The Batman: Arkham series, crafted by Rocksteady Studios, stands as a pinnacle of comic book gaming, rivaling even Insomniac's Spider-Man titles. These games masterfully combine fluid freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a richly detailed Gotham City to deliver an exceptional action-adventure experience. With the recent addition of a new VR game to the Arkham series, fans and newcomers alike might be eager to dive into or revisit these iconic titles.

Jump to:

• How to play in chronological order
• How to play by release order

How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?

The Batman Arkhamverse encompasses a total of 10 games. However, only eight of these are currently playable, as two mobile titles have been discontinued and removed from app stores.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

For newcomers, there are two primary ways to start the series: by story chronology or by release date. If you choose to follow the story in chronological order, you'll begin with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. However, since Origins was released after the initial game, it might spoil some elements of the earlier titles. Alternatively, starting with Batman: Arkham Asylum, the first game released in 2009, allows you to experience the series as it unfolded.

Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

0

Definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy games, including all post-launch content.

See it at Amazon

Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

Here are two ways to approach the Batman: Arkham series: by release date or by narrative chronology. Both paths are detailed below, with mild spoilers limited to broad plot points and character introductions for newcomers.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

   

   The first game in the chronological order 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 sets the stage for the reopening of Arkham Asylum, leading into Rocksteady's subsequent titles.

   Notably, Origins features Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker, replacing the iconic duo of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal, the same studio behind Gotham Knights, Origins also had a mobile version by NetherRealm Studios, which, while different in gameplay, follows the same narrative.

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

2. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

   

   Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate takes place three months after Origins. This 2.5D side-scroller, developed by Armature Studio, has Batman investigating an explosion at Blackgate Prison, which has freed its inmates. The game features three main areas controlled by Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker, with other characters like Catwoman and Amanda Waller making appearances.

   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

3. Batman: Arkham Shadow

   Batman: Arkham Shadow is the second VR game in the Arkhamverse, set between Origins/Origins Blackgate and Asylum. Taking place on July 4, seven months after Origins, it features Roger Craig Smith voicing a younger Batman as he confronts a new villain, The Rat King, alongside familiar faces like Jim Gordon and others.

   Developed by Camouflaj, the studio behind Marvel's Iron Man VR, Shadow is available on Meta Quest 3 and 3S.

   

   Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

   0

   See it at Amazon

4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

   

   Batman: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game where players take on the role of a criminal mastermind in Gotham, recruiting villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Set before Arkham Asylum, it has little impact on the overall narrative and is no longer available for download, having been shut down in 2017.

   Kevin Conroy voices Batman in this title.

   Available on: N/A

Bonus: 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 overall narrative and is available on HBO Max. The film follows Batman's adversaries as they infiltrate Arkham Asylum, featuring voices by Kevin Conroy, Troy Baker, and Giancarlo Esposito.

Available on: HBO Max

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

   

   Rocksteady's debut in the series, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces the Arkhamverse's Batman, voiced by Kevin Conroy. Set as the fourth game chronologically but the first released, it features Mark Hamill's Joker as the main antagonist. The story involves the Joker's takeover of the asylum to obtain the Titan serum, with Batman facing numerous villains alone.

   Written by Paul Dini, the game's narrative is a cornerstone of the series.

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

6. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

   

   Released shortly after Arkham City, Batman: Arkham City Lockdown is a mobile fighter set between Asylum and City. Developed by NetherRealm, it features Batman dealing with another prison escape, with voices by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. The game is no longer available for purchase.

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

7. Batman: Arkham City

   

   Batman: Arkham City, Rocksteady's second game, takes place a year and a half after Asylum. It introduces Arkham City, a section of Gotham walled off for criminals, where Batman must navigate and thwart Hugo Strange's plot while dealing with the Joker's deteriorating health due to the Titan serum.

   Paul Dini's storytelling continues to shine in this sequel.

   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 the series' only virtual reality game, set before Arkham Knight. Focused on detective work, it has Batman solving the murder of an ally, featuring a brief 90-minute runtime. The game includes familiar characters and is voiced by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

   

   The final installment in Rocksteady's trilogy, Batman: Arkham Knight, features the largest Gotham yet, a varied cast, and the introduction of the Batmobile. Set on Halloween, it follows Batman as he battles Scarecrow's fear toxin and the mysterious Arkham Knight, while dealing with personal struggles.

   The game's campaign lasts around 16 hours, with a true ending requiring 100% completion.

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

10. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

    Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Rocksteady's latest, shifts focus to Task Force X in Metropolis, five years after Arkham Knight. It continues the Arkhamverse narrative, promising to tie up loose ends from previous games.

    Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Every IGN Batman Game Review

48 Images

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 Studios' return to the series, especially after reports of their interest in single-player games post-Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. However, no official announcements have been made.

Related Content:

• 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