by Liam Mar 26,2025
The Batman: Arkham series stands shoulder to shoulder with Insomniac's Spider-Man as the pinnacle of comic book gaming excellence. Rocksteady Studios masterfully crafted these games, weaving together seamless freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a captivating rendition of Gotham City, resulting in a truly memorable action-adventure superhero experience.
With the recent addition of a new VR game to the Arkham series, fans might be eager to dive into (or revisit) this iconic collection of Batman games.
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The Batman Arkhamverse boasts a total of 10 games. However, only eight are currently accessible, as two mobile titles have been discontinued and removed from app stores.
Newcomers have several entry points into the Batman Arkham series. For a chronological journey through the story, start with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins. However, since Origins was released after the initial game, it might spoil earlier entries. If you prefer to follow the series by release date, begin with Batman: Arkham Asylum.
This collection includes the definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy, complete with all post-launch content. See it at Amazon
Here are two ways to experience the Batman: Arkham series: by chronological narrative or by release date. These options cater to different preferences, and both paths are detailed below. For newcomers, we've kept plot summaries light, focusing on broad strokes and character introductions.
The first game in the Arkham timeline is Batman: Arkham Origins, released in 2013. Set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham, it features a younger, less-experienced Batman targeted by a $50 million bounty. This attracts villains like the Joker, Black Mask, The Penguin, and more. The game's ending teases the reopening of Arkham Asylum, setting the stage for future events.
Notably, Origins features Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker, stepping in for the usual voices of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. While Rocksteady Studios established the Arkhamverse, Origins was developed by WB Montreal, the team behind Gotham Knights.
A mobile version also exists, developed by Mortal Kombat's NetherRealm Studios, offering a different brawler-style gameplay while maintaining the same narrative.
Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Origins Wiki
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate takes place three months after Origins. This game shifts to a 2.5D side-scrolling format, developed by Armature Studio, known for Resident Evil 4 VR.
In Blackgate, Batman investigates a prison where an explosion has freed the inmates. The game divides into three areas controlled by Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker. Other notable characters include Catwoman, Amanda Waller, and Rick Flag.
Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker reprise their roles as Batman and the Joker.
Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, Nintendo DS, PS Vita, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate Wiki
The second VR game in the Arkhamverse, Batman: Arkham Shadow, occurs between Origins/Origins Blackgate and Asylum, specifically on July 4, seven months after Origins.
Roger Craig Smith returns as a young Batman, facing off against a new villain, The Rat King. The game also features Gotham staples like Jim Gordon, Doctors Harlene Quinzel and Jonathan Crane, Arnold Wesker (The Ventriloquist), and Barbara Gordon.
Developed by Camouflaj, the studio behind Marvel's Iron Man VR, Shadow adds a new chapter to the Arkhamverse.
Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S
Batman: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game where you play as Gotham's newest criminal mastermind, managing villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. It's set before Arkham Asylum but has minimal impact on the overall narrative. Unfortunately, it's no longer available for download, having been shut down in 2017.
The animated film Batman: Assault on Arkham is set roughly two years before Arkham Asylum. While not essential for the games, it enriches the Arkhamverse narrative and is available on HBO Max. The film follows Batman's adversaries as they infiltrate Arkham Asylum, leading to a chaotic breakout.
Kevin Conroy voices Batman, with Troy Baker as the Joker. Giancarlo Esposito lends his voice to Black Spider.
Available on: HBO Max
Rocksteady's inaugural Batman game, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces the Arkhamverse's version of the Caped Crusader, voiced by Kevin Conroy. Set before Origins but released first, it features Mark Hamill as the Joker, with other villains like Harley Quinn and Scarecrow.
The plot involves the Joker's infiltration of the asylum to obtain a super-strength serum, Titan, while threatening Gotham with bombs.
Written by Paul Dini, known for his work on Batman: The Animated Series and Batman Beyond.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Asylum Wiki
Released shortly after Arkham City, Batman: Arkham City Lockdown is a mobile fighter set between Asylum and City. Developed by NetherRealm Studios, it features familiar faces like the Joker (Mark Hamill) and Batman (Kevin Conroy).
The story involves another prison breakout that Batman must resolve. Although the game is no longer available, Batman ultimately returns the escaped prisoners to the asylum.
Available on: N/A | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Lockdown Wiki
Rocksteady's second game, Batman: Arkham City, takes place a year and a half after Asylum. Mayor Quincy Sharp establishes Arkham City, a walled-off section of Gotham to house criminals. Batman must navigate this lawless area while thwarting Hugo Strange's plot and dealing with the Joker's deteriorating health due to Titan exposure.
Paul Dini returns as the writer for this sequel.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Wiki
The series' only virtual reality game, Batman: Arkham VR, occurs shortly before Arkham Knight. It's a narrative-driven experience centered on detective work, with Batman investigating the murder of an ally.
Featuring characters like Robin, Nightwing, and the Joker, it stars Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill.
Available on: VR | IGN’s Batman: Arkham VR Wiki
The final chapter of Rocksteady's trilogy, Batman: Arkham Knight, features the largest Gotham City yet, an extensive cast, and introduces a fully playable Batmobile. Set on Halloween, less than a year after City, it involves Scarecrow's fear toxin threat and the mysterious Arkham Knight.
The campaign wraps up multiple story threads in about 16 hours, with a true ending requiring 100% completion.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Knight Wiki
Rocksteady's latest game, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, shifts focus to Task Force X in Metropolis, featuring Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, and King Shark. Set five years after Arkham Knight, it continues the Arkhamverse narrative.
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
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*Animated film
Following the release of Arkham Shadow last October, no new Batman Arkham games are currently in development. Developed by Camouflaj, fans hope Rocksteady Studios will return to the series after nearly a decade. Bloomberg reported that Rocksteady is pitching new single-player games post-Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, but there's no official confirmation yet on their next project.
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