The Batman: Arkham series, crafted by Rocksteady Studios, is renowned as one of the best comic book game franchises ever, standing shoulder to shoulder with Insomniac's Spider-Man titles. The series is celebrated for its seamless freeflow combat, exceptional voice acting, and a meticulously crafted version of Gotham City, making it a standout collection of action-adventure superhero games.
With the recent release of a new VR addition to the Arkham series, it's the perfect time to dive into or revisit these iconic Batman games.
Jump to:
- How to play in chronological order
- How to play by release order
How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?
There are a total of 10 games in the Batman Arkhamverse. However, only eight of these games are currently playable, as two mobile games have been removed from mobile storefronts.
Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?
Newcomers have several entry points into the Batman Arkham series. For a chronological narrative experience, start with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, though this might spoil earlier games due to its later release date. Alternatively, for the series' original 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
Here are two ways to approach the Batman: Arkham series: by release date or by narrative chronology. Both paths are outlined below, with mild spoilers to help guide new players through the series.
- Batman: Arkham Origins
Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, Batman: Arkham Origins introduces a less experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty, attracting Gotham's most notorious villains like the Joker, Black Mask, and others. The game's conclusion sets the stage for the events of Arkham Asylum. Notably, Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker voice Batman and the Joker, respectively, replacing the series' regular duo of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal, this game is available on PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, and PC.
Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Origins Wiki
- Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate
Set three months after Origins, Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate shifts to a 2.5D side-scrolling format, developed by Armature Studio. Batman investigates an explosion at Blackgate prison, navigating areas controlled by Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker. 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
The second VR game in the series, Batman: Arkham Shadow takes place between Origins and Asylum, on July 4th. Batman, voiced again by Roger Craig Smith, battles a new villain, The Rat King, and interacts with Gotham's familiar faces. Developed by Camouflaj, it's available on Meta Quest 3 and 3S.
Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S
Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition
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- Batman: Arkham Underworld
In Batman: Arkham Underworld, players become Gotham's newest criminal mastermind, managing a roster of villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Set before Arkham Asylum, this mobile game is no longer available for download, having been shut down in 2017.
Available on: N/A
Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham
Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set two years before Arkham Asylum. While not essential for the games' narrative, it provides additional context for the Arkhamverse. Available on HBO Max, it features Kevin Conroy as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker, with Giancarlo Esposito voicing Black Spider.
Available on: HBO Max
- Batman: Arkham Asylum
Rocksteady's debut Batman game, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces the Arkhamverse's Batman, voiced by Kevin Conroy. The game follows Batman as he thwarts the Joker's plan to unleash chaos with a super-strength serum called Titan. Written by Paul Dini, it's available on multiple platforms.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Asylum Wiki
- Batman: Arkham City Lockdown
Batman: Arkham City Lockdown is a mobile fighter set between Asylum and City. Featuring familiar characters like the Joker and Harley Quinn, it's no longer available for purchase.
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 Batman's efforts to navigate the lawless Arkham City, thwarting Hugo Strange's plot and dealing with the aftermath of the Joker's Titan serum exposure. Also written by Paul Dini, it's available on various platforms.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Wiki
- Batman: Arkham VR
Batman: Arkham VR is a VR experience set before Arkham Knight, focusing on detective work as Batman solves a murder. Featuring a brief runtime, it's a must-play for VR enthusiasts.
Available on: VR | IGN’s Batman: Arkham VR Wiki
- Batman: Arkham Knight
The final installment of Rocksteady's trilogy, Batman: Arkham Knight, introduces a vast Gotham City and the Batmobile. Set on Halloween, Batman faces threats from Scarecrow and the mysterious Arkham Knight, while dealing with the psychological effects of past events. The game's true ending requires 100% completion.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Knight Wiki
- Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is Rocksteady's latest addition to the Arkhamverse, set five years after Arkham Knight. Players control members of Task Force X in Metropolis, continuing the narrative threads 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?
After the release of Batman: Arkham Shadow last October, no new Batman Arkham games are currently in development. Fans are eager for Rocksteady Studios to return to the series, especially following reports of the studio pitching new single-player projects. However, there's no official confirmation yet on their next venture.
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