What Order To Play Batman Games?

To play Batman games in order, start with Batman: Arkham Asylum, then proceed to Batman: Arkham City, followed by Batman: Arkham Origins, and then finish with Batman: Arkham Knight.

Want to dive into the dark world of Gotham? Figuring out what order to play Batman games can be a little tricky since the release dates don’t always match the chronological story. The Arkham series is the best place to start. The games are connected narratively, so playing them sequentially enhances the experience.
This helps you follow the story and appreciate character development across different games. Skipping a title will mean you will not fully appreciate certain events or references.

What Order to Play Batman Games

The Case for Playing in Release Order

So, you want to dive into the world of Batman video games? That’s awesome! There are so many cool adventures with the Dark Knight, but figuring out where to start can be a little tricky. One of the most common ways people choose to play is by the order the games actually came out. This is called “release order,” and it makes a lot of sense for a few reasons. First off, it’s how the developers meant for you to experience the games. They build upon previous titles, often making graphics and gameplay better with each new game. Playing in release order lets you see how the series changed over time, like watching Batman’s suit get more detailed or the fighting styles evolve.

Following the Tech Improvements

Think about it – the early Batman games on older consoles look very different from the ones on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. The controls can feel different, too. By playing in release order, you’re experiencing these changes step by step. You’re not going from a super modern, smooth game to an older one that might feel clunky. It’s like watching a movie series in order – you see the special effects get better and the storytelling get more complex as you go along.

Understanding the Story Evolution

Another big reason to play in release order is the story. While not all the games are directly linked in terms of plot, they often carry some common threads or similar themes. You’ll notice recurring villains, see how Batman’s relationships with characters like Robin and Commissioner Gordon change, and get a better sense of the overall Batman universe the game creators are building. This can give you a stronger appreciation for the characters and the world around them.

Here’s a simple table of the main Batman games in their release order, which includes the main Arkham series, some key Lego Batman entries, and other significant titles:

The Argument for Playing by Story Timeline

Okay, so playing in release order is a good way to go, but what about experiencing Batman’s story in order? This is the idea behind playing by “story timeline.” Some people feel like they get more out of the Batman universe when they see the events unfold the way they do in the story. For the Arkham series, this timeline has a clear order, and it’s not necessarily the same as the order the games came out.

Understanding the Arkham Series Story

The main Arkham series goes like this for story order: Arkham Origins, Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, and then Arkham Knight. Notice something? Arkham Origins, which shows a younger Batman, actually came out after Arkham Asylum and Arkham City. Playing by timeline would put you in the shoes of a more inexperienced Batman first and follow his journey as he gets more skillful and his stories more intricate. This approach gives the feeling that you are watching the whole arc of his character development.

Here’s a look at the Arkham games in both release order and story order:

Why would the developers do this? It’s common in creative storytelling to play around with the timeline. It sometimes can give extra depth, and it also allows for development of game mechanics and story threads separately.

Beyond the Arkham Games

When you venture outside the Arkham series, it gets a little trickier to define a strict story timeline since many of the Lego games and other titles don’t fit into one cohesive narrative. However, you might consider placing Batman Begins (the game based on the movie) earlier in the timeline, as it’s an origin story for one version of the character. Similarly, the Telltale series offers its own unique version of the Batman story, so they can be experienced separately from the Arkham saga. Generally, if they are not in one cohesive series like Arkham games, you can try them in release order or in any order.

Considering Gameplay and Mechanics

Another way to think about the order you play the Batman games is by looking at how each game plays. This could mean the style of fighting, the way you move around, or the things you do to solve puzzles.

The Evolution of Combat

The Arkham games, for example, have a very specific type of combat called “Freeflow,” where you string together punches, counters, and special moves. Arkham Asylum started it all, but the combat got more complex in Arkham City and Arkham Knight. Going backward in this can feel like you are taking a step back from your advanced combat level. If you want to see the progression of this combat system, you’d probably want to stick to the release order of those specific games.

Exploration and Open Worlds

The way the game lets you explore also changes a lot. Early games might have you go through levels that are set up one after the other. Later games, like Arkham City and Arkham Knight, have bigger “open-world” areas where you can move around more freely. If you prefer a more modern, open-world feel, you might want to start with Arkham City or Knight after Asylum and not before. Similarly, Gotham Knights and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League both offer unique open world designs that contrast with the Arkham games. Thinking about gameplay styles can be a good way to decide which to try first.

Stand Alone Experiences and Spin Offs

Lego Batman Fun

The Lego Batman games are a different kind of experience. They are much more lighthearted, meant for younger players, and they usually have lots of humor. These games can be played in any order because they don’t have a serious story line like the main Arkham series. If you are looking for a good fun, family friendly experience, the Lego Batman games are the way to go. They are more about having fun with the characters, solving puzzles and being immersed in a world made of Lego bricks.

VR and Telltale Adventures

Games like Batman: Arkham VR and the Telltale series are quite different from the action-focused main games. The VR experience is shorter and much more about putting you in the world, while the Telltale games focus on making choices that change the story. These games are a bit like watching an interactive movie, and they are fun but can be played whenever you feel like it. They offer different perspectives on the Batman universe, which is enjoyable if you are an enthusiast of Batman or the game genres they represent. These spin-offs don’t really affect your understanding of the core Arkham story and can be enjoyed separately.

Which Order is Right for You?

Ultimately, there’s no single “right” way to play the Batman games. It depends on what you are looking for in the experience. To help you choose, here’s a quick summary of different approaches:

• Release Order: Great for seeing the evolution of gameplay, graphics, and the overall style of the series. This is a good general way to go if you just want to try the games.
• Story Timeline (Arkham Series): Perfect if you want to experience the Arkham series with the story in chronological order, but the story is mostly for the arkham games.
• Gameplay Focus: If you care more about specific gameplay mechanics, start with the specific type of game you like. For example, if you love open worlds, start with games like Arkham City, Knight or Gotham Knights.
• Lighthearted Fun: Try the Lego Batman series for some silly fun or the Telltale games for interactive storytelling.

Think about what you like most in games—is it the story, the fighting, or the freedom to explore? This can help you decide where to jump into the world of Batman games. The best part is, there are no wrong choices! Each game offers something unique and enjoyable for any fan of Batman.

No matter which path you pick, you are in for a good time filled with epic fights, great detective work, and the chance to become the Batman.

How To Play Batman Arkham Games in The Right Order!

Final Thoughts

The ideal order is Batman: Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, Arkham Origins, then Arkham Knight. This progression follows the narrative and character development. Playing this way provides the best overall experience.

Following the core Arkham series first, will let you appreciate the story, combat and gadgets. You will understand the events better. Gotham Knights and the Telltale series can be enjoyed at any time, they are separate storylines.

For what order to play batman games, stick to the main Arkham releases first to fully grasp the complex story. The other titles are not a must but can offer more of Gotham’s world.