"Batman Arkham Games: Chronological Play Order Guide"

The Batman: Arkham series stands alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man as the pinnacle of comic book gaming. Rocksteady Studios masterfully crafted the Arkham series, delivering exceptional freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a captivating portrayal of Gotham City, resulting in an iconic set of action-adventure superhero games.

With the recent addition of a new VR game to the Arkham series, now is the perfect time to dive into, or revisit, these legendary Batman games.

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How to play in chronological orderHow to play by release orderHow Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?

In total, there are 10 games in the Batman Arkhamverse. However, only eight of these games are currently playable, as two mobile games have been discontinued and removed from mobile stores.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

For newcomers to the Batman Arkham series, there are two recommended approaches: starting with the story's chronological order, which begins with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, or following the release order, which starts with Batman: Arkham Asylum. Be aware that playing Origins first might spoil some elements of the earlier released games.

### Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

0The definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy, including all post-launch content, are available at Amazon.Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

Here are two ways to experience the Batman: Arkham games: by narrative chronology or by release date. Below, you'll find detailed paths for both approaches, with mild spoilers limited to broad plot points and character introductions to cater to new players.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Chronologically, the series begins with 2013’s Batman: Arkham Origins. Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, this game features a less-experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty, attracting Gotham's notorious criminals like the Joker, Black Mask, The Penguin, and others. The game's conclusion teases the reopening of Arkham Asylum, setting the stage for future events.

Notably, Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker voice Batman and the Joker, replacing the series' usual stars, Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Although the Arkhamverse was established by Rocksteady, Origins was developed by WB Montreal, the creators of Gotham Knights.

A mobile version of Arkham Origins also exists, differing significantly as a brawler developed by NeatherRealm, yet it follows the same narrative.

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

2. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate takes place three months after Origins. This 2.5D side-scrolling adventure, developed by Armature Studio, sees Batman investigating Blackgate Prison after an explosion. The game features three main areas controlled by Gotham's villains: Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker, with other notable characters like Catwoman and Amanda Waller.

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

3. Batman: Arkham Shadow

The second VR game in the Arkhamverse, Batman: Arkham Shadow, is set between Origins/Origins Blackgate and Asylum, on July 4, seven months after Origins. Roger Craig Smith returns as Batman, confronting a new villain, The Rat King, alongside familiar faces like Jim Gordon and others.

Developed by Camouflaj, known for Marvel's Iron Man VR, Shadow is exclusive to Meta Quest 3 and 3S.

### Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

0Available at Amazon4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

Set before Arkham Asylum, Batman: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game where players assume the role of a criminal mastermind in Gotham, recruiting villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Kevin Conroy voices Batman in this now-discontinued game, which was shut down in 2017.

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set in the Arkhamverse, 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 focuses on Batman's adversaries and features voices by Kevin Conroy, Troy Baker, and Giancarlo Esposito.

Available on: HBO Max

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady's inaugural Batman game, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces the Arkhamverse's Batman, voiced by Kevin Conroy. Set as the fourth game chronologically but the first released, it features Mark Hamill's Joker and other iconic characters. The story follows Batman's solo mission to stop the Joker's takeover of the asylum.

Written by Paul Dini, a veteran of the Batman franchise, the game is available on multiple platforms.

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

6. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

Released shortly after Arkham City, Batman: Arkham City Lockdown is a mobile fighter set between Asylum and City. It features a roster of Arkham villains and is no longer available for purchase. The story involves another prison escape that Batman must resolve.

Available on: N/A | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Lockdown Wiki

7. Batman: Arkham City

Set a year and a half after Asylum, Batman: Arkham City expands the setting to a walled-off section of Gotham called Arkham City. Batman navigates this lawless area to thwart Hugo Strange's plot and deal with the Joker's deteriorating health due to the Titan serum.

Paul Dini returns as the writer for this game, available on various platforms.

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

8. Batman: Arkham VR

Set before Arkham Knight, Batman: Arkham VR is a narrative-driven VR game focusing on detective work as Batman investigates a murder. With a runtime of about 90 minutes, it's a must-play for VR enthusiasts.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

Concluding Rocksteady's trilogy, Batman: Arkham Knight features the largest Gotham yet, introducing the Batmobile and a vast cast of characters. Set on Halloween, the game follows Batman's battle against Scarecrow's fear toxin and the mysterious Arkham Knight.

The game's campaign lasts around 16 hours, with additional content to unlock the true ending.

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

10. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Rocksteady's latest addition to the Arkhamverse, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, shifts focus to Task Force X in Metropolis, five years after Arkham Knight. Players can control Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, or King Shark.

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

Every IGN Batman Game Review

48 ImagesHow 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 nearly a decade, especially after reports of their interest in single-player games post-Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.

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