The Batman Arkham series has set the gold standard for superhero video games. Dark, atmospheric, and full of gripping storytelling, the Arkham titles deliver both thrilling combat and deep psychological drama. Yet with several main entries, spin-offs, VR stories, and mobile titles, many fans ask the same question: What is the right order to play the Arkham games?
This guide explains both the release order and story chronology of the Arkham series, helping you decide how to experience them.
What Makes The Arkham Series Special
The Arkham series isn’t just about punching thugs in alleys. It is about stepping into the cape and cowl of Batman, investigating Gotham’s mysteries, confronting iconic villains, and facing Bruce Wayne’s inner struggles. With stellar performances, especially Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker, the games blend emotional storytelling with fluid gameplay.
From the claustrophobic halls of Arkham Asylum to the sprawling streets of Gotham City, each entry expands the universe, building toward one of the most acclaimed superhero sagas in gaming history.
Release Order Of Arkham Games
Many players prefer release order because it shows how the series evolved in mechanics, scale, and design. Starting with a smaller, tense adventure and expanding to city-wide freedom, you witness developers push boundaries with each new entry.
The release order is:
- Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009) – the game that launched the series.
- Batman: Arkham City (2011) – expands Gotham and raises the stakes.
- Batman: Arkham City Lockdown (2011, mobile) – a shorter mobile experience.
- Batman: Arkham Origins (2013) – a prequel exploring a younger Batman.
- Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate (2013) – a 2.5D handheld side story.
- Batman: Arkham Knight (2015) – the grand finale of the trilogy.
- Batman: Arkham Underworld (2016, mobile) – lets you control Gotham villains.
- Batman: Arkham VR (2016–17) – a detective VR experience.
- Batman: Arkham Shadow (2024) – a VR prequel bridging early events.
- Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (2024) – a spin-off set after Knight.
Story Chronology Of Arkham Games
For fans who want to follow Batman’s journey in chronological order, the timeline flows differently than release order. Playing this way gives a seamless narrative and avoids spoilers from later games referencing earlier events.
The chronological order is:
- Batman: Arkham Origins – Batman faces assassins during his early years.
- Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate – follows shortly after Origins with a prison riot.
- Batman: Arkham Shadow – set six months after Blackgate, bridging toward Asylum.
- Batman: Arkham Asylum – Joker traps Batman inside the asylum in a night of chaos.
- Batman: Arkham City Lockdown – a side story between Asylum and City.
- Batman: Arkham City – a section of Gotham becomes a lawless prison district.
- Batman: Arkham VR – an emotional detective story between City and Knight.
- Batman: Arkham Knight – the epic conclusion to Batman’s saga.
- Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League – continues the story after Knight.
Which Order Should You Play?
The choice depends on what you want from the experience.
If you love story immersion and want Batman’s journey in a clean timeline, start with Arkham Origins and move forward chronologically. This order highlights character growth, relationships, and emotional continuity.
If you want to see how the series evolved technically, visually, and mechanically, then release order makes more sense. Experiencing Asylum first gives you the same surprise and impact players felt back in 2009.
For new players, story order is often the best choice. For returning fans, replaying in release order can feel nostalgic and rewarding.
Why Each Game Matters
Every Arkham game contributes something important.
Arkham Asylum introduced the free-flow combat system and detective mode, setting the standard for action games.
Arkham City expanded Gotham, added side stories, and gave players freedom to glide through rooftops.
Arkham Origins revealed a younger, angrier Batman and explored his early confrontations with villains like Black Mask and Deathstroke.
Arkham Knight brought closure, using next-gen visuals, the Batmobile, and an emotional finale to the saga.
Meanwhile, VR entries and mobile spin-offs deepened the universe with side perspectives, alternative gameplay, and extra backstory.
DLCs And Expansions
The Arkham games also feature major DLCs that expand the main narrative:
- Arkham City includes Harley Quinn’s Revenge and a playable Catwoman story.
- Arkham Origins offers Cold, Cold Heart, a story featuring Mr. Freeze.
- Arkham Knight contains multiple story packs such as A Matter of Family, Season of Infamy, Harley Quinn, and Red Hood.
While not essential, these expansions enrich the world and give extra closure to certain characters.
The Role Of Arkham Shadow
The newest entry, Arkham Shadow, is a VR title released in 2024. Positioned after Origins and Blackgate, it fills the gap leading into Arkham Asylum. While not required for understanding the main trilogy, it offers valuable lore and context for those who want the full picture.
Looking Beyond Batman
The Arkhamverse has also grown beyond Batman himself. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League moves the focus to villains and antiheroes while continuing the story after Arkham Knight. This demonstrates the potential for future games to explore Gotham and DC characters from diverse perspectives, thereby keeping the Arkham legacy alive.
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Conclusion
The Arkham series remains a landmark in gaming, blending tight combat, detective work, and cinematic storytelling. Whether you start with Arkham Origins for a chronological journey or dive into Arkham Asylum to experience the original impact, you’re guaranteed a gripping ride.
Play chronologically if you want a flowing narrative without spoilers. Play in release order to see how the franchise has developed over time. Either way, the Arkham games deliver one of the most compelling superhero stories in gaming history.
FAQs
What is the correct order to play Arkham games?
Play chronologically: Origins, Blackgate, Shadow, Asylum, City, VR, Knight, then Suicide Squad.
Should I play Arkham in release order or story order?
Story order avoids spoilers and builds continuity; release order shows gameplay evolution.
Is Arkham Origins part of the main timeline?
Yes, Origins is canon and serves as the prequel to the main Arkham trilogy.
Do I need to play Arkham VR?
Not required, but it adds depth between City and Knight, enriching Batman’s emotional arc.
Is Suicide Squad part of the Arkham series?
Yes, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League continues events after Arkham Knight.