Batman Arkham Games: Chronological Play 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, many are revisiting (or discovering) 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 removed from app stores.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

There are two approaches for newcomers: chronological order (starting with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins) or release order (Batman: Arkham Asylum). Chronological order may spoil earlier games, while release order offers a natural progression of gameplay improvements.

Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

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

Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

We'll outline two playthrough paths: chronological narrative order and chronological release order. Plot synopses below 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 his head. He confronts Gotham's elite criminals: Joker, Black Mask, Penguin, and more. The ending hints at Arkham Asylum's reopening, setting the stage for future events. Note that this game features different voice actors than the main trilogy. 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 prison break. He confronts Penguin, Black Mask, and Joker, among others.

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, it bridges the gap between Origins/Origins Blackgate and Asylum. Batman faces a new villain, the Rat King, alongside familiar characters.

Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld is a defunct mobile game where you command Batman's villains. It's set before Arkham Asylum but holds minimal narrative significance.

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set roughly two years before Arkham Asylum. While optional for gamers solely focused on the games, it enriches the overall Arkhamverse narrative.

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, aided by Harley Quinn, infiltrates the asylum to unleash chaos.

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 for purchase.

7. Batman: Arkham City

Rocksteady's second game, Batman: Arkham City, takes place a year and a half after Asylum. Batman navigates the sprawling Arkham City while thwarting Hugo Strange's plans and confronting a Joker weakened by the Titan serum.

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 title set shortly before Arkham Knight. It focuses on detective work as Batman investigates a murder.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

Rocksteady's concluding chapter, Batman: Arkham Knight, features a larger Gotham, a diverse cast, and the introduction of the Batmobile. Scarecrow unleashes fear toxin, while the mysterious 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, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, shifts focus to Task Force X in Metropolis. It's considered 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 no officially announced future Arkham games.

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