The Batman: Arkham games are celebrated as some of the best comic book adaptations in gaming, rivaling Insomniac's Spider-Man series. Rocksteady Studios crafted an engaging universe with its Arkham series, which boasts seamless freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a vividly realized Gotham City. This series has become a benchmark for action-adventure superhero games.
With the recent release of a new VR game in the Arkham series, fans might be eager to revisit or discover these iconic titles.
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How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?
In total, there are 10 games within the Batman Arkhamverse. However, only eight of these titles are currently playable, as two mobile games have been discontinued and removed from mobile app stores.
Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?
Newcomers to the series have several entry points depending on their preferences:
- Chronological Order: Begin with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. However, be aware that playing Origins first might spoil elements of the earlier released games.
- Release Order: Start with Batman: Arkham Asylum, the first game released in 2009, to experience the series as it was originally unveiled.
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 narrative chronology or by release date. Both paths are detailed below, keeping in mind newcomers by minimizing spoilers to broad plot points and character introductions.
Batman: Arkham Origins
Batman: Arkham Origins, released in 2013, is the first game chronologically. Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, this game features a less-experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty on his head, drawing various villains like the Joker, Black Mask, and Bane. The story sets the stage for the reopening of Arkham Asylum, which is explored in later games.
Notably, Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker voice Batman and the Joker, respectively, instead of the usual Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal, this game expands the Arkhamverse established by Rocksteady.
A mobile version, developed by NeatherRealm, also exists but is a brawler with the same narrative beats.
Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Origins Wiki
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate, set three months after Origins, is a 2.5D side-scroller 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 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. It takes place on July 4, seven months after Origins. Roger Craig Smith voices Batman, who confronts a new villain, The Rat King, alongside familiar faces like Jim Gordon and Harlene Quinzel.
Developed by Camouflaj, this game is available 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 a criminal mastermind in Gotham, recruiting villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Kevin Conroy voices Batman in this title, which is set before Arkham Asylum but has minimal impact on the overall narrative.
Unfortunately, this game is no longer available for download, having been shut down in 2017.
Batman: Assault on Arkham
Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set in the Arkhamverse, occurring two years before Arkham Asylum. While not essential for the game series, it enriches the universe and is available on HBO Max. The film follows Batman's adversaries as they infiltrate Arkham Asylum.
Kevin Conroy and Troy Baker voice Batman and the Joker, with Giancarlo Esposito lending his voice to Black Spider.
Available on: HBO Max
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Batman: Arkham Asylum, the first game released by Rocksteady in 2009, introduces the Arkhamverse with Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker. The story follows Batman as he navigates an asylum takeover orchestrated by the Joker, who seeks a super-strength serum called Titan.
Written by Paul Dini, this game sets the tone for the series.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Asylum Wiki
Batman: Arkham City Lockdown
Batman: Arkham City Lockdown, released shortly after Arkham City, is a mobile fighter set between Asylum and City. It features Batman dealing with another prison escape, with familiar voices like Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill.
This game is no longer available for purchase.
Available on: N/A | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Lockdown Wiki
Batman: Arkham City
Batman: Arkham City, set a year and a half after Asylum, follows Batman as he navigates the newly established Arkham City, a section of Gotham for criminals. The game features a plot involving Hugo Strange and the Joker's deteriorating health due to the Titan serum.
Written by Paul Dini, this game expands the scope of the Arkhamverse.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Wiki
Batman: Arkham VR
Batman: Arkham VR, the series' first VR game, is set before Arkham Knight. It focuses on detective work as Batman investigates the murder of an ally. Featuring Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, this narrative-driven game is a must-play for VR enthusiasts.
Available on: VR | IGN’s Batman: Arkham VR Wiki
Batman: Arkham Knight
Batman: Arkham Knight concludes Rocksteady's trilogy, set on Halloween night after Arkham City. It introduces the Batmobile and features a large cast including Scarecrow and the mysterious Arkham Knight. The game wraps up multiple storylines from the series.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Knight Wiki
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, set five years after Arkham Knight, shifts focus to Task Force X in Metropolis. Developed by Rocksteady, it continues the Arkhamverse narrative.
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, there are no confirmed upcoming Batman Arkham games in development. Fans are hopeful for Rocksteady's return to the series, especially after reports of the studio pitching new single-player projects. However, no official announcements have been made.
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