The Batman: Arkham series stands shoulder to shoulder with Insomniac’s Spider-Man as one of the greatest comic book game franchises ever created. Developed by Rocksteady Studios, the Arkham games masterfully combined fluid freeflow combat, exceptional voice acting, and a richly detailed Gotham City to deliver a series of action-adventure titles that defined superhero gaming.
With the recent release of a new VR entry in the Arkhamverse, now is the perfect time to dive into—or revisit—the definitive Batman gaming experience.
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How to play in chronological order
How to play by release order
There are 10 titles in the Batman Arkhamverse, though only eight are currently playable. Two mobile entries—Batman: Arkham Underworld and Batman: Arkham City Lockdown—have been discontinued and are no longer available for download.
Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?
New players have two solid options: follow the narrative timeline or experience the series in release order. Chronologically, Batman: Arkham Origins (2013) is the starting point, set years before Arkham Asylum. However, since it was released later, it may contain spoilers for earlier games. For the most authentic journey, starting with Batman: Arkham Asylum—the game that began it all—offers the best introduction to the Arkhamverse.
### Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)
0Definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy games, including all post-launch content.See it at AmazonBatman Arkham Games in Chronological Order
Below, we break down the Batman: Arkham series in two ways: by story chronology and release order. Both paths offer unique experiences, and your choice depends on how you want to engage with the narrative.
These summaries are designed for newcomers and include only light spoilers—focusing on major plot points and character introductions without revealing key twists.
Batman: Arkham Origins
Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, Batman: Arkham Origins serves as the earliest chapter in the Arkham timeline. A younger, less-seasoned Batman becomes the target of a $50 million bounty, drawing the attention of Gotham’s most dangerous criminals—including the Joker, Bane, Penguin, and Black Mask. The game explores Batman’s early battles and sets the stage for the reopening of Arkham Asylum.
Voiced by Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker, this entry features a different take on Batman and the Joker, stepping in for the iconic Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Developed by WB Montreal, Origins expands the universe while maintaining core Arkham gameplay.
A mobile version exists, developed by NetherRealm Studios as a side-scrolling brawler, sharing the same story but a different gameplay style.
Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Origins Wiki
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate
Taking place three months after Origins, Arkham Origins Blackgate shifts to a 2.5D side-scrolling format, developed by Armature Studio (known for Resident Evil 4 VR). Batman infiltrates Blackgate Penitentiary after an explosion unleashes its inmates. The prison is divided among three major villains: the Joker, Penguin, and Black Mask.
This entry deepens the lore with appearances from Catwoman, Amanda Waller, and Rick Flag. 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
Batman: Arkham Shadow
Featuring Jim Gordon, Dr. Harleen Quinzel, Jonathan Crane, Arnold Wesker (The Ventriloquist), and Barbra Gordon, this narrative-driven VR experience marks the first Arkham game developed by Camouflaj, the team behind Marvel’s Iron Man VR.
Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S
### Meta Quest 3S — Batman: Arkham Shadow Edition
0See it at Amazon4. Batman: Arkham Underworld
Batman: Arkham Underworld is a mobile strategy game where players assume the role of a criminal mastermind, recruiting villains like Harley Quinn, Scarecrow, Mr. Freeze, and Killer Croc. Built around base-building and gang management, it offers a unique but non-essential perspective on the Arkhamverse.
Set before Arkham Asylum, the game has minimal impact on the main storyline. Kevin Conroy returns as Batman, lending his voice to this otherwise minor entry.
Unfortunately, Arkham Underworld was shut down in 2017 and is 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. While optional, it enriches the Arkhamverse with a gripping heist storyline centered on the Suicide Squad—featuring Harley Quinn, the Joker, and Riddler—as they infiltrate Arkham Asylum and free its inmates.
Voiced by Kevin Conroy (Batman) and Troy Baker (Joker), with Giancarlo Esposito as Black Spider, the film earned an 8.8 from IGN and is praised as a standout animated superhero movie.
Available on: HBO Max
Batman: Arkham Asylum
The game that started it all, Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009) introduces the Arkhamverse’s definitive version of Batman, voiced by the legendary Kevin Conroy. Mark Hamill’s Joker leads the chaos, breaking into the asylum to steal the Titan serum while threatening to detonate bombs across Gotham unless Batman acts alone.
Developed by Rocksteady, the game blends exploration, stealth, and combat in a tightly designed environment. Supporting characters include Harley Quinn, Commissioner Gordon, Scarecrow, Bane, and Poison Ivy.
Written by Paul Dini—veteran writer of Batman: The Animated Series—the story set a new standard for superhero games.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Asylum Wiki
Batman: Arkham City Lockdown
Released shortly after Arkham City, this mobile fighter bridges the gap between Asylum and City. Developed by NetherRealm Studios, it follows Batman as he quells another prison breakout.
Featuring Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprising their roles, the game includes appearances from Two-Face, Penguin, Deathstroke, and Robin. Though narratively lightweight, it offered solid combat for its time.
Now discontinued, Arkham City Lockdown is no longer available for purchase.
Available on: N/A | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Lockdown Wiki
Batman: Arkham City
