Home News How to Play the Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

How to Play the Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

Author : Camila Update : May 04,2025

The Batman: Arkham series, alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man, stands as a pinnacle in comic book gaming, offering an unparalleled experience with its seamless blend of dynamic freeflow combat, exceptional voice acting, and a captivating portrayal of Gotham City. These games have set a benchmark in the action-adventure superhero genre, providing fans with unforgettable adventures.

With the latest addition of a VR game to the Arkham series, now is the perfect time for both new players and returning fans to dive into or revisit these iconic Batman games.

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

How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?

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

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

Newcomers to the series have two primary paths to embark on their Arkham journey:

Chronological Order: Start with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, which takes place earlier in Batman's timeline. However, be aware that playing Origins first might spoil elements of the earlier released games.
Release Order: Begin with Batman: Arkham Asylum, the first game released in 2009, to experience the series as it unfolded.

Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

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

See it at Amazon

Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

Here, we provide two approaches to playing the Batman: Arkham series: by release date or by narrative timeline. Both paths are detailed below, with brief plot synopses that contain only mild spoilers.

Batman: Arkham Origins
The first game in the chronological order is Batman: Arkham Origins, released in 2013. Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, it features a younger, less seasoned Batman facing a $50 million bounty on his head, attracting notorious criminals like the Joker, Black Mask, and Bane. The game's conclusion sets the stage for the reopening of Arkham Asylum. Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker voice Batman and the Joker, respectively, in this title developed by WB Montreal.
Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Origins Wiki
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate
Set three months after Origins, Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate shifts to a 2.5D side-scrolling format. Developed by Armature Studio, Batman investigates an explosion at Blackgate Prison that has unleashed its inmates, navigating areas controlled by Penguin, Black Mask, 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
Batman: Arkham Shadow is the latest VR game in the series, set between Origins and Asylum. It takes place on July 4, seven months after Origins, and introduces a new villain, The Rat King. Developed by Camouflaj, it features Roger Craig Smith as Batman.
Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S
Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition
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See it at Amazon
Batman: Arkham Underworld
This mobile game lets players take on the role of a criminal mastermind in Gotham, managing villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Although set before Arkham Asylum, it's no longer available for download, having been shut down in 2017.
Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham
An animated film set in the Arkhamverse, Batman: Assault on Arkham occurs two years before Arkham Asylum. It focuses on Batman's adversaries and is available on HBO Max.
Available on: HBO Max
Batman: Arkham Asylum
The first game released by Rocksteady, Batman: Arkham Asylum introduces players to the Arkhamverse. Set after Origins, it features Batman (voiced by Kevin Conroy) tackling the Joker's (Mark Hamill) takeover of the asylum.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Asylum Wiki
Batman: Arkham City Lockdown
A mobile fighter set between Asylum and City, Batman: Arkham City Lockdown is no longer available for purchase. It features Batman dealing with another prison escape.
Available on: N/A | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Lockdown Wiki
Batman: Arkham City
Set a year and a half after Asylum, Batman: Arkham City expands the setting to a walled-off section of Gotham. Batman navigates this lawless area while confronting Hugo Strange and the Joker.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Wiki
Batman: Arkham VR
A VR experience set before Arkham Knight, Batman: Arkham VR focuses on detective work as Batman investigates a murder.
Available on: VR | IGN’s Batman: Arkham VR Wiki
Batman: Arkham Knight
The final installment in Rocksteady's trilogy, Batman: Arkham Knight features the largest Gotham yet and introduces the Batmobile. Set on Halloween, it deals with Scarecrow's fear toxin and the mysterious Arkham Knight.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Knight Wiki
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Rocksteady's latest game, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, is a continuation of the Arkhamverse, set five years after Arkham Knight. Players control members of Task Force X in Metropolis.
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)

*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 eager for Rocksteady Studios to return to the series, especially after their focus on single-player games post-Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.

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