Batman Arkham Series: Best Play Order Explained

The Batman: Arkham games stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Insomniac's Spider-Man as the greatest superhero video game adaptations ever created. Rocksteady Studios' Arkham trilogy revolutionized the genre with its innovative freeflow combat system, unparalleled voice performances, and breathtaking interpretation of Gotham City - delivering an iconic action-adventure experience that redefined superhero gaming.

With the recent launch of a new VR installment in the franchise, many fans may be eager to revisit these classic Dark Knight adventures.

How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?

The Arkhamverse currently comprises 10 titles, though only eight remain accessible today as two mobile titles have been discontinued.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

Newcomers can approach the series chronologically starting with Batman: Arkham Origins (2013), though be aware this may spoil elements of earlier-released titles. Alternatively, playing by release date maintains narrative surprises by beginning with Batman: Arkham Asylum.

Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

We've organized two playthrough approaches: narrative chronology versus release order. Plot descriptions avoid major spoilers while introducing key characters.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

Set five years before Arkham Asylum, Origins depicts a younger Batman confronted by Gotham's most dangerous villains during a Christmas Eve blizzard.

2. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

This 2.5D adventure follows Batman investigating a prison break three months after Origins' events.

3. Batman: Arkham Shadow

The newest VR installment bridges Origins and Asylum, introducing the terrifying Rat King villain.

4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

This discontinued mobile game allowed players to recruit Batman's rogues gallery before Arkham Asylum's events.

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

This animated film provides additional context between Origins and Asylum.

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady's groundbreaking debut places Batman in a nightmarish takeover of Gotham's infamous asylum.

6. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

Another mobile title set between Asylum and City, now discontinued.

7. Batman: Arkham City

The acclaimed sequel expands Gotham's playground with Hugo Strange's prison-city experiment.

8. Batman: Arkham VR

A detective-focused prelude to Arkham Knight revealing shocking revelations.

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

The epic trilogy finale featuring Gotham's darkest night and playable Batmobile combat.

10. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Rocksteady's controversial continuation set five years after Arkham Knight.

How to Play 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?

With Arkham Shadow's recent release, no confirmed Batman projects currently exist within the Arkhamverse. Fans eagerly await Rocksteady's next announcement following Suicide Squad.

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Explore our guides to God of War and Final Fantasy game orders, plus rankings of essential Batman films and comics.