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How to Play the Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

by Peyton Mar 15,2025

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) 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?

There are two approaches for newcomers: chronological order (starting with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins) or release order (Batman: Arkham Asylum). Chronological order might spoil earlier games, while release order offers a natural progression of gameplay and technology.

Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

Definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy, including all DLC.

Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

We'll explore two playthrough options: chronological narrative and release date. Minor spoilers regarding overarching 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. This attracts a star-studded cast of villains including Joker, Black Mask, Penguin, and many more. The game subtly hints at the events leading to Arkham Asylum. Note that this game features different voice actors for Batman and Joker compared to the Rocksteady trilogy.

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 after a prison break. The game features a different gameplay style compared to the main series entries.

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 game, is set between Origins/Origins Blackgate and Asylum. Batman confronts the Rat King and other familiar faces.

Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition

4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld is a discontinued mobile game where you manage a team of Batman villains. It's set before Arkham Asylum but has minimal impact on the overall narrative.

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set roughly two years before Arkham Asylum. While not a game, it provides additional context to the Arkhamverse.

Available on: HBO Max

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009) introduces Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker. The Joker's plan to unleash chaos within Arkham Asylum sets the stage for the series.

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

6. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

A discontinued mobile fighter set between Asylum and City.

7. Batman: Arkham City

Batman: Arkham City (2011) expands the setting to Arkham City itself, a walled-off section of Gotham. Batman faces Hugo Strange and a still-dangerous Joker.

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

8. Batman: Arkham VR

Batman: Arkham VR (2016) is a VR detective experience set shortly before Arkham Knight.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

Batman: Arkham Knight (2015) concludes Rocksteady's trilogy, introducing the Arkham Knight and featuring 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 (2024) shifts focus to the Suicide Squad in Metropolis, but remains connected to the Arkhamverse.

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