Batman Arkham Games: Chronological Play Order Revealed

The Batman: Arkham series stands shoulder to shoulder with Insomniac's Spider-Man as the pinnacle of comic book video games. Rocksteady Studios masterfully crafted the Arkham series, combining fluid freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a vivid portrayal of Gotham City to deliver an unmatched experience in action-adventure superhero gaming.

With the latest VR installment in the Arkham series now available, it's the perfect time for both new and returning players to dive into the best Batman games ever created.

Jump to:

• How to play in chronological order
• How to play by release order

How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There? ---------------------------------------

In total, there are 10 games within the Batman Arkhamverse. However, only eight of these games are currently playable, as two mobile titles have been discontinued and removed from app stores.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

For newcomers to the series, there are multiple entry points. If you prefer following the story in chronological order, start with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. However, be aware that playing Origins first might spoil some elements of the earlier released games. If you'd rather experience the series as it was released, begin with Batman: Arkham Asylum.

Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

0 Definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy games, including all post-launch content. See it at Amazon Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

Below, we outline two approaches to playing the Batman: Arkham games: by release date or by narrative chronology. Both paths are detailed to help you choose your adventure, keeping in mind the needs of series newcomers with minimal spoilers.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

The first game chronologically is 2013’s Batman: Arkham Origins. Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, this game features a less-experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty on his head, attracting Gotham's top villains like the Joker, Black Mask, The Penguin, and others. The narrative sets the stage for future events, including the reopening of Arkham Asylum.

Origins features Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker, replacing the iconic duo of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. While Rocksteady established the Arkhamverse, Origins was developed by WB Montreal, creators of Gotham Knights.

A mobile version of Arkham Origins was also released, offering a different brawler-style gameplay while maintaining key narrative points.

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

2. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate follows three months after Origins. Unlike the mainline 3D games, Blackgate is a 2.5D side-scroller developed by Armature Studio. In this game, Batman investigates Blackgate Prison after an explosion frees its inmates. The game is divided into areas controlled by Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker, with appearances by Catwoman, Amanda Waller, and Rick Flag.

Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker reprise their roles as Batman and the 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** is the second VR game in the Arkhamverse, set between Origins/Origins Blackgate and Asylum on July 4, seven months after Origins. Roger Craig Smith voices the younger Batman, who confronts the new villain, The Rat King, alongside familiar faces like Jim Gordon and others.

Developed by Camouflaj, known for Marvel's Iron Man VR, Shadow is available on Meta Quest 3 and 3S.

Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

0 See it at Amazon 4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game where you assume the role of a criminal mastermind, recruiting and leading Gotham's villains. Although set before Arkham Asylum, its narrative has minimal impact on the overall Arkhamverse storyline. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in 2017, a year after its release.

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set in the Arkhamverse, occurring two years before Arkham Asylum. While not essential for understanding the games, it enriches the overall narrative and is available on HBO Max. The film follows Batman’s adversaries as they infiltrate Arkham Asylum, featuring voice talents like Kevin Conroy, Troy Baker, and Giancarlo Esposito.

Available on: HBO Max

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady’s inaugural Batman game, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces the Arkhamverse's version of the Caped Crusader, voiced by Kevin Conroy. The game follows Batman as he navigates the chaos unleashed by the Joker, who has taken over the asylum to obtain the Titan serum. The story is penned by Paul Dini, a veteran of the Batman franchise.

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 mobile fighter set between Asylum and City. It features many of the series' staple characters and focuses on Batman stopping another prison breakout. Though no longer available, it showcased Batman's ongoing battle to contain Gotham's villains.

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

7. Batman: Arkham City

Batman: Arkham City, Rocksteady’s sequel, takes place a year and a half after Asylum. Mayor Quincy Sharp has created Arkham City, a walled-off section of Gotham to house criminals. Batman must navigate this lawless territory while thwarting Hugo Strange's plot and dealing with the repercussions of the Joker's actions from Asylum.

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 the series' only virtual reality game, set just before Arkham Knight. It focuses on detective work as Batman investigates the murder of an ally. Featuring key characters like Robin, Nightwing, and the Joker, it offers a unique narrative experience.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

Batman: Arkham Knight concludes Rocksteady's trilogy, introducing the largest version of Gotham yet and the playable Batmobile. Set on Halloween night after City, the game sees Batman facing Scarecrow's fear toxin and the mysterious Arkham Knight. The campaign wraps up several storylines, with a true ending unlocked by 100% completion.

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**, Rocksteady's latest, shifts focus to Task Force X in Metropolis. Set five years after Arkham Knight, it continues the Arkhamverse narrative and is available on next-gen consoles and PC.

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

Every IGN Batman Game Review

48 Images 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 **Arkham Shadow** last October, there are currently no announced Batman Arkham games in development. Fans are hopeful for Rocksteady Studios' return to the series after nearly a decade, especially with reports suggesting the studio is exploring single-player games again post-*Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League*.

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