To play the Batman games in order, follow this sequence: Batman: Arkham Asylum, Batman: Arkham City, Batman: Arkham Origins, Batman: Arkham Knight.
Gotham’s shadows call, and you’re ready to answer as the Dark Knight, right? Figuring out how to play the Batman games in order can seem tricky with so many titles. Luckily, it’s not as complicated as navigating a Riddler puzzle.
The Arkham series, the core of Batman’s gaming adventures, has a specific timeline. Starting with Arkham Asylum you will experience the story in its correct intended progression. Followed by Arkham City, Origins, and concluding in Arkham Knight.
How to Play the Batman Games in Order
So, you want to jump into the dark and gritty world of Batman games? That’s awesome! But with so many titles out there, knowing where to start can feel like navigating the maze of Arkham Asylum. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through the Batman games in the best order to play them, whether you’re looking for the chronological story or simply the best experience.
Understanding Different Ways to Play
Before we dive into the specific games, it’s good to know there are a couple of ways to think about the “order.” We can look at the order in which the games were released, or the order in which the story unfolds. These are two different things! Which one is right for you depends on what you’re hoping to get out of the experience.
Release Order
This is simply the order in which the games were made and released to the public. Playing in release order can be a fun way to see how the gameplay and graphics improved over time. It’s also how many people experienced them when they first came out. You’ll notice the storytelling changes and the character development over different titles.
Chronological Order
This order follows the story of Batman’s adventures as they happen in the games’ universe. Sometimes a game released later might actually take place earlier in the story. This way you can experience Batman’s journey from his early days to his later exploits. If you are very keen to immerse in the story, this order is your best bet.
The Batman Games: A Detailed List
Okay, let’s get to the games themselves! We’re going to look at both release and chronological orders. We’ll mostly focus on the main series, which is very interconnected, but we will briefly talk about other games as well.
The Main Arkham Series
This is the core of the Batman gaming experience. These games, by Rocksteady Studios, have set the standard for superhero gaming. When people talk about Batman games, these are the ones that usually come to mind. It is highly recommended that you should play these titles first before moving on to other titles.
Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
This is where it all began! The game throws you straight into Arkham Asylum, where the Joker has started a riot. It’s a smaller, more contained environment compared to later games, but it’s packed with action, stealth, and a fantastic story. You will be getting used to combat and detective mode here. It introduces you to the core gameplay mechanics. It’s a good way to start.
- Gameplay: Focus on hand-to-hand combat, predator stealth, and detective work.
- Story: The Joker takes over Arkham, forcing Batman to deal with a multitude of villains.
- Why play it first? Introduces core gameplay, establishes the setting and characters of the Arkham universe.
Batman: Arkham City (2011)
The sequel is bigger and better. You are now trapped in a giant prison city run by criminals. Arkham City expands on everything from Asylum. It adds a larger open world to explore, with more gadgets, combat moves, and supervillains to take on. This is often considered to be one of the best superhero games of all time. The free-flow combat was improved and the world feels alive.
- Gameplay: Enhanced combat, open-world exploration, more gadgets, and side missions.
- Story: A section of Gotham becomes a prison run by Hugo Strange and the city’s criminals.
- Why play it next? Expands on Arkham Asylum’s foundation, offering more freedom and content.
Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
This prequel, made by WB Games Montreal, takes us back to Batman’s early days, years before Arkham Asylum. While not made by the original developers, it’s still a crucial part of the story. You’ll see Batman as a younger, less experienced crimefighter. The story revolves around assassins who are trying to kill Batman on Christmas Eve. It also introduces some of the main villains for the series.
- Gameplay: Similar to Arkham City but with new gadgets and enemies.
- Story: Batman’s early years as he faces assassins on Christmas Eve.
- Why play it at this point? Although it released after City, it is a story that comes before it. In chronological order, this comes first.
Note: Although Arkham Origins is a prequel, it’s fine to play it after Asylum and City as well. You’ll still appreciate it and its story.
Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
The final chapter in the Arkham series from Rocksteady. Arkham Knight lets you roam through all of Gotham City. It also adds the Batmobile into the mix. This game has the biggest world, and the most content of the series. The story is a climactic showdown between Batman and Scarecrow. While the Batmobile segments were not universally loved, the game is still a must-play for fans.
- Gameplay: Expansive open world, Batmobile integration, improved combat and stealth.
- Story: Scarecrow unites Gotham’s villains to bring down Batman.
- Why play it last? Concludes the main Arkham storyline with the biggest scope and advanced mechanics.
Other Batman Games
While the Arkham series are the most popular, there are many other Batman games you could try. These other games can enhance your Batman gaming experience, but aren’t as crucial as playing the Arkham series. Here are a few to explore:
- Batman: The Telltale Series (2016 & 2017): These story-driven games focus on choices and consequences, with a unique art style. This series is more about story and decision making than about combat and gameplay.
- Batman: Return of the Joker (1991): A classic platformer from the NES era. A very different experience but a fun one for those who enjoy older games.
- Batman: The Video Game (1989): Based on Tim Burton’s movie, this is also an older platformer game.
- Gotham Knights (2022): This is a co-op game where you play as the Batfamily (Nightwing, Batgirl, Red Hood, and Robin) after Batman’s supposed death.
- Injustice: Gods Among Us & Injustice 2: Fighting games where Batman is a playable character, set in an alternate universe where superheroes fight each other.
- LEGO Batman Series: These light-hearted games feature LEGO versions of the Batman universe, which is more geared towards kids and family gaming.
Playing in Release Order
If you want to experience the games as they came out, this is the way to go. This lets you see the improvements and evolutions in gameplay and storytelling over time.
- Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
- Batman: Arkham City (2011)
- Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
- Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
Playing in this order, you start with the more basic, but engaging combat, moving into more intricate combat and free world traversal, culminating in the Batmobile and sprawling city of Arkham Knight. This approach allows you to fully appreciate the journey of development that Rocksteady has taken in this particular series.
Playing in Chronological Order
For a story-focused experience, play the games in chronological order. This follows the story of the Arkham universe as it happens in time.
- Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
- Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
- Batman: Arkham City (2011)
- Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
In this order, you see Batman’s early years before his first time in Arkham, which is fun to see. Then you move through the events of Asylum, into the sprawling city and then conclude with a huge battle that would affect the world. You get to see his character arc develop throughout the different titles. This way, you’ll witness Batman’s growth and the escalating conflicts in the correct order.
Which Order Should You Choose?
Honestly, there’s no wrong way to play these games. However, if you’re new to the Batman games, playing in release order is usually the best option. This lets you get used to the mechanics of each game and you’ll see improvements as you progress. For the purist who are eager to get into the story, then the chronological order would be the best route. No matter the order, you’re in for a ride that will make you feel like the Batman himself!
Consider this: Release order allows you to experience the natural progression of game design, while chronological order allows you to see the story in its “proper” sequence. Pick the one that you think is better for you! You can always replay the games in a different order the second time around! There is no wrong answer.
Playing through any of the Batman games can feel like living a comic book, full of action, memorable characters and an amazing story.
No matter how you choose to play, just make sure that you are having fun and enjoying your time with these titles. If you have already played them, maybe it is time for a replay to experience them all over again! Each title is a masterpiece in its own right. Enjoy!
How To Play Batman Arkham Games in The Right Order!
Final Thoughts
To play the Batman Arkham series chronologically, start with Arkham Origins, then Arkham Asylum, followed by Arkham City. Finally, play Arkham Knight. This order reflects the storyline and character development.
Understanding the narrative sequence is key for a better experience. Therefore, playing in release order is not the intended way. This will help you grasp the evolving gameplay mechanics.
Therefore, how to play the batman games in order involves following the aforementioned sequence. This approach gives a full perspective. Enjoy the Dark Knight’s journey.
