How to Play the Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

The Batman: Arkham games stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Insomniac's Spider-Man as titans of comic book gaming. 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 legendary Batman games.

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 main approaches for newcomers: chronological order (starting with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins) or release order (Batman: Arkham Asylum). Chronological order might spoil elements of the earlier games, while release order reflects the series' evolution.

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 paths: chronological order and release order. Minor plot details are included, but major spoilers are avoided.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Set on Christmas Eve, Batman: Arkham Origins depicts a younger, less experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty on his head. He confronts a star-studded cast of villains including the Joker, Black Mask, Penguin, and more. The game hints at the events leading to Arkham Asylum. Note that this game features different voice actors than the main Rocksteady trilogy.

Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN's Batman: Arkham Origins Wiki

2. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

Three months after Origins, Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate is a 2.5D side-scroller. Batman investigates Blackgate Penitentiary following a mass breakout.

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. 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 command Batman's villains. 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's a worthwhile watch for fans wanting the complete Arkhamverse story.

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 to unleash chaos within the 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, Rocksteady's second game, expands the setting to a walled-off section of Gotham. Batman confronts Hugo Strange and a weakened but still dangerous Joker.

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