Introduction
Whether you’re a die-hard Batman fan or just diving into Gotham’s shadows for the first time, playing the Arkham games in order gives you the best experience. The Arkham series is widely praised for redefining superhero games, blending compelling storytelling, gritty action, and immersive detective work. But with prequels, remasters, and spin-offs, the timeline can get confusing. Should you play by release date or story chronology?
In this guide, we’ll break down every Arkham game in order, both by release and narrative timeline. You’ll also learn what makes each title unique and how they connect within the larger Batman: Arkham universe. Ready to suit up?
What Are the Arkham Games?
The Batman: Arkham series is a critically acclaimed franchise developed by Rocksteady Studios (with one entry by WB Games Montréal). Known for its fluid combat, gritty storytelling, and deep lore, these games let you embody the World’s Greatest Detective like never before.
Launched in 2009 with Batman: Arkham Asylum, the franchise has grown into a cornerstone of superhero gaming. With over 33 million copies sold worldwide, it’s become the gold standard for narrative-driven action games.
Arkham Games in Order: Release Date vs. Story Timeline
There are two ways to play the Arkham series:
1. Release Order (Recommended for New Players)
Playing in the order the games were released offers the most natural difficulty curve and technical improvements.
| Game Title | Release Year | Developer |
| Batman: Arkham Asylum | 2009 | Rocksteady Studios |
| Batman: Arkham City | 2011 | Rocksteady Studios |
| Batman: Arkham Origins | 2013 | WB Games Montréal |
| Batman: Arkham Knight | 2015 | Rocksteady Studios |
| Batman: Arkham VR | 2016 | Rocksteady Studios |
Chronological Order (Story-Based)
This order follows Batman’s journey in the game universe from beginning to end.
| Chronological Order | Notes |
| Batman: Arkham Origins | Prequel set early in Batman’s career |
| Batman: Arkham Asylum | Begins the main trilogy |
| Batman: Arkham City | Direct sequel to Asylum |
| Batman: Arkham VR | Set between City and Knight |
| Batman: Arkham Knight | Concludes the trilogy |
Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
Setting the stage for the Dark Knight’s legacy, Arkham Origins is the earliest game in the timeline.
Key Highlights:
- A young, raw Batman faces assassins on Christmas Eve.
- Introduces Deathstroke, Black Mask, and a chilling early encounter with The Joker.
- Features a snow-covered Gotham and detective-style gameplay enhancements.
Why it matters: It explores Bruce Wayne’s emotional and moral foundation, making later games more impactful.
Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
The game that started it all, Arkham Asylum, changed superhero games forever.
Key Highlights:
- Trapped in Arkham with the Joker orchestrating chaos.
- Introduces free-flow combat, now a genre staple.
- Blends horror, stealth, and action perfectly.
Why it matters: It sets the tone for the entire series and introduces the franchise’s unique combat and detective mechanics.
Batman: Arkham City (2011)
Arkham City expands the map and deepens the lore, delivering one of the best superhero games ever made.
Key Highlights:
- A sectioned-off Gotham becomes an open-world prison.
- Batman faces Two-Face, Penguin, Joker, and Ra’s al Ghul.
- Emotional, twisting narrative with high stakes.
Why it matters: The story arc is powerful and serves as a direct continuation of Asylum, with major consequences for Arkham Knight.
Batman: Arkham VR (2016)
A unique addition, Arkham VR lets you become Batman—literally.
Key Highlights:
- Short (~1 hour) VR experience focused on detective gameplay.
- Set between Arkham City and Arkham Knight.
- Best played as a narrative bridge for fans.
Why it matters: While not essential, it adds emotional depth and perspective, especially regarding Nightwing and Robin.
Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
The explosive finale to the Rocksteady trilogy, Arkham Knight, pushes hardware and story limits.
Key Highlights:
- Gotham City is a fully open-world and visually stunning environment.
- Introduces the Batmobile as a major gameplay element.
- Batman battles Scarecrow, the mysterious Arkham Knight, and inner demons.
Why it matters: It’s the emotional, narrative, and technical peak of the franchise — a must-play conclusion.
Bonus: Batman: Return to Arkham (2016)
This remastered bundle includes Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, featuring enhanced visuals and smoother performance on newer consoles.
Why consider it? If you’re playing today, Return to Arkham offers the best way to experience the first two titles.
Arkham Games in Order: Quick Recap Table
| Recommended Play Order | Story or Release? |
| Batman: Arkham Asylum | Release |
| Batman: Arkham City | Release |
| Batman: Arkham Origins | Release (Prequel) |
| Batman: Arkham Knight | Release |
| Batman: Arkham VR | Bonus/Narrative |
Why the Order Matters
If you skip around, you risk missing critical plot threads, character development, or callbacks. For example:
- The Joker’s arc spans multiple games.
- Villains evolve and reappear with new motives.
- Batman’s emotional journey builds cumulatively.
Playing the Arkham games in order helps you understand the broader themes of justice, fear, and identity that underpin the series.
Which Arkham Game Is Best?
It depends on what you’re after:
| Best For… | Game |
| Story & Emotional Depth | Arkham City |
| Combat & Gameplay | Arkham Knight |
| Detective Mechanics | Arkham Asylum |
| World-Building | Arkham Origins |
| Immersion | Arkham VR |
Conclusion
The Batman: Arkham series is more than just games — it’s a cinematic, emotional, and gameplay masterpiece. Whether you play the Arkham games in order by release or by timeline, what matters most is diving in.
Start with Arkham Asylum for the pure origin of this modern classic, or go back to Arkham Origins if you want to walk in Bruce Wayne’s early footsteps. Either way, you’re in for a wild ride through Gotham’s dark underbelly.
So grab your cape, charge your Batarang, and experience Batman’s legacy — one game at a time.
Read Also: Lana Del Rey Video Games: Lyrics, Meaning & Cultural Impact
FAQs
What is the correct order to play Arkham games?
Play in release order for the best gameplay experience:
Asylum → City → Origins → Knight → VR
Is Arkham Origins a prequel?
Yes, Arkham Origins is set years before Asylum, showing a younger Batman facing his first major threats.
Can I skip Arkham VR?
Yes, but it adds emotional depth. It’s a short, optional story best played before Arkham Knight.
Are the Arkham games connected?
Absolutely. Storylines, characters, and themes carry through the series, especially between Asylum, City, and Knight.
What comes after Arkham Knight?
The Arkham saga ends with Knight, but you can explore the DC Universe further in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (featuring Arkham’s Harley & Joker legacy).
