How to Play the Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

The Batman: Arkham games stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Insomniac's Spider-Man as titans of comic book gaming. Rocksteady Studios masterfully blended fluid combat, exceptional voice acting, and a breathtaking Gotham City to create an unforgettable action-adventure superhero experience.

With a new VR entry in the Arkham series now available, you might be eager to dive into (or revisit) these legendary Batman games.

Jump to:

• Chronological Order
• Release Order

How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?

There are a total of 10 games within the Batman Arkhamverse. However, only eight are currently playable; two mobile titles have been discontinued.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

There are two main approaches for newcomers: chronological order (starting with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins) or release order (Batman: Arkham Asylum). Starting chronologically might spoil earlier games, while starting with the release order offers a more natural progression of gameplay and technology.

Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

Definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy, including all DLC.

Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

We'll explore two paths: chronological order (story) and release order. Minor spoilers regarding broad plot points and character introductions are included.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Chronologically first, Batman: Arkham Origins (2013) depicts a younger, less experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty on his head, attracting Gotham's elite villains: Joker, Black Mask, Penguin, and more. The game hints at Arkham Asylum's reopening, setting the stage for future events. Note that this game features different voice actors for Batman and Joker than the main Rocksteady trilogy. 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 a prison break, encountering Penguin, Black Mask, and Joker.

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 game, is set in Blackgate Penitentiary between Origins/Origins Blackgate and Asylum. Batman confronts the Rat King alongside familiar faces.

Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld is a discontinued mobile game where you command Batman's villains. Set before Arkham Asylum, its narrative impact is minimal.

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set roughly two years before Arkham Asylum, focusing on Batman's villains infiltrating Arkham. While not a game, it enriches the overall Arkhamverse narrative.

Available 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's plan to unleash chaos within the asylum forms the core narrative.

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

6. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

A discontinued mobile fighter set between Asylum and City, featuring various Arkham villains.

7. Batman: Arkham City

Rocksteady's second game, Arkham City, expands the setting to a walled-off section of Gotham. Batman confronts Hugo Strange's master plan and the Joker's lingering threat.

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

8. Batman: Arkham VR

A VR experience set shortly before Arkham Knight, focusing on detective work and solving a murder.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

Rocksteady's concluding chapter, Arkham Knight, introduces the Batmobile and a new threat, the Arkham Knight, alongside Scarecrow's fear toxin plot.

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

10. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Rocksteady's latest, shifting focus to Task Force X in Metropolis. Considered a continuation of the Arkhamverse.

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

Every IGN Batman Game Review

How to Play the Batman Arkham Games By Release Date

1. Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
2. Batman: Arkham City (2011)
3. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown (2011)
4. Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
5. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate (2013)
6. Batman: Assault on Arkham (2014) *
7. Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
8. Batman: Arkham Underworld (2016)
9. Batman: Arkham VR (2016)
10. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (2024)
11. Batman: Arkham Shadow (2024)

*Animated film

What's Next in the Arkham Series?

Following Arkham Shadow's release, no future Arkham games are currently announced.

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