The Batman: Arkham series, crafted by Rocksteady Studios, stands as a pinnacle of comic book video games, rivaling even Insomniac's Spider-Man titles. This series masterfully weaves together dynamic freeflow combat, exceptional voice acting, and a captivating portrayal of Gotham City, delivering a series of unforgettable action-adventure superhero experiences.

With the recent addition of a new VR game to the Arkham series, many fans might be eager to dive back into or discover the best Batman games ever created.

Jump to:

How to play in chronological orderHow to play by release order

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

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

Newcomers to the Batman Arkham series have multiple entry points. To follow the story chronologically, you would start with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. However, since Origins was released after the original game, it might spoil elements of the earlier titles. If you prefer to experience the series in the order of release, you should begin with Batman: Arkham Asylum.

### Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

0Definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy games, including all post-launch content.See it at AmazonBatman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

We offer two paths to explore the Batman: Arkham series: by release date or by narrative chronology. Below, we detail both approaches, keeping in mind newcomers by providing mild spoilers that cover broad plot points and character introductions.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Chronologically, the first game is 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, it features a less-experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty on his head, attracting Gotham's notorious criminals like the Joker, Black Mask, and others. The game's ending teases the reopening of Arkham Asylum, setting the stage for future events.

Developed by WB Montreal, Origins features Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker, replacing the iconic voices of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. A mobile version also exists, though it's a brawler with a different gameplay style.

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

2. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate follows three months after Origins. This 2.5D side-scroller, developed by Armature Studio, takes Batman to Blackgate Prison to investigate an explosion that has freed the inmates. The game involves navigating three areas controlled by Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker, with other characters like Catwoman and Amanda Waller also featured.

Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, Nintendo DS, PS Vita, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate Wiki

3. Batman: Arkham Shadow

Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

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

0See it at Amazon4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld, a now-discontinued mobile game, let players assume the role of Gotham's newest criminal mastermind, managing villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Although set before Arkham Asylum, it has little impact on the overall narrative.

Available on: N/A

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 games' storyline, it enhances the overall narrative and is available to stream on HBO Max.

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 fourth in the chronology but first in release, it features Mark Hamill's Joker orchestrating chaos within the asylum to obtain the Titan serum.

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

6. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

Batman: Arkham City Lockdown, a mobile fighter released shortly after Arkham City, is set between Asylum and City. It features Batman cleaning up another prison escape, with voices by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill.

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

7. Batman: Arkham City

Batman: Arkham City, set a year and a half after Asylum, introduces Arkham City, a walled-off section of Gotham for criminals. Batman must navigate this chaos while thwarting Hugo Strange and dealing with the Joker's Titan-induced illness.

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

8. Batman: Arkham VR

Batman: Arkham VR, the series' first VR title, is set before Arkham Knight. It focuses on Batman's detective work as he investigates a murder, featuring a rich narrative and a brief runtime.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

Concluding Rocksteady's mainline trilogy, Batman: Arkham Knight features the largest Gotham yet and introduces the Batmobile. Set on Halloween, it follows Batman as he battles Scarecrow's fear toxin and the mysterious Arkham Knight.

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

10. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

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?

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