Batman Arkham Games: Chronological Play Order Guide

The Batman: Arkham series, developed by Rocksteady Studios, stands alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man as some of the finest comic book games ever created. These games masterfully blend dynamic freeflow combat, exceptional voice acting, and a richly detailed Gotham City to deliver an unforgettable action-adventure experience. With the recent addition of a new VR game to the series, fans have an exciting reason to dive back into the world of the Dark Knight.

If you're new to the series or looking to revisit these classics, you might wonder where to start. We'll guide you through the best ways to experience the Batman Arkham games, both in chronological order and by release date.

How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?

The Batman Arkhamverse comprises a total of **10 games**. However, only eight of these are currently accessible, as two mobile titles have been discontinued and removed from stores.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

Newcomers have two main paths to explore the series. For a chronological narrative experience, start with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, though be aware it might spoil elements of the earlier games due to its later release. Alternatively, to follow the series by release order, begin with Batman: Arkham Asylum.

Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

This collection includes the definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy, complete with all post-launch content.

See it at Amazon

Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

Below are two approaches to playing the Batman: Arkham games: by the timeline of the narrative or by their release dates. We've kept spoilers light, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions to help newcomers.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, Batman: Arkham Origins is the first game in the series' chronology. It introduces a younger, less experienced Batman, who must contend with a $50 million bounty on his head, attracting Gotham's most notorious criminals. The game's conclusion teases the reopening of Arkham Asylum, setting the stage for future events. Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker voice Batman and the Joker, respectively, replacing the series' usual stars, Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill.

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

2. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

Taking place three months after Origins, Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate is a 2.5D side-scrolling adventure set in the titular prison. Batman must navigate through areas controlled by villains like Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker, encountering characters like Catwoman and Amanda Waller along the way.

**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 game in the Arkhamverse, Batman: Arkham Shadow, is set between Origins/Origins Blackgate and Asylum, specifically on July 4. It features Roger Craig Smith as Batman, facing off against a new villain, The Rat King, with familiar faces like Jim Gordon and Harlene Quinzel.

**Available on:** Meta Quest 3 and 3S

Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

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4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

A mobile game set before Arkham Asylum, Batman: Arkham Underworld lets you play as a criminal mastermind recruiting Gotham's villains. Unfortunately, it's no longer available for download, having been shut down in 2017.

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

An animated film set in the Arkhamverse, Batman: Assault on Arkham provides additional context to the series' narrative. It's not essential for the games' storyline but enhances the overall experience. It's available on HBO Max.

**Available on:** HBO Max

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

The first game released by Rocksteady, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces the Arkhamverse with Kevin Conroy voicing Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker. Batman must thwart the Joker's plan to release a super-strength serum, Titan, from within the asylum.

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

6. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

A mobile fighter set between Asylum and City, Batman: Arkham City Lockdown features Batman tackling another prison breakout. Though no longer available, it adds minor narrative threads to the Arkhamverse.

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

7. Batman: Arkham City

Set a year and a half after Asylum, Batman: Arkham City explores a new section of Gotham turned into a prison. Batman must navigate this lawless area while confronting Hugo Strange's sinister plot and the deteriorating health of the Joker due to the Titan serum.

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

8. Batman: Arkham VR

A VR game set shortly before Arkham Knight, Batman: Arkham VR focuses on Batman's detective skills as he investigates a murder. It's a narrative-driven experience with a runtime of about 90 minutes.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

The final chapter in Rocksteady's trilogy, Batman: Arkham Knight, introduces the Batmobile and a sprawling Gotham. Batman faces Scarecrow's fear toxin and the mysterious Arkham Knight, dealing with his own internal struggles from past events.

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

10. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Rocksteady's latest addition to the Arkhamverse, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, shifts focus to Task Force X in Metropolis. Set five years after Arkham Knight, it promises to tie up loose ends from previous games.

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

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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 Batman: Arkham Shadow last October, there are no confirmed new Batman Arkham games in development. Fans are eager for Rocksteady Studios to return to the series after their focus on Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. While rumors suggest Rocksteady might be working on a new single-player game, no official announcements have been made.

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