How To Play The Batman Games in Order

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Playing the Batman games in order is the way to go if you really want to experience the full impact of the story of the Arkhamverse. Going through them chronologically helps you follow Batman’s evolution as the story progresses and how he faces off against Gotham’s rogue gallery.

We’ve all said “I AM BATMAN” at least once in our lives. And who could blame us? Batman’s a legend. He’s one of the most beloved superheroes of all time, and the Arkham games? Easily some of the best superhero titles ever made. So if you’re ready to suit up and dive deep into the Bat-lore, here’s how to play the Batman Arkham games in order.

Why Should You Play the Batman Games in Order

Batman has been around for decades, and with him came a ton of video games, from his pixelated 1986 debut to some questionable movie tie-ins and forgettable console experiments. But everything changed in 2009 with Batman: Arkham Asylum—the game that started it all and redefined what a Batman game should be.

If you want to truly enjoy the Arkhamverse and understand the story, characters, and lore Rocksteady created, playing the Batman Arkham games in order is the best way to go.

Love Dark-Atmosphered Games? Read Also: How to Play Resident Evil Games in Chronological Order: Full List

How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?

In total, there are 10 games set in the Batman Arkhamverse. But here’s the catch—not all of them are playable today.

We’re focusing only on the ones that are still available to play, which brings the count down to eight. Two mobile spin-offs—Batman: Arkham City Lockdown and Batman: Arkham Underworld—have been removed from app stores and are no longer officially accessible. Lockdown was a short, touch-based action game tied loosely to Arkham City, while Underworld had you controlling Gotham’s criminal empire like a top-down strategy game. Cool concepts, but they’re gone now unless you’re feeling adventurous with emulators or old APKs.

So for this guide on how to play the Batman video games in order, we’re sticking to the core games and spin-offs you can actually play right now—on console, PC, or VR.

Is Gotham Knights Part of the Arkhamverse?

No. Even though Gotham Knights has some familiar faces and a few nods to the Arkham series, it’s not actually connected to the Arkhamverse.

It’s a completely separate story—its own universe, its own rules. Sure, characters like Nightwing, Batgirl, Red Hood, and Robin are all here, and you’ll spot a few easter eggs that might feel like callbacks to the Arkhamverse, but this isn’t a continuation of those games. The events of Gotham Knights don’t line up with anything from the Rocksteady timeline.

This game was made by WB Games Montréal, the same folks behind Arkham Origins, but this time they went in a different direction.

How To Play The Batman Games in Order of Release

Batman: Arkham Origins – 2013 (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)

If you’ve been thinking about which Batman game is first and deciding that it’s Arkham Asylum – you’d be correct, but only when looking at release dates.

Set eight years before Asylum, this one gives us a younger, rougher Batman still figuring things out. On Christmas Eve, Black Mask puts a bounty on his head, bringing out assassins like Deathstroke and Bane.

This one doesn’t get the love it deserves cause it was not developed by Rocksteady, though it’s canon to the Arkhamverse. The combat was solid, and that fight with Deathstroke was amazing! Even if it felt like a warm-up for what came next.

Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate – 2013 (PS Vita, Nintendo 3DS; later ported to PS3, Xbox 360, PC)

Three months after Origins, Batman responds to a prison riot at Blackgate Penitentiary. Cue Penguin, Joker, and Black Mask. It’s a 2.5D Metroidvania take on the series. With the success of the Arkhamverse, a handheld game was necessary, and this is it. It’s a cool little spinoff. Think of it like an Arkham-themed comic book issue.

Batman: Arkham Shadow – 2024 (Meta Quest 3)

This is the latest game in the series. Set between Arkham Origins: Blackgate and Arkham Asylum, this VR-only entry puts you in a younger Batman’s cowl as he goes undercover in Blackgate Prison. Expect the classic Arkham-style combat, puzzles, and some creative ideas.

It’s clunky, a little silly, and yes, you will look like a bat-chicken flapping around your living room. But this is a fully pledged Arkham game. From the Scarecrow hallucinations, the combat, to doing detective work, all in VR. Not a gimmick—just a new creative perspective.

Batman: Arkham Asylum – 2009 (PS3, Xbox 360, PC; later remastered for PS4, Xbox One)

The one that changed everything about Batman gaming. Joker traps Batman inside Arkham, and suddenly you’re battling Poison Ivy, Scarecrow, Killer Croc, and more in a brilliantly designed madhouse. This was the game that defined what a modern Batman game should feel like. If you didn’t yell “I AM BATMAN” in your head during this, you’re lying.

Batman: Arkham City – 2011 (PS3, Xbox 360, PC: Remastered for PS4, Xbox One, Switch)

Set 18 months after Asylum, Gotham’s worst are dumped into a walled-off slum called Arkham City. Bigger world, more gadgets, and you get to play as Catwoman too. This is peak Arkham. If Asylum was tight and focused, City was expansive and grand. Rocksteady basically said, “Let’s go bigger,” and they nailed it. And that fight with Mr. Freeze? Still giving me goosebumps.

Batman: Arkham VR – 2016 (PSVR, PC VR)

Another spinoff and a short VR experience set between City and Knight. Batman investigates the mysterious disappearances of Nightwing and Robin. It’s not about combat; it’s about putting yourself in Batman’s shoes—literally. Another spin-off, short but surprisingly powerful, especially the ending.

Batman: Arkham Knight – 2015 (PS4, Xbox One, PC)

Scarecrow takes over Gotham. The mysterious Arkham Knight joins him. You get to drive the Batmobile, glide around a huge city, and see Batman’s story come full circle.

Visually, Arkham Knight was one of the best-looking games of its generation—its lighting, atmosphere, and detail all felt next-gen at the time. Sure, the Batmobile was a bit overused, but the story? Brilliant. The ending hit hard, emotional, bold, very, very Batman.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League – 2024 (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC)

Set five years after Arkham Knight, the Squad—Harley Quinn, Deadshot, King Shark, and Boomerang—must kill a brainwashed Justice League. Oh, and Batman’s back (kind of).

The perfect real-life example of the Dark Knight’s famous quote, “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” Rocksteady and WB made a looter-shooter mess no one wanted. It’s canon, but it feels like fan fiction on microtransactions. RIP to what could’ve been.

Where to Get the Batman Arkham Games Today

Most of these Arkham games are still super easy to find. If you’re on PC, they’re almost always on Steam sales. Console players can grab them digitally too, especially the Return to Arkham bundle if you’re after a quick way to play Asylum and City. And if you’ve got the gear for it, the VR games are short but pretty cool. It’s not every day you get to literally put on the cowl.
So, suit up and play the Batman Arkham games in order. Gotham isn’t going to save itself.

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