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 combat, exceptional voice acting, and a breathtakingly realized Gotham City to create an unforgettable action-adventure superhero experience.
With a new VR entry in the Arkham series now available, many are revisiting (or discovering for the first time) these iconic Batman titles.
**Jump to:**
- Chronological Order
- Release Order
How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?
There are a total of 10 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?
For newcomers, there are two approaches: chronological order (starting with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins) or release order (Batman: Arkham Asylum). Chronological order might spoil elements of earlier games, while release order offers a more natural progression of gameplay and technology.
Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)
Definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy, including all DLC.
See it at Amazon
Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order
Here are two ways to experience the Arkham games: chronologically by release or narratively. Mild spoilers regarding broad plot points and character introductions are included.
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 most notorious villains. The game features Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker. A mobile version, a brawler differing significantly from the console version, 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.
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, is set in Blackgate Penitentiary between Origins/Origins Blackgate and Asylum. 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 discontinued mobile game, puts you in the role of a Gotham crime boss, recruiting villains like Harley Quinn and Killer Croc. Kevin Conroy returns as Batman.
Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham
Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set roughly two years before Arkham Asylum, following a group of villains infiltrating Arkham Asylum. 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's plot involves a super-strength serum and bombs planted throughout Gotham.
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 discontinued mobile fighter, is set between Asylum and City. Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill return.
Available on: N/A | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Lockdown Wiki
7. Batman: Arkham City
Rocksteady's second game, Batman: Arkham City, takes place a year and a half after Asylum, with Batman navigating the newly created Arkham City. The Joker's actions are also a major plot point.
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' only VR game, is set shortly before Arkham Knight, focusing on detective work as Batman investigates a murder.
Available on: VR | IGN’s Batman: Arkham VR Wiki
9. Batman: Arkham Knight
The conclusion to Rocksteady's trilogy, Batman: Arkham Knight, introduces the Arkham Knight and features a fully playable Batmobile.
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, set five years after Arkham Knight, shifts focus to Task Force X in Metropolis.
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)
*Animated film
What's Next in the Arkham Series?
Following Arkham Shadow's release, there are no officially announced future Arkham games.
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