The Batman: Arkham series, crafted by Rocksteady Studios, stands as a pinnacle of comic book gaming, rivaling the excellence of Insomniac's Spider-Man titles. These games masterfully combine fluid freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a captivating rendition of Gotham City, delivering an unparalleled action-adventure experience for superhero fans.
With the recent addition of a new VR game to the Arkham series, now is the perfect time to dive into or revisit these iconic Batman adventures.
Jump to:
- How to play in chronological order
- How to play by release order
How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?
The Batman Arkhamverse encompasses a total of 10 games. However, only eight of these are currently playable, 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 two primary paths to explore: playing in chronological order or by release date. If you choose the chronological route, you'll start with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, which, despite being released later, is set earlier in the timeline. However, starting with Batman: Arkham Origins might spoil elements of the earlier games. For a release order experience, 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
Here are two ways to experience the Batman: Arkham series: by release date or by narrative chronology. We've provided brief plot summaries with minimal spoilers to help newcomers navigate the series.
- Batman: Arkham Origins
The first game in the chronological order is Batman: Arkham Origins (2013). Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, this game features a younger, less-experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty on his head, attracting Gotham's most notorious criminals like the Joker, Black Mask, and Bane. The game's ending teases the reopening of Arkham Asylum, setting the stage for future events. Notably, Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker voice Batman and the Joker, respectively, instead of the series' usual Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal, Arkham Origins also had a mobile version, a brawler by NetherRealm Studios, which follows the same narrative.
Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Origins Wiki
- Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate is set three months after Origins. This 2.5D side-scroller, developed by Armature Studio, has Batman investigating an explosion at Blackgate Prison, which has freed its inmates. The game features three main areas controlled by Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker, with other characters like Catwoman and Amanda Waller making appearances. 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
Batman: Arkham Shadow is the second VR game in the Arkhamverse, set between Origins/Origins Blackgate and Asylum. Taking place on July 4, seven months after Origins, it features Roger Craig Smith as Batman facing off against a new villain, The Rat King. Other characters include Jim Gordon, Harlene Quinzel, and Barbra Gordon. Developed by Camouflaj, this game is available on Meta Quest 3 and 3S.
Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition
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- Batman: Arkham Underworld
Batman: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game where players take on the role of a criminal mastermind in Gotham, recruiting villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Set before Arkham Asylum, it features Kevin Conroy as Batman. Unfortunately, this game is no longer available for download, having been shut down in 2017.
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 the game series, it enriches the overall narrative and is available on HBO Max. The film follows Batman's adversaries as they infiltrate Arkham Asylum, featuring voices by Kevin Conroy, Troy Baker, and Giancarlo Esposito.
Available on: HBO Max
- Batman: Arkham Asylum
Batman: Arkham Asylum, the first game released by Rocksteady, introduces the Arkhamverse's Batman, voiced by Kevin Conroy. Set after the previous entries in the chronology, it features Mark Hamill as the Joker, who, with Harley Quinn's help, takes over the asylum to obtain the Titan serum. Written by Paul Dini, this game sets the stage for the series.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Asylum Wiki
- Batman: Arkham City Lockdown
Batman: Arkham City Lockdown, a mobile fighter released shortly after Arkham City, is set between Asylum and City. It features Batman dealing with another prison escape, with voices by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Unfortunately, this game is no longer available for purchase.
Available on: N/A | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Lockdown Wiki
- Batman: Arkham City
Batman: Arkham City, set a year and a half after Asylum, sees Batman navigating the newly established Arkham City, a section of Gotham for criminals. The game features a plot orchestrated by Hugo Strange and the Joker's struggle with the Titan serum's effects. Written by Paul Dini, this game expands the Arkhamverse significantly.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Wiki
- Batman: Arkham VR
Batman: Arkham VR, the series' first VR game, is set before Arkham Knight. This narrative-driven experience focuses on detective work as Batman investigates a murder. Featuring Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, it's a must-play for VR enthusiasts.
Available on: VR | IGN’s Batman: Arkham VR Wiki
- Batman: Arkham Knight
Batman: Arkham Knight concludes Rocksteady's trilogy, featuring the largest Gotham yet and introducing the Batmobile. Set on Halloween, it follows Batman as he battles Scarecrow's fear toxin and the mysterious Arkham Knight. The game wraps up the series' narrative threads and features a vast cast of characters.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Knight Wiki
- 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, promising to tie up loose ends from previous games.
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, there are no confirmed upcoming 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 there have been reports of Rocksteady pitching new single-player projects, no official announcements have been made.
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