What Order To Play Arkham Games

The ideal order to play Arkham games is: Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, Arkham Origins, then Arkham Knight.

So, you’re ready to dive into the gritty world of Gotham, but unsure what order to play Arkham games? That’s a totally valid question, as the release schedule doesn’t perfectly mirror the in-universe chronology. This can be a bit confusing!

You want to experience the story in the way it was intended to be told. This guide will provide a simple answer for you. Just follow the order above and you’ll have a great time.

What Order to Play Arkham Games

Okay, so you want to dive into the dark and gritty world of Batman’s Arkham games? That’s awesome! These games are packed with action, puzzles, and some of the coolest villains you’ll ever see. But with a few different games out there, figuring out where to start can feel a little tricky. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This guide will walk you through the best order to experience the Arkham universe, so you can follow Batman’s story the way it was meant to be told.

The Core Arkham Story: Start Here

When people talk about the “Arkham” series, they usually mean the main games that tell Batman’s main story arc. These games build on each other, so playing them in the correct order is super important for understanding what’s going on. Let’s break down the core trilogy:

Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)

This is where it all begins! Arkham Asylum is the first game in the series, and it throws Batman into a chaotic night at the infamous Arkham Asylum. Joker takes control of the asylum, and all the villains are let loose. Batman has to fight his way through the asylum, stopping villains and uncovering their plans. The game introduced us to the tight, punchy combat and detective work that are the hallmark of the series. It’s a great starting point for understanding the characters and setting the stage for the rest of the series. Think of this as Batman’s first really bad night out in Arkham. It sets the tone, introduces the characters, and shows us how the game play.

Introduces the core combat system.
Shows you how the detective mode works.
Presents many iconic villains.
Establishes the feel of the Arkham universe.

Batman: Arkham City (2011)

Next up is Arkham City, and things go from bad to seriously worse! A huge part of Gotham City has turned into a gigantic open-air prison. And guess who’s in charge? You guessed it – Joker. The city is filled with many villains and bad guys, and Batman has to stop a massive plan that could kill many. You’ll fly around the city, use new gadgets, and fight an array of bad guys. In Arkham City the map is much bigger than the last game, and the story is deeper. You get more freedom to explore, and it adds a level of thrill to the Batman experience. Think of this game as Batman facing his demons in a huge, chaotic city prison. It takes everything good about the first game and makes it bigger and better.

Expands the gameplay to an open world.
Introduces new gadgets and moves for Batman.
Has a larger cast of villains.
Takes the narrative stakes to a new level.

Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)

The last in the main series is Arkham Knight. In this game, Scarecrow and the mysterious Arkham Knight have teamed up to create a super evil plan. This time Gotham is under serious attack, and Batman has to fight back. The big difference here is the introduction of the Batmobile, which you’ll get to drive around the city, solving puzzles and battling bad guys. Arkham Knight wraps up the main story line and provides a satisfying end to Batman’s journey. The game includes epic battles, intense driving sequences, and the final showdown with the villains. Think of this as Batman fighting for the soul of Gotham City in an all-out war. It’s a fitting conclusion to the main Arkham saga.

Introduces the Batmobile, a game-changing mechanic.
Features an enormous, detailed open-world Gotham City.
Has a story with high emotional and dramatic moments.
Concludes the core story arc of the Arkham games.

Why Playing in This Order Matters

These three games tell one big story, and things that happen in one game, will affect the next. You’ll see relationships between characters grow and change, and you’ll get to see Batman develop as a hero. Playing the main Arkham trilogy in order lets you fully understand the story and appreciate the evolution of the gameplay and technology.

Adding the Prequel: Batman: Arkham Origins

Now, let’s talk about the prequel, Batman: Arkham Origins. This game takes place before Arkham Asylum. You get to see a younger Batman who is less experienced and how he began building his reputation. The story is set on Christmas Eve, with many assassins trying to take out Batman. Arkham Origins adds a great deal of background to the main story, showing Batman early in his career. You can play it anytime, but playing before Arkham Asylum adds some context. Many players choose to play it after the main trilogy, it depends on your preference. This gives you a different perspective on the events of the series.

When to Play Arkham Origins

Before Arkham Asylum: You see the early versions of certain villians.
After Arkham Knight: You can enjoy the story from a different point of view.

Deciding when to play it is up to you. However, knowing that it doesn’t impact the core story is important.

Other Arkham Games and Spin-offs

Apart from the main games, there are some spin-off games you might want to check out, but these games are completely different from the main storyline and gameplay, so you can play these anytime you like.

Batman: Arkham VR (2016)

This is a virtual reality game that puts you right into the role of Batman. It’s a short, but super cool, experience that lets you explore the world from the first person perspective. It does not really tie into the main story, but it’s a fun addition if you have access to a VR set.

Batman: Arkham Underworld (2016) (Mobile game)

This is a mobile game where you get to be a villain instead of the hero. You have to build your criminal empire and fight against other bad guys. It’s an interesting change in gameplay, but it has a different design. You can try this game at anytime without any consequence to the main story.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (2024)

This game takes place in the same universe as the Arkham series, but it’s not a Batman game. You play as members of the Suicide Squad trying to take down the Justice League. It’s a very different kind of game with co-op, but if you’re a fan of the Arkhamverse, you might enjoy it. The connection to the Arkham games is loose, so it’s not necessary to play before or after the other Arkham games.

The Ideal Play Order for Maximum Enjoyment

Based on all the information, here’s the order most people recommend to get the full Arkham experience:

Batman: Arkham Asylum – This is the first game in the series that starts the story.
Batman: Arkham City – This is the second game that continues the main story.
Batman: Arkham Knight – This is the last game of main trilogy and finishes the main story line.
Batman: Arkham Origins – This is the prequel game, play it after the trilogy for better experience.
Batman: Arkham VR, Arkham Underworld, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (Play these whenever you like, these are not necessary) – These are spin-off titles and have no connection with main story, and you can try them at any time.

Why This Order is Recommended

Following this order, will allow you to follow the main storyline. This path lets you explore the evolution of Batman as a character and the story as it originally unfolds. By playing this way, you can witness how the game mechanics and graphics improve through the titles, which makes you appreciate the advancement of the game series. Also, playing the games in the order ensures you understand all the important references and details the game developers have included. And, most importantly, it will avoid any story spoilers for you. It is important to say that these games have a really complex story and many things depend on previous stories that happened in the game, so playing in correct order is really important.

Tips for Your Arkham Adventure

Take your time: Explore every corner of the world and discover hidden riddles. These puzzles are one of the main aspects of the game.
Use your gadgets: Remember that these gadgets are very important for solving puzzles and fighting enemies, and you’ll need to use them strategically.
Pay attention to the story: The Arkham series has a rich and deep story line, so be sure to pay attention to the dialog and the details.
Try different difficulty levels: If you’re having a hard time, try lowering the difficulty, and if you are experienced, try increasing it for a challenge.
Enjoy the ride: The Arkham games are one of the best superhero games ever made, so make sure you enjoy it.

In summary, the best way to get the full Arkham experience is to play the main series in order: Asylum, City, Knight, and then Origins. These games tell an epic and thrilling Batman story that is worth exploring. Then you can always go to the other spin-off games if you wish. Playing in the correct order can elevate your experience of playing the Arkham series games. And, by playing them correctly, you get to understand the true story behind the game, and you’ll get to enjoy every detail that the developers put in the games. Don’t wait any longer, and dive right in! Get ready to become the Batman!

How To Play Batman Arkham Games in The Right Order!

Final Thoughts

To experience the Arkham series fully, play them in release order: Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, Arkham Origins, then Arkham Knight. Playing this way will give you the intended narrative flow. You should feel the story progression much smoother.

This chronological order for ‘what order to play arkham games’ allows for character and gameplay evolution to become more apparent. While Origins comes before Asylum in the timeline, it plays better after City. It’s the perfect way to follow the story arc.

So, the released order of Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, Arkham Origins and Arkham Knight is how you must approach this Batman saga.