The Batman: Arkham series, crafted by Rocksteady Studios, stands alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man as some of the finest comic book games ever created. These games are renowned for their seamless freeflow combat, exceptional voice acting, and a captivating portrayal of Gotham City, making them essential experiences for action-adventure superhero game enthusiasts.
With the recent addition of a new VR game to the Arkham series, now is a perfect time to explore or revisit these iconic titles.
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 in the Batman Arkhamverse. However, only eight of these are currently accessible, as two mobile games have been discontinued and removed from mobile platforms.
Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?
For newcomers, the Batman Arkham series offers different entry points. To follow the story chronologically, start with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. However, since Origins was released after the initial game, it might spoil some elements of the earlier titles. If you prefer to experience the series in the order of release, 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.
Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order
We provide two paths to explore the Batman: Arkham series: by narrative chronology or by release date. Both approaches are outlined below, keeping in mind series newcomers with minimal spoilers.
- Batman: Arkham Origins
The first game chronologically is 2013’s Batman: Arkham Origins. Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, it features a less-experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty, attracting Gotham's most dangerous criminals like the Joker, Black Mask, and Bane. The game’s conclusion sets the stage for the reopening of Arkham Asylum, leading into Rocksteady’s subsequent title.
Origins stars Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker, replacing the usual voices of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal, it expands the Arkhamverse established by Rocksteady. A mobile version, a brawler by Mortal Kombat's NeatherRealm, shares the same narrative beats.
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 is a 2.5D side-scroller developed by Armature Studio. Here, Batman investigates an explosion at Blackgate prison, which has freed its inmates. The game features three main areas controlled by notorious villains like Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker.
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
- Batman: Arkham Shadow
BATMAN: ARKHAM SHADOW is the second VR game in the Arkhamverse, set between Origins and Asylum on July 4. Roger Craig Smith voices Batman as he confronts a new villain, The Rat King, alongside familiar faces like Jim Gordon and Doctors Harlene Quinzel and Jonathan Crane.
Developed by Camouflaj, the creators of Marvel's Iron Man VR, this game is available exclusively 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 assume the role of Gotham’s newest criminal mastermind, recruiting villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Set before Arkham Asylum, this game has been discontinued since 2017 and is no longer available.
- Batman: Assault on Arkham
BATMAN: ASSAULT ON ARKHAM is an animated film set in the Arkhamverse, two years before Arkham Asylum. It focuses on Batman’s adversaries as they infiltrate Arkham Asylum. While not essential for game players, it enriches the Arkhamverse experience and is available on HBO Max.
Available on: HBO Max
- Batman: Arkham Asylum
Rocksteady’s debut Batman: Arkham Asylum introduces the Arkhamverse, with Kevin Conroy voicing Batman. Set after the events of the previous games in the chronology, it features Mark Hamill as the Joker, who, with Harley Quinn’s help, aims to obtain the Titan serum. The game was 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
- Batman: Arkham City Lockdown
BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY LOCKDOWN, a mobile fighter released post-Arkham City, is set between Asylum and City. It features Batman tackling another prison escape. Although no longer available, it included familiar characters voiced by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill.
Available on: N/A | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Lockdown Wiki
- Batman: Arkham City
Rocksteady’s Batman: Arkham City follows a year and a half after Asylum. It introduces Arkham City, a section of Gotham housing criminals, where Batman must navigate and thwart Hugo Strange’s plot. The game also addresses the Joker’s deteriorating health due to the Titan serum.
Written by Paul Dini, this title continues the strong narrative tradition of the series.
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-exclusive game set before Arkham Knight, focusing on Batman’s detective skills as he investigates a murder. Featuring a compact ~90-minute runtime, it includes familiar characters like Robin and the Joker, voiced by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill.
Available on: VR | IGN’s Batman: Arkham VR Wiki
- Batman: Arkham Knight
The finale of Rocksteady's trilogy, Batman: Arkham Knight features the largest Gotham and introduces the Batmobile. Set on Halloween, it deals with Scarecrow's fear toxin threat and the mysterious Arkham Knight. The game wraps up several storylines, with a full completion required to see the true ending.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Knight Wiki
- Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Rocksteady’s Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League continues the Arkhamverse, set five years after Arkham Knight. Players explore Metropolis as members of Task Force X, including 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 are eager for Rocksteady Studios to return to the series after a near-decade hiatus, especially after Bloomberg reported their focus on single-player games post-Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.
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