The Batman: Arkham series, crafted by Rocksteady Studios, stands alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man as the pinnacle of comic book video games. This series masterfully combines exhilarating freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a richly detailed Gotham City, offering players an immersive action-adventure superhero experience. With the latest addition to the Arkham series now available in VR, fans might be eager to dive back into or explore this iconic collection for the first time.
Jump to:
- How to play in chronological order
- How to play by release order
How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?
In total, the Batman Arkhamverse encompasses 10 games. However, only eight are currently accessible, as two mobile titles have been discontinued and removed from app stores.
Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?
Newcomers to the series have several entry points. For a chronological journey, start with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, though be aware it may spoil earlier games due to its later release. Alternatively, to follow the series' release order, begin with Batman: Arkham Asylum.
Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)
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Definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy games, including all post-launch content.
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Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order
We've outlined two approaches to experiencing the Batman: Arkham games: by release date or by narrative chronology. Choose your path, keeping in mind these synopses include mild spoilers.
- Batman: Arkham Origins
Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, Batman: Arkham Origins introduces a less seasoned Batman facing a $50 million bounty that attracts Gotham's notorious criminals like the Joker, Black Mask, and Bane. The game's conclusion hints at the reopening of Arkham Asylum, setting the stage for future events. Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker voice Batman and the Joker, respectively, in this title developed by WB Montreal.
Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Origins Wiki
- Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate
Three months after Origins, Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate unfolds in a 2.5D side-scrolling format. Batman delves into the chaos at Blackgate Penitentiary, tackling villains like Penguin and the Joker across three distinct zones. 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
- Batman: Arkham Shadow
Set between Origins and Asylum, Batman: Arkham Shadow is a VR title where Batman battles The Rat King at Blackgate Penitentiary. Roger Craig Smith voices Batman, with familiar Gotham characters like Jim Gordon and Harley Quinn making appearances. Developed by Camouflaj.
Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S
Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition
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- Batman: Arkham Underworld
In this mobile game, players assume the role of Gotham's latest criminal mastermind, managing villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Set before Arkham Asylum, it's no longer available for download, having been discontinued in 2017.
- Batman: Assault on Arkham
This animated film, set two years before Arkham Asylum, provides additional context to the Arkhamverse. It follows a heist at Arkham Asylum led by Batman's foes. Available on HBO Max, it features Kevin Conroy as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker.
Available on: HBO Max
- Batman: Arkham Asylum
Rocksteady's inaugural Arkham game introduces the iconic duo of Kevin Conroy's Batman and Mark Hamill's Joker. Set in Arkham Asylum, Batman combats the Joker's plot to unleash chaos with a super-strength serum.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Asylum Wiki
- Batman: Arkham City Lockdown
A mobile fighter set between Asylum and City, this game features Batman tackling another prison breakout. No longer available for purchase, it starred Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill.
Available on: N/A | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Lockdown Wiki
- Batman: Arkham City
Set a year and a half after Asylum, Batman: Arkham City explores the newly established criminal enclave, Arkham City. Batman navigates this lawless territory to foil Hugo Strange's scheme and confront the deteriorating Joker.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Wiki
- Batman: Arkham VR
This VR title focuses on detective work as Batman investigates a murder. Set before Arkham Knight, it features a brief yet impactful narrative.
Available on: VR | IGN’s Batman: Arkham VR Wiki
- Batman: Arkham Knight
The epic conclusion to Rocksteady's trilogy, Batman: Arkham Knight expands Gotham and introduces the Batmobile. Set on Halloween, Batman battles Scarecrow and the mysterious Arkham Knight, culminating in a 16-hour campaign with multiple endings.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Knight Wiki
- Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Rocksteady's latest entry shifts focus to Task Force X in Metropolis, set five years after Arkham Knight. It continues the Arkhamverse narrative with characters like Harley Quinn and Deadshot.
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Every IGN Batman Game Review
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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 Arkham Shadow last October, no new Batman Arkham games are currently in development. Fans hope for Rocksteady Studios' return, especially after reports of their interest in single-player projects post-Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.
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