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 freeflow combat, exceptional voice acting, and a breathtakingly realized Gotham City, crafting an unforgettable action-adventure superhero experience.
With a new VR entry in the Arkham series now available, you might be eager to dive into (or revisit) these legendary Batman titles.
**Jump to:**
- Chronological Order
- Release Order
How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?
There are a total of ten games within the Batman Arkhamverse. However, only eight are currently playable; two mobile titles have been discontinued.
Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?
There are two primary approaches for newcomers: chronological order (starting with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins) or release order (Batman: Arkham Asylum). Starting chronologically might spoil elements of earlier games, while starting with the first release provides a more natural progression of gameplay and technology.
Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)
Definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy, including all post-launch content.
See it at Amazon
Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order
We'll outline two playthrough paths: chronological order by release and chronological order by narrative.
These synopses contain minimal spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.
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, Mad Hatter, Bane, Deadshot, Firefly, and Killer Croc. The game hints at Arkham Asylum's reopening, setting the stage for Rocksteady's Arkham Asylum.
Note: Arkham Origins features Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker, differing from the usual Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal, not Rocksteady. 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, facing Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker.
Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker reprise their roles.
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, primarily takes place in Blackgate Penitentiary between Origins/ Origins Blackgate and Asylum, on July 4th. Roger Craig Smith returns as Batman, facing the Rat King.
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, puts you in the role of a Gotham crime boss, recruiting villains like Harley Quinn and Scarecrow. Kevin Conroy returns as Batman. Set before Arkham Asylum, it has minimal impact on the overall narrative.
No longer available for download.
Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham
Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set roughly two years before Arkham Asylum, following Harley Quinn and other villains infiltrating Arkham. Kevin Conroy and Troy Baker reprise their roles.
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 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, Arkham City Lockdown features numerous familiar characters. No longer available for purchase.
Available on: N/A | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Lockdown Wiki
7. Batman: Arkham City
Rocksteady's second game, Arkham City, takes place a year and a half after Asylum. Batman navigates the walled-off Arkham City, confronting Hugo Strange and the Joker.
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 detective story set shortly before Arkham Knight.
Available on: VR | IGN’s Batman: Arkham VR Wiki
9. Batman: Arkham Knight
Rocksteady's trilogy conclusion, Arkham Knight, features Scarecrow, the Arkham Knight, and a fully playable Batmobile.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Knight Wiki
10. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Rocksteady's latest, set five years after Arkham Knight, shifts focus to Task Force X in Metropolis. Officially 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)
What's Next in the Arkham Series?
Following Arkham Shadow's release, there are currently no announced future Arkham games.
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God of War Games in Order and Final Fantasy Games in Order
Take a look at our rankings for the best Batman movies and the best Batman comics of all time
Shop Batman merch from the IGN Store
