The Batman: Arkham series stands shoulder to shoulder with Insomniac's Spider-Man as the pinnacle of comic book gaming. Rocksteady Studios masterfully crafted the Arkham series, combining exhilarating freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a captivating rendition of Gotham City into a series of action-adventure superhero games that have left an indelible mark on the genre.

With the recent release of a new VR addition to the Arkham series, many fans might be eager to dive back into this iconic universe or experience it for the first time.

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How to play in chronological orderHow to play by release orderHow Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?

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

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

For newcomers to the Batman Arkham series, there are two main approaches to start your journey. If you wish to follow the story in chronological order, your starting point would be 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. However, since Origins was released years after the initial game, it might spoil some surprises from the earlier entries. Alternatively, if you prefer to experience the games in the order of their release, you should 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 at Amazon.Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

Here are two ways to experience the Batman: Arkham games: by release date or by narrative chronology. Below, we provide both paths, keeping spoilers to a minimum with broad plot points and character introductions for newcomers.

1. 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 seasoned Batman who is targeted with a $50 million bounty, attracting Gotham's most notorious criminals such as the Joker, Black Mask, The Penguin, and others. The game's conclusion teases the reopening of Arkham Asylum, setting the stage for future events.

Roger Craig Smith voices Batman, and Troy Baker voices the Joker in this title, a departure from the series' usual voices of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal, Origins expands the Arkhamverse initiated by Rocksteady Studios.

A mobile version of Arkham Origins also exists, developed by NeatherRealm as a brawler, though it shares the same narrative milestones.

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-scrolling game, developed by Armature Studio, has Batman investigating an explosion at Blackgate Prison, which has freed its inmates. The game is divided into three areas controlled by Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker, with other notable characters including 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

3. Batman: Arkham Shadow

Developed by Camouflaj, Shadow is available on Meta Quest 3 and 3S.

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

0Available at Amazon4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game where players take on the role of a criminal mastermind in Gotham, managing villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Set before Arkham Asylum, it has minimal impact on the overall narrative and is 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, occurring two years before Arkham Asylum. While not essential for the game series, it enriches the universe 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 inaugural Batman game, 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, alongside other iconic characters.

The story follows Batman as he navigates an asylum takeover by the Joker, who seeks a super-strength serum called Titan. Written by Paul Dini, the game sets a high standard for the series.

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

6. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

Batman: Arkham City Lockdown, released shortly after Arkham City, is a mobile fighter set between Asylum and City. Developed by NeatherRealm, 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

Rocksteady's second game, Batman: Arkham City, is set a year and a half after Arkham Asylum. It introduces Arkham City, a section of Gotham walled off to contain criminals. Batman must navigate this lawless area while thwarting Hugo Strange's plot and dealing with the Joker's deteriorating health due to the Titan serum.

Written by Paul Dini, Arkham City expands the scope and depth of the series.

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. It focuses on detective work as Batman investigates the murder of an ally. With a runtime of about 90 minutes, it's a must-play for VR enthusiasts, featuring voices by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

Batman: Arkham Knight concludes Rocksteady's trilogy, featuring the largest Gotham yet, a varied cast, and the Batmobile. Set on Halloween night, it follows Batman as he battles Scarecrow's fear toxin and the mysterious Arkham Knight, while dealing with personal demons.

The game's campaign lasts about 16 hours, with a true ending unlocked by 100% completion.

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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