How to Play the Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

The Batman: Arkham games stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Insomniac's Spider-Man as some of the greatest comic book games ever created. Rocksteady Studios masterfully blended fluid freeflow combat, exceptional voice acting, and a breathtakingly realized Gotham City to forge an unforgettable action-adventure superhero experience.

With a new VR entry in the Arkham series now available, many are revisiting (or discovering for the first time) these iconic Batman titles.

**Jump to:**

• Chronological Order
• Release Order

How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?

There are a total of ten 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?

For newcomers, there are two approaches: chronological order (starting with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins) or release order (Batman: Arkham Asylum). Chronological order might spoil elements of earlier games, while release order offers a more organic progression through the series' evolution.

Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

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

See it at Amazon

Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

We'll outline two play orders: chronological narrative and chronological release.

These synopses contain minimal spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Chronologically first, Batman: Arkham Origins (2013) depicts a younger, less experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty on Christmas Eve. He confronts Gotham's elite villains: Joker, Black Mask, Penguin, Mad Hatter, Bane, Deadshot, Firefly, and Killer Croc. The game hints at Arkham Asylum's reopening, foreshadowing events in Rocksteady's Arkham Asylum. Note that this game features Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker, differing from the main series' Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal. 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 developed by Armature Studio. Batman investigates Blackgate Penitentiary following a prison break. He confronts Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker, alongside Catwoman, Amanda Waller, and Rick Flag. Roger Craig Smith and Troy 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, a VR title, is set in Blackgate Penitentiary between Origins/ Origins Blackgate and Asylum. Batman confronts the Rat King, alongside familiar faces like Jim Gordon, Harley Quinn, Scarecrow, Arnold Wesker, and Barbara Gordon. Roger Craig Smith returns as Batman. Developed by Camouflaj.

Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

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4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld, a discontinued mobile game, puts you in charge of Gotham's villains. It's a free-to-play title where you build a criminal empire, recruit henchmen, and battle. Kevin Conroy returns as Batman. Set before Arkham Asylum, its narrative impact on the Arkhamverse is minimal.

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set approximately two years before Arkham Asylum. It focuses on Harley Quinn, Joker, Riddler, and others infiltrating Arkham Asylum. Kevin Conroy and Troy Baker reprise their roles. 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 unleash Titan, a super-strength serum, while threatening Gotham with bombs.

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 (discontinued) features Batman facing another prison break. It includes many familiar characters.

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

7. Batman: Arkham City

Rocksteady's second game, Batman: Arkham City, takes place a year and a half after Asylum. Batman navigates Arkham City, a walled-off section of Gotham, thwarting Hugo Strange's plot while dealing with the Joker's deteriorating condition.

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

8. Batman: Arkham VR

Batman: Arkham VR is a VR detective experience set shortly before Arkham Knight. Batman investigates a murder.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

Rocksteady's concluding trilogy entry, Batman: Arkham Knight, features Scarecrow's fear toxin threat and the introduction of the Arkham Knight. The game also introduces a fully playable Batmobile.

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

10. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Rocksteady's latest, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, shifts focus to Task Force X in Metropolis. It's 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

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 Arkham Shadow's release, there are currently no announced Batman Arkham games in development.

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