Batman Arkham Games in Order: story and timeline

If you’re a fan of Batman and want to experience being the Dark Knight in video games, there’s a series of games published by Warner Bros. Games that have been highly praised by critics and gamers alike. From retro titles to casual experiences like LEGO Batman, there are plenty of options to choose from.

However, if you want to fully immerse yourself in the Arkham saga and not miss any important details, this article is for you. The Batman Arkham games are not only the top-notch Batman video game series, but also one of the finest superhero video game series overall.

With its engaging gameplay, captivating storylines, and a diverse set of fascinating characters, the Batman Arkham series has consistently delivered outstanding games. However, for newcomers, it can be perplexing as certain games in the series serve as prequels to others.

Therefore, here is a chronological list of the Batman Arkham games.

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How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?

Currently, there are a total of nine games within the Batman Arkham series, including the recent addition of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.

However, it’s important to note that only seven out of the nine Arkhamverse games are currently accessible for gameplay. This is because two mobile games have been discontinued and are no longer available on mobile storefronts.

Where does the Arkham DLC fit in?

If you’re curious about the additional content that was released alongside some of the Batman Arkham games, the order in which they were released is important. To play them in the correct story order, here is where they should be played in relation to the main game releases:

• Arkham Origins DLC: Initiation
• Arkham Origins
• Arkham Origins DLC: A Cold Cold Heart
• Arkham Origins DLC: Blackgate
• Arkham Knight DLC: Batgirl – A Matter of Family
• Arkham Asylum
• Arkham City
• Arkham City DLC: Black Mask Challenge Campaign
• Arkham City DLC: Catwoman
• Arkham City DLC: Harley Quinn’s Revenge
• Arkham VR
• Arkham Knight DLC: Batgirl
• Arkham Knight DLC: Harley Quinn
• Arkham Knight
• Arkham Knight DLC: Catwoman’s Revenge
• Arkham Knight DLC: Red Hood
• Arkham Knight DLC: Robin – A Flip of a Coin
• Arkham Knight DLC: Nightwing – GCPD Lockdown

Batman Arkham games in release date order

How to Play the 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 Games in Chronological Order

To avoid major spoilers, we have provided brief plot summaries that only reveal general plot points and character introductions.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

The initial game in the Batman Arkham series, released in 2013, is Batman: Arkham Origins. This installment takes place on Christmas Eve in a Gotham City covered in snow.

It follows a less-experienced Batman who becomes the target of a $50 million bounty, attracting the attention of various notorious criminals such as the Joker, Black Mask, The Penguin, Mad Hatter, Bane, Deadshot, Firefly, and Killer Croc.

The game concludes with a suggestion of the reopening of Arkham Asylum, setting the stage for the events in Rocksteady’s subsequent game with the same title.

One important thing to mention is that in Batman: Arkham Origins, Roger Craig Smith takes on the role of Batman and Troy Baker portrays the Joker, replacing the usual fan-favorite duo of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill from the previous Arkham games.

It’s worth noting that although the Arkhamverse was created by Rocksteady Studios, Origins was developed by WB Montreal, the same studio responsible for Gotham Knights.

2. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

The game Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate takes place three months after the events of the game Origins. In contrast to the mainline Arkham games, which are third-person adventures, Blackgate is a 2.5D side-scrolling game developed by Armature Studio, known for their work on games like Resident Evil 4 VR.

The game “Blackgate” follows Batman as he investigates a prison that has been hit by an explosion, leading to the release of its inmates. Throughout the game, players will explore three main areas that are under the control of three infamous villains in Gotham: Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker.

Alongside these villains, players will also encounter other well-known characters such as Catwoman, Amanda Waller, and Rick Flag. The voice actors Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker once again lend their talents to portray Batman and the Joker in the game.

3. Batman: Arkham Underworld

In the mobile game Batman: Arkham Underworld, you become the mastermind behind Gotham’s criminal activities. You have the power to control iconic Batman villains like Harley Quinn, The Riddler, Scarecrow, Mr. Freeze, and Killer Croc.

This game allows you to build your own criminal hideout, recruit henchmen, and engage in battles. Notably, Kevin Conroy returns to voice Batman, continuing his role from the mainline Arkham trilogy.

The game Arkham Underworld takes place before the events of Arkham Asylum, but it doesn’t play a significant role in the overall storyline of the Arkhamverse. Unfortunately, the game is no longer available for download as it was shut down in 2017, just a year after its release.

4. Batman: Arkham Asylum

The initial installment of the Batman Arkham games by Rocksteady, Batman: Arkham Asylum, allows players to experience the unique version of the Dark Knight found in the Arkhamverse. The game, which is the fourth in terms of chronological events, was the first to be released.

Voiced by Kevin Conroy, Batman battles against the Joker, portrayed by Mark Hamill, who serves as the main antagonist.

Additionally, notable characters such as Harley Quinn, Commissioner Gordon, Scarecrow, Bane, Poison Ivy, and others are also part of the game’s cast.

In the Batman Arkham games, the Joker teams up with Harley Quinn to break into the asylum and steal a powerful serum called Titan.

To ensure Batman is left to face the escaped inmates on his own, the Joker plants bombs throughout Gotham City, ready to detonate if anyone tries to help the Dark Knight.

The story of Arkham Asylum was written by Paul Dino, a writer with extensive experience in the Batman franchise, having worked on Batman: The Animated Series and Batman Beyond.

5. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

Batman: Arkham City Lockdown was launched soon after the release of Arkham City. This fighting game takes place between the events of Arkham Asylum and Arkham City. It is the first mobile game in the Arkham series and the second one developed by NeatherRealm, with the first being Arkham Origins mobile game.

In terms of the story, Arkham City Lockdown includes many familiar elements from the Arkham series, such as the presence of characters like Joker, Harley Quinn, Two-Face, Penguin, Solomon Grundy, Poison Ivy, Deathstroke, Robin, and, of course, Batman.

These characters are all voiced by well-known actors like Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy. The plot revolves around Batman having to deal with yet another prison breakout and restore order.

6. Batman: Arkham City

The second installment in Rocksteady’s series, Batman: Arkham City, is set 18 months after the events of Arkham Asylum. After the chaos at the asylum, Mayor Quincy Sharp decides to create Arkham City, a segregated area in Gotham City reserved for criminals.

In this game, Batman must maneuver through the lawless territory and try to disrupt the sinister master plan that appears to be orchestrated by Hugo Strange.

In the Batman Arkham games, Batman faces not only his usual challenges but also a distinct danger posed by the Joker. The Joker is struggling with the negative consequences of consuming the Titan serum in the previous game, Asylum.

7. Batman: Arkham VR

Batman: Arkham VR is the only game in the series that is played in virtual reality. It takes place just before the events of Arkham Knight and centers around Batman’s efforts to solve a murder mystery involving a dear friend.

As a game that heavily emphasizes storytelling, there isn’t much we can reveal here, but if you have a VR headset, playing Arkham VR is highly recommended, especially since it only takes around 90 minutes to complete.

In the Batman Arkham games, you will come across a variety of characters that make up the supporting cast. These characters include Robin, Nightwing, Alfred Pennyworth, Penguin, Killer Croc, and Joker.

8. Batman: Arkham Knight

The final installment of Rocksteady’s trilogy of Batman games, Batman: Arkham Knight, takes the series to new heights. This game features the largest version of Gotham City yet, a diverse cast of characters, and the exciting addition of a playable Batmobile.

The game Batman Arkham Knight takes place on Halloween night, which is believed to be less than a year after the events of the previous game, Arkham City. Scarecrow, voiced by John Noble from Lord of the Rings, poses a threat to Gotham City by using fear toxin.

Meanwhile, a new antagonist known as the Arkham Knight emerges. Throughout the game, Batman not only battles these external threats but also faces internal struggles resulting from the previous games.

9. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Rocksteady, the game developer, has released their newest game which deviates from the Batman and Gotham storyline. However, they have stated that it is still considered a part of the Arkhamverse.

They have assured fans that many of the plotlines and story elements from the previous Arkham games will be resolved in this game. The events of this game occur approximately five years after the conclusion of Arkham Knight.

Batman Arkham Games in Order takes a different approach with Kill the Justice League, placing Task Force X at the center of the game. Players have the opportunity to roam around Metropolis, embodying characters like Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, or King Shark. This exciting game can now be enjoyed on both consoles and PC.