Batman Arkham Games: Chronological Play Order Revealed

The Batman: Arkham series, crafted by Rocksteady Studios, stands alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man as the pinnacle of comic book video games. This series masterfully combines fluid freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a captivating rendition of Gotham City to deliver a thrilling action-adventure experience. With a new VR addition, Batman: Arkham Shadow, now available, fans and newcomers alike might be eager to explore or revisit this iconic collection of superhero games.

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 titles are currently accessible, as two mobile games have been discontinued and removed from mobile platforms.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

For newcomers, there are two primary ways to dive into the Batman Arkham series: by following the story chronologically or by release order. Starting chronologically would mean beginning with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, but this could potentially spoil the earlier games due to its later release. If you prefer to experience the series as it was released, you should start with Batman: Arkham Asylum.

### Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

0The definitive editions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy, complete with all post-launch content, are available 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 outlined below, designed with series newcomers in mind and containing only mild spoilers.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Set on a snowy Christmas Eve, Batman: Arkham Origins is the first game in the series chronologically, released in 2013. It introduces a younger, less experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty that attracts Gotham's most notorious villains, including the Joker, Black Mask, The Penguin, and more. The game's ending foreshadows the events of Arkham Asylum.

Developed by WB Montreal rather than Rocksteady, Origins features Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker, replacing the iconic duo of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. A mobile version, a brawler by Mortal Kombat's NeatherRealm, shares the narrative but differs in gameplay.

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

2. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate, set three months after Origins, shifts to a 2.5D side-scrolling format developed by Armature Studio. In this game, Batman investigates Blackgate Prison following an explosion that frees its inmates. The game features encounters with Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker, with Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker reprising 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

The second VR entry in the Arkhamverse, **Batman: Arkham Shadow** takes place in Blackgate Penitentiary between Origins/Blackgate and Asylum, specifically on July 4th, seven months after Origins. Developed by Camouflaj, it features Roger Craig Smith as Batman, who confronts a new villain, The Rat King, alongside familiar faces like Jim Gordon and others.

Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

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

0Available at Amazon4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game where players take on the role of a criminal mastermind in Gotham, recruiting villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Although 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 games' narrative, it provides additional context for fans interested in the full Arkhamverse story and is available on HBO Max.

Available on: HBO Max

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady's inaugural Batman game, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces the Arkhamverse with Kevin Conroy as Batman. Set after the chronological events of the previous games but released first in 2009, it features Mark Hamill as the Joker and a host of other villains. The story follows Batman's battle against the Joker's takeover of Arkham Asylum.

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

6. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

Batman: Arkham City Lockdown, a mobile fighter released shortly after Arkham City, takes place between Asylum and City. It features Batman dealing with another prison escape, but is no longer available for purchase.

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

7. Batman: Arkham City

Batman: Arkham City, set a year and a half after Asylum, introduces Arkham City, a section of Gotham designed to contain criminals. Batman navigates this new area to stop Hugo Strange and the Joker, who's suffering from the effects of the Titan serum.

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

8. Batman: Arkham VR

Batman: Arkham VR, the series' first VR title, takes place just before Arkham Knight. It focuses on Batman's detective skills as he investigates a murder, featuring a rich cast of characters including Robin and the Joker.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

Batman: Arkham Knight concludes Rocksteady's trilogy with the largest Gotham yet, introducing the Batmobile and a new villain, the Arkham Knight. Set on Halloween, it follows Batman's battle against Scarecrow's fear toxin and his internal struggles.

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

10. 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, available on next-gen consoles and PC.

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

Every IGN Batman Game Review

48 ImagesHow 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 Batman: Arkham Shadow last October, there are no confirmed Batman Arkham games currently in development. Fans are hopeful for Rocksteady Studios' return to the series, especially after reports of their interest in single-player games post-Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.

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