How to Play the Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

The Batman: Arkham games stand alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man as the pinnacle of comic book video games. Rocksteady Studios masterfully combined fluid combat, exceptional voice acting, and a captivating portrayal of Gotham City to create an unforgettable superhero action-adventure series.

With a new VR entry in the Arkham series now available, many may be eager to experience (or revisit) these iconic Batman titles.

Jump to:

Chronological Play OrderRelease Order Play OrderExploring the Batman Arkham Universe

The Batman Arkham universe boasts a total of ten games. However, currently only eight are accessible – two mobile titles have been discontinued.

Optimal Starting Point: Your Arkham Adventure

Newcomers to the series have two options: chronological order or release order. A chronological playthrough begins with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. However, starting with Origins might spoil earlier entries due to its later release date. Alternatively, a release order playthrough starts with Batman: Arkham Asylum.

### Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

0Definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy, including all DLC.See it at AmazonChronological Arkham Order: A Narrative Journey

Two approaches to tackling the Arkham games are presented below: chronological release and chronological narrative. Both paths are detailed, with minimal spoilers.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Chronologically first is 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. Set on Christmas Eve in a snow-dusted Gotham, a less experienced Batman faces a $50 million bounty, attracting top-tier villains: Joker, Black Mask, Penguin, Mad Hatter, Bane, Deadshot, Firefly, and Killer Croc. The game's conclusion hints at Arkham Asylum's reopening, setting the stage for Rocksteady's subsequent title.

Note: Roger Craig Smith voices Batman, and Troy Baker portrays the Joker, replacing the usual Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. While Rocksteady Studios established the Arkhamverse, WB Montreal developed Origins.

A mobile version also exists, differing significantly from its console counterpart – a brawler developed by NetherRealm Studios.

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

2. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate unfolds three months after Origins. Unlike the main series' 3D adventures, Blackgate is a 2.5D side-scroller developed by Armature Studio.

Batman investigates Blackgate Penitentiary following a prison break. He explores three areas, each controlled by Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker. Catwoman, Amanda Waller, and Rick Flag also appear.

Smith and 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, the second VR title, primarily takes place in Blackgate Penitentiary, bridging Origins/Origins Blackgate and Asylum – specifically, July 4th, seven months after Origins (four months after Blackgate).

Smith again voices the younger Batman, confronting the Rat King. Jim Gordon, Harleen Quinzel, Jonathan Crane, Arnold Wesker, and Barbara Gordon also feature.

Camouflaj, known for Marvel's Iron Man VR, developed 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, a mobile game, casts the player as a Gotham crime boss, commanding villains like Harley Quinn, The Riddler, Scarecrow, Mr. Freeze, and Killer Croc. It's a free-to-play gang management game where you build a hideout, recruit henchmen, and engage in battles. Kevin Conroy returns as Batman.

Set before Arkham Asylum, its narrative impact on the Arkhamverse is minimal. Unfortunately, it's no longer available.

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

Batman: Assault on Arkham, an animated film, is set roughly two years before Arkham Asylum. While skippable for those focused solely on the games, it enhances the overall Arkhamverse narrative. It's available on HBO Max.

Similar to Arkham Underworld, it highlights Batman's adversaries, following Harley, Joker, Riddler, and others infiltrating Arkham Asylum.

Conroy voices Batman, Baker portrays the Joker, and Giancarlo Esposito voices Black Spider.

Available on: HBO Max

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady's debut Batman game, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces the Arkhamverse's Batman (voiced by Conroy). The Joker (Mark Hamill) is the main antagonist, alongside Harley Quinn, Commissioner Gordon, Scarecrow, Bane, and Poison Ivy.

The Joker, aided by Harley Quinn, infiltrates the asylum to acquire the Titan serum, planting bombs in Gotham.

Paul Dini, known for Batman: The Animated Series, wrote the story.

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

6. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

Released shortly after Arkham City, Batman: Arkham City Lockdown is a fighter set between Asylum and City. Developed by NetherRealm, it features the Joker (Hamill), Harley Quinn, Two-Face, Penguin, Solomon Grundy, Poison Ivy, Deathstroke, Robin, and Batman (Conroy). The plot revolves around another prison break.

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 Arkham Asylum. Mayor Sharp establishes Arkham City, a walled-off section of Gotham housing criminals. Batman navigates this lawless area, thwarting Hugo Strange's plot and confronting the Joker, suffering from the effects of the Titan serum.

Dini again penned the story.

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

8. Batman: Arkham VR

The series' only VR game, Batman: Arkham VR, precedes Arkham Knight. It's a narrative-driven detective game focused on solving the murder of an ally.

The cast includes Robin, Nightwing, Alfred, Penguin, Killer Croc, and Joker (Conroy and Hamill).

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

Concluding Rocksteady's trilogy, Batman: Arkham Knight features a larger Gotham, a diverse cast, and a playable Batmobile.

Set on Halloween, Scarecrow (John Noble) threatens Gotham with fear toxin, alongside the mysterious Arkham Knight. Batman grapples with internal conflict.

The cast includes Scarecrow, Arkham Knight, 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

10. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Rocksteady's latest title shifts from Batman to Task Force X in Metropolis, playable as Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, or King Shark. It's a continuation of the Arkhamverse.

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

IGN Batman Game Reviews

48 ImagesRelease Order Playthrough

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

Future Arkham Adventures?

Following Arkham Shadow's release, no new Arkham games are currently announced. Fans hope Rocksteady will return to the series after a long hiatus. While Bloomberg reported Rocksteady pitched new single-player titles, official confirmation is pending.

Related:

God of War Games in Order and Final Fantasy Games in OrderBest Batman Movies and ComicsIGN Store Batman Merchandise