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Batman Arkham Games: Chronological Play Order

Author：Kristen Update：Mar 14,2025

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 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 ten games within the Batman Arkhamverse. However, only eight are currently playable; two mobile titles have been removed from app stores.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

There are two primary approaches for newcomers: chronological order (starting with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins) or release order (beginning with Batman: Arkham Asylum). Chronological play might spoil elements of the earlier games, while release order offers a historical perspective on the series' evolution.

Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

Definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy, including all post-launch content. See it at Amazon.

Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

Below are two playthrough options: chronological order (story) and release order.

These synopses contain only minor spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Chronologically first, Batman: Arkham Origins (2013) unfolds on Christmas Eve in a snow-covered Gotham. A younger, less experienced Batman faces a $50 million bounty, attracting Gotham's most notorious villains: Joker, Black Mask, Penguin, Mad Hatter, Bane, Deadshot, Firefly, and Killer Croc. The game hints at the reopening of Arkham Asylum, foreshadowing events in Rocksteady's Arkham Asylum.

Note: Origins features Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker, replacing the series' usual Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal (Gotham Knights), not Rocksteady Studios. A differently styled mobile 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 developed by Armature Studio (Resident Evil 4 VR). Batman investigates Blackgate Penitentiary following a prison break. He explores three areas controlled by Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker. Catwoman, Amanda Waller, and Rick Flag also appear.

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 game, is set in Blackgate Penitentiary between Origins/Origins Blackgate and Asylum—on July 4th, seven months after Origins. Roger Craig Smith returns as Batman, facing a new villain, The Rat King. Jim Gordon, Harleen Quinzel, Jonathan Crane, Arnold Wesker, and Barbara Gordon also appear. Developed by Camouflaj (Marvel's Iron Man VR).

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 is a defunct mobile game where you command Batman villains (Harley Quinn, Riddler, Scarecrow, Mr. Freeze, Killer Croc). It's set before Arkham Asylum but has minimal impact on the overall narrative. Kevin Conroy returns as Batman. No longer available for download.

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set roughly two years before Arkham Asylum. It follows Harley Quinn, Joker, and others 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, aided by Harley Quinn, infiltrates the asylum to obtain Titan, a super-strength serum, while threatening to detonate bombs in Gotham.

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

6. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

A fighter set between Asylum and City, Arkham City Lockdown features Joker, Harley Quinn, Two-Face, Penguin, Solomon Grundy, Poison Ivy, Deathstroke, Robin, and Batman. No longer available for purchase.

7. Batman: Arkham City

Rocksteady's second game, Arkham City (a year and a half after Asylum), sees Batman navigating Arkham City, a walled-off section of Gotham. He confronts Hugo Strange and the Joker, suffering from the effects of the Titan serum.

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

8. Batman: Arkham VR

A VR title set shortly before Arkham Knight, focusing on detective work as Batman investigates a murder. Features Robin, Nightwing, Alfred, Penguin, Killer Croc, and Joker.

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

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

Rocksteady's trilogy conclusion, Arkham Knight, features Scarecrow's fear toxin threat and the introduction of Arkham Knight. The Batmobile is fully playable.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC | IGN's Batman: Arkham Knight Wiki