How to Play the Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

The Batman: Arkham games stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Insomniac's Spider-Man as the pinnacle of comic book video games. Rocksteady Studios masterfully blended fluid combat, exceptional voice acting, and a breathtakingly realized Gotham City to create an unforgettable action-adventure superhero experience.

With a new VR entry in the Arkham series now available, you might be eager to dive into (or revisit) these legendary Batman titles.

**Jump to:**

• Chronological Order
• Release Order

How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?

There are a total of 10 games within the Batman Arkhamverse. However, only eight are currently playable; two mobile titles have been discontinued.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

There are two primary approaches for newcomers: chronological order (starting with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins) or release order (Batman: Arkham Asylum). Chronological order begins with Origins, but playing it first might spoil earlier games. Release order offers a more natural progression of gameplay and technology.

Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

Definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy, including all DLC.

Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

Here are two ways to experience the Batman: Arkham games: chronologically by release or narratively. The following synopses contain only minor spoilers.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Chronologically first, *Batman: Arkham Origins* (2013) depicts a younger, less experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty on Christmas Eve. He confronts Gotham's elite villains: Joker, Black Mask, Penguin, Mad Hatter, Bane, Deadshot, Firefly, and Killer Croc. The game hints at Arkham Asylum's reopening, foreshadowing Rocksteady's *Arkham Asylum*. Note: This game features Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker, differing from the main series' Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal. A mobile version also exists, but it's a different style of game.

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

2. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

Set three months after *Origins*, *Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate* (2.5D side-scroller) follows Batman investigating Blackgate Penitentiary after a prison break. He confronts Penguin, Black Mask, and Joker, alongside Catwoman, Amanda Waller, and Rick Flag. Features Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker.

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, primarily set in Blackgate Penitentiary between *Origins/Origins Blackgate* and *Asylum*. Batman confronts the Rat King and other familiar characters. Developed by Camouflaj.

Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

A mobile game (no longer available) where you command Batman's villains. Set before *Arkham Asylum*, it has minimal impact on the main storyline.

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

*Batman: Assault on Arkham* is an animated film (available on HBO Max) set roughly two years before *Arkham Asylum*, focusing on Batman's villains infiltrating Arkham Asylum.

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady's debut, *Batman: Arkham Asylum* introduces Kevin Conroy's Batman and Mark Hamill's Joker. The Joker, aided by Harley Quinn, infiltrates Arkham Asylum to unleash Titan, a super-strength serum.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Asylum Wiki

6. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

A mobile fighting game (no longer available) set between *Asylum* and *City*. Features many familiar characters.

7. Batman: Arkham City

Rocksteady's second game, set a year and a half after *Asylum*, where Batman navigates Arkham City, a walled-off section of Gotham. He confronts Hugo Strange and a Titan-affected Joker.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Wiki

8. Batman: Arkham VR

A VR game set shortly before *Arkham Knight*, focusing on detective work.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

Rocksteady's trilogy conclusion, featuring a larger Gotham, expanded cast, and the Batmobile. Scarecrow unleashes fear toxin, and a new threat, the Arkham Knight, emerges.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Knight Wiki

10. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Rocksteady's latest, shifting focus from Batman to Task Force X in Metropolis. A continuation of the Arkhamverse.

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

Every IGN Batman Game Review

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 *Arkham Shadow*'s release, there are currently no announced future Batman Arkham games.

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