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 freeflow 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, you might be eager to dive into (or revisit) these iconic Batman titles.
**Jump to:**
- Chronological Order
- Release Order
How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?
There are a total of ten 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). Beginning chronologically might spoil elements of the earlier games, while starting with the first release provides a more natural progression.
Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)
Definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy, including all DLC.
Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order
Here are two paths through the Arkhamverse: chronological order and release order.
These synopses contain minimal spoilers.
1. Batman: Arkham Origins
Chronologically first, Batman: Arkham Origins (2013) depicts a younger, less experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty on Christmas Eve. He confronts Gotham's elite criminals, including the Joker, Black Mask, Penguin, and more. The ending hints at the events of Arkham Asylum. Note that this game features Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker, differing from the main series' cast.
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 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*, a VR title, takes place in Blackgate Penitentiary between *Origins/Origins Blackgate* and *Asylum*. Roger Craig Smith returns as Batman.Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S
Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition
4. Batman: Arkham Underworld
Batman: Arkham Underworld, a now-defunct mobile game, puts you in the role of a Gotham crime boss. It's set before Arkham Asylum.
Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham
Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set roughly two years before Arkham Asylum. It follows Harley Quinn and other villains infiltrating Arkham Asylum.
Available on: HBO Max
5. Batman: Arkham Asylum
Rocksteady's debut, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker. The Joker, aided by Harley Quinn, unleashes chaos within the asylum.
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 mobile fighter set between Asylum and City, is no longer available.
Available on: N/A | IGN's Batman: Arkham City Lockdown Wiki
7. Batman: Arkham City
Batman: Arkham City (a year and a half after Asylum) sees Batman navigating the sprawling Arkham City prison.
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 a VR title set shortly before Arkham Knight.
Available on: VR | IGN's Batman: Arkham VR Wiki
9. Batman: Arkham Knight
Rocksteady's trilogy concludes with Batman: Arkham Knight, 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
While shifting focus to Task Force X in Metropolis, *Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League* is considered a continuation of 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
What's Next in the Arkham Series?
Following *Arkham Shadow*'s release, there are currently no announced future Arkham games.Related Content:
God of War Games in Order and Final Fantasy Games in Order Best Batman Movies and Best Batman Comics Batman Merch from the IGN Store
