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The Batman: Arkham series stands alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man as one of the finest comic book game franchises ever created. Rocksteady Studios masterfully combined exhilarating freeflow combat, exceptional voice acting, and a captivating depiction of Gotham City to produce a memorable collection of action-adventure superhero games.
With the latest VR addition to the Arkham series now available, fans might be eager to dive back into the best Batman games ever made.
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How to play in chronological orderHow to play by release orderHow Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?
In total, the Batman Arkhamverse comprises 10 games. However, only eight of these are currently playable, as two mobile titles have been discontinued and removed from mobile stores.
Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?
Newcomers to the Batman Arkham series have a couple of entry points. To follow the story chronologically, start with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. However, since Origins was released later than the first game, it might spoil elements of the earlier titles. If you prefer to experience the series as it was released, begin with Batman: Arkham Asylum.
### Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)
0The definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy, complete with all post-launch content, are available for purchase. See it at AmazonBatman Arkham Games in Chronological Order
Here, we outline two ways to approach the Batman: Arkham games: by chronological release or by narrative timeline. Both paths are detailed below to suit different preferences.
These plot summaries are crafted with newcomers in mind, containing only mild spoilers such as general plot points and character introductions.
Batman: Arkham Origins
Chronologically, the first Arkham 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, which attracts Gotham's notorious criminals like the Joker, Black Mask, The Penguin, and others. The game's ending sets the stage for the reopening of Arkham Asylum, which leads into Rocksteady's subsequent game.
Batman: Arkham Origins features Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker, replacing the iconic voices of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Although Rocksteady established the Arkhamverse, Origins was developed by WB Montreal, the studio behind Gotham Knights.
A mobile version of Arkham Origins also exists, developed by NetherRealm Studios, known for Mortal Kombat. While it differs in gameplay, it follows the same narrative.
Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Origins Wiki
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate takes place three months after Origins. It's a 2.5D side-scroller developed by Armature Studio (Resident Evil 4 VR).
In Blackgate, Batman investigates a prison where an explosion has freed inmates. The game is divided into three main areas, each controlled by a notorious villain: Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker. Other characters include Catwoman, Amanda Waller, and Rick Flag.
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
Roger Craig Smith voices the younger Batman, who battles a new villain, The Rat King. Other characters include Jim Gordon, Doctors Harlene Quinzel and Jonathan Crane, Arnold Wesker (The Ventriloquist), and Barbra Gordon.
Shadow is the first Arkhamverse game developed by Camouflaj, the studio behind Marvel's Iron Man VR.
Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S
### Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition
0See it at Amazon4. Batman: Arkham Underworld
Batman: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game where you play as Gotham's newest criminal mastermind, commanding villains like Harley Quinn, The Riddler, and others. It's a free-to-play game where you build a criminal hideout and recruit henchmen. Kevin Conroy voices Batman in this game, which is set before Arkham Asylum. However, it's no longer available for download, having been shut down in 2017.
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, it adds depth to the Arkhamverse narrative. Available on HBO Max, it features Kevin Conroy as Batman, Troy Baker as the Joker, and Giancarlo Esposito as Black Spider.
Available on: HBO Max
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Batman: Arkham Asylum, Rocksteady's debut in the series, introduces the Arkhamverse's Batman, voiced by Kevin Conroy. The fourth game chronologically but the first released, it features the Joker (voiced by Mark Hamill) as the main villain, with a cast including Harley Quinn, Commissioner Gordon, and others.
The plot involves the Joker's takeover of the asylum to obtain the Titan serum, with Batman left to handle the situation alone due to threats of city-wide bombs.
The story was penned by Paul Dini, a veteran of the Batman franchise.
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. Developed by NetherRealm, it's no longer available for purchase. It features Batman (voiced by Kevin Conroy) facing another prison breakout, with villains like the Joker (Mark Hamill), Harley Quinn, and others.
Available on: N/A | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Lockdown Wiki
Batman: Arkham City
Batman: Arkham City, Rocksteady's second game, is set a year and a half after Arkham Asylum. It follows the opening of Arkham City, a section of Gotham designated for criminals. Batman must navigate this area while thwarting Hugo Strange's plot and dealing with the Joker's deteriorating health due to the Titan serum.
The story was also written by Paul Dini.
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' only VR game, is set before Arkham Knight. It's a narrative-driven experience focused on detective work as Batman investigates an ally's murder. With a runtime of about 90 minutes, it's a must-play for VR enthusiasts.
The game features Robin, Nightwing, Alfred Pennyworth, and others, with Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprising their roles.
Available on: VR | IGN’s Batman: Arkham VR Wiki
Batman: Arkham Knight
Batman: Arkham Knight concludes Rocksteady's trilogy with the largest version of Gotham, a diverse cast, and the introduction of the Batmobile. Set on Halloween, less than a year after City, it features Scarecrow's threat with fear toxin and the mysterious Arkham Knight. Batman also grapples with internal struggles from previous games.
The game's ~16-hour campaign wraps up multiple storylines, with a true ending unlocked by 100% completion.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Knight Wiki
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
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)
What's Next in the Arkham Series?
Following the release of *Arkham Shadow* last October, no new Batman Arkham games are currently in development. Fans hope for Rocksteady Studios' return to the series after nearly a decade, especially after reports of their interest in single-player games post-*Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League*.Related Content:
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