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, creating an unforgettable action-adventure superhero experience.

With a new VR entry in the Arkham series now available, many are revisiting (or discovering) these legendary Batman titles.

**Jump to:**

Chronological Order | Release Order

How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?

There are ten games within the Batman Arkhamverse. However, only eight are currently playable; two mobile titles have been removed from app stores.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

For newcomers, there are two approaches: chronological order (starting with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins) or release order (Batman: Arkham Asylum). Chronological order might spoil earlier games, while release order offers the intended experience.

Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

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

See it at Amazon

Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

We'll explore two playthrough paths: chronological narrative and release date. Minor spoilers regarding plot points and character introductions are included.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Chronologically first, Batman: Arkham Origins (2013) depicts a younger, less experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty on his head, attracting Gotham's elite criminals: Joker, Black Mask, Penguin, and more. The game hints at Arkham Asylum's reopening, setting the stage for future events. Note that 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, a distinct brawler, also exists.

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 is a 2.5D side-scroller. Batman investigates Blackgate Penitentiary following a mass breakout. 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, the second VR title, takes place in Blackgate Penitentiary between Origins/Origins Blackgate and Asylum. Roger Craig Smith returns as Batman.

Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

See it at Amazon

4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld, a now-defunct mobile game, casts you as a Gotham crime boss. Set before Arkham Asylum.

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film, set roughly two years before Arkham Asylum. Features Kevin Conroy and Troy Baker.

Available on: HBO Max

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady's debut, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces Kevin Conroy's Batman and Mark Hamill's Joker. The Joker's plan involves 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 fighter set between Asylum and City, Batman: Arkham City Lockdown is no longer available.

7. Batman: Arkham City

Rocksteady's second game, Batman: Arkham City, takes place a year and a half after Asylum. Features Hugo Strange and the Joker dealing with the Titan serum's effects.

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

8. Batman: Arkham VR

Batman: Arkham VR is a VR experience set shortly before Arkham Knight.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

Rocksteady's trilogy conclusion, Batman: Arkham Knight, introduces the Arkham Knight and features Scarecrow's fear toxin.

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

10. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Rocksteady's latest, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, shifts focus to Task Force X in Metropolis. Set five years after Arkham Knight.

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, no future Arkham games are currently announced.

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