murder of a close ally.
Featuring a brief ~90-minute runtime, Arkham VR is highly recommended for VR enthusiasts and includes characters like Robin, Nightwing, Alfred Pennyworth, Penguin, Killer Croc, and the Joker, voiced by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill.
Available on: VR | IGN’s Batman: Arkham VR Wiki
- Batman: Arkham Knight
The final installment in Rocksteady's mainline trilogy, Batman: Arkham Knight, features the largest Gotham yet, a diverse cast, and the introduction of a fully playable Batmobile.
Set on Halloween night, shortly after Arkham City, the game sees Batman combating Scarecrow's fear toxin threat and facing the mysterious Arkham Knight while grappling with his own internal struggles.
The game's ~16-hour campaign concludes all major storylines, with a true ending unlocked upon 100% completion.
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
The game promises to tie up many loose ends from the Arkham series.
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, there are no confirmed upcoming Batman Arkham games in development. Fans are eager for Rocksteady Studios to return to the series after nearly a decade, especially after Bloomberg reported that the studio was pitching new single-player projects post-*Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League*. However, no official announcements have been made.Related Content:
- God of War Games in Order and Final Fantasy Games in Order
- Take a look at 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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