The Batman Arkham series, much like Insomniac’s Spider-Man, stands out as some of the best comic book games ever created. Are you a Polar product user in the USA looking for guidance, troubleshooting, or warranty information while also being a fan of the Dark Knight? At polarservicecenter.net, we provide the ultimate chronological guide to playing the Batman Arkham games, ensuring you don’t miss a single detail of the Caped Crusader’s thrilling adventures.
1. How Many Batman Arkham Games Exist?
There are 10 games in the Batman Arkhamverse. However, only eight are playable today, as two mobile games were discontinued and removed from mobile stores.
1.1 Which Batman Arkham Game Should I Start With?
There are a couple ways to approach playing the Batman Arkham series if you’re a newcomer. To experience the story chronologically, start with Batman: Arkham Origins (2013). If you prefer experiencing the series by release date, begin with Batman: Arkham Asylum. Choosing by chronological order dives deep into the narrative, while playing by release date lets you experience the evolution of game design and mechanics.
Batman Arkham Collection Standard Edition
2. Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order
Below are the Batman Arkham games arranged chronologically by narrative and release date. Plot synopses include only mild spoilers, such as general plot points and character introductions, to keep the story engaging for newcomers.
3. Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
The first game chronologically in the Arkham series is Batman: Arkham Origins, released in 2013. The story is set on Christmas Eve in Gotham, where a less experienced Batman faces a $50 million bounty on his head. This attracts the attention of Gotham’s worst criminals, including the Joker, Black Mask, The Penguin, Mad Hatter, Bane, Deadshot, Firefly, and Killer Croc. The game’s conclusion foreshadows the reopening of Arkham Asylum, which sets the stage for Rocksteady’s game of the same name.
Fun Fact: Roger Craig Smith voices Batman, and Troy Baker voices the Joker, stepping in for the usual duo of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. WB Montreal, known for Gotham Knights, developed Arkham Origins.
3.1 What about the Mobile Version of Arkham Origins?
There’s a mobile version of Arkham Origins, but it plays much differently from the console version. Developed by NeatherRealm, the studio behind Mortal Kombat, it’s a brawler that covers the same narrative beats as the console version.
Batman Arkham Origins
4. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate takes place three months after the events of Origins. This game differs from the mainline Arkham games as it’s a 2.5D side-scroller developed by Armature Studio.
4.1 What is the Story of Blackgate?
Batman investigates Blackgate prison, where an explosion has freed the inmates. You’ll explore three main areas, each controlled by Penguin, Black Mask, and the Joker. Other characters include Catwoman, Amanda Waller, and Rick Flag. Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker return as Batman and the Joker.
Batman Arkham Origins Blackgate
5. Batman: Arkham Shadow
Batman: Arkham Shadow is the second VR game in the Arkhamverse, primarily set in Blackgate Penitentiary. The game takes place seven months after the Christmas-set events of Origins and four months after Blackgate, specifically on July 4.
5.1 What Villains Appear in Arkham Shadow?
This younger version of Batman is voiced again by Roger Craig Smith, and he faces off against a new villain known as The Rat King. Other Gotham characters include Jim Gordon, Doctors Harlene Quinzel and Jonathan Crane, Arnold Wesker (The Ventriloquist), and Barbra Gordon.
Note: Camouflaj, the studio behind Marvel’s Iron Man VR, developed Arkham Shadow.
Meta Quest 3S Batman Arkham Shadow Edition
6. Batman: Arkham Underworld
Batman: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game where you play as Gotham’s newest criminal mastermind. You command villains like Harley Quinn, The Riddler, Scarecrow, Mr. Freeze, and Killer Croc. Build a criminal hideout, recruit henchmen, and battle your way to the top. Kevin Conroy returns as Batman.
6.1 When Does Arkham Underworld Take Place?
Set sometime before Arkham Asylum, Arkham Underworld has little importance to the overall narrative and is no longer available for download since it was shut down in 2017.
Batman Arkham Underworld
7. Batman: Assault on Arkham
Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set about two years before Arkham Asylum. While not a game, it adds to the Arkhamverse narrative. The film focuses on Batman’s adversaries, such as Harley, Joker, and Riddler, as they infiltrate Arkham Asylum and free its most notorious inmates.
7.1 Who Voices Batman in Assault on Arkham?
Kevin Conroy voices Batman, and Troy Baker voices the Joker. Giancarlo Esposito voices Black Spider.
Batman Assault on Arkham
8. Batman: Arkham Asylum
Rocksteady’s first Batman game, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces Kevin Conroy as the Arkhamverse’s version of Batman. This is the fourth game chronologically but the first released. Mark Hamill’s Joker is the primary villain, supported by Harley Quinn, Commissioner Gordon, Scarecrow, Bane, and Poison Ivy.
8.1 What is the Story of Arkham Asylum?
The Joker infiltrates the asylum with Harley Quinn to obtain a super-strength serum called Titan. With bombs planted around Gotham City, the Joker threatens to detonate them if anyone helps Batman, forcing him to deal with the escapees alone. Paul Dino, known for his work on Batman: The Animated Series and Batman Beyond, wrote Arkham Asylum’s story.
Batman Arkham Asylum
9. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown
Batman: Arkham City Lockdown, released shortly after Arkham City, is a fighter set between the events of Asylum and City. It’s the first Arkham mobile game developed by NeatherRealm.
9.1 Which Characters Appear in Arkham City Lockdown?
Arkham City Lockdown features many Arkham characters, including the Joker, Harley Quinn, Two-Face, Penguin, Solomon Grundy, Poison Ivy, Deathstroke, Robin, and Batman. The story revolves around another prison escape that Batman must resolve. The game is no longer available for purchase, so knowing the plot won’t spoil much. Batman prevails and returns the escaped prisoners to the asylum.
Batman Arkham City Lockdown
10. Batman: Arkham City
Rocksteady’s second game, Batman: Arkham City, takes place a year and a half after Arkham Asylum. Mayor Quincy Sharp opens Arkham City, a walled-off section of Gotham City for criminals. Batman navigates this lawless area while trying to stop a plot orchestrated by Hugo Strange.
10.1 What Challenges Does Batman Face in Arkham City?
Batman also deals with the Joker, who suffers from the effects of the Titan serum he took in Arkham Asylum. Paul Dini also wrote the story for Arkham City.
Batman Arkham City
11. Batman: Arkham VR
Batman: Arkham VR, the series’ virtual reality game, is set shortly before Arkham Knight. This narrative-driven game focuses on detective work as Batman solves the murder of a close ally.
11.1 What is the Gameplay Like in Arkham VR?
If you have a VR headset, Arkham VR is worth playing for its story and short runtime. The supporting cast includes Robin, Nightwing, Alfred Pennyworth, Penguin, Killer Croc, and Joker. Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprise their roles as Batman and the Joker.
Batman Arkham VR
12. Batman: Arkham Knight
The conclusion to Rocksteady’s trilogy, Batman: Arkham Knight, raises the stakes with a larger Gotham, a varied cast, and the introduction of a playable Batmobile.
12.1 What Threats Does Batman Face in Arkham Knight?
Batman: Arkham Knight is set on Halloween night, less than a year after the events of City. Scarecrow threatens Gotham with his fear toxin, while the Arkham Knight emerges as a new threat. Batman deals with internal torment from previous games. The supporting cast includes Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Penguin, Riddler, Two-Face, Robin, Commissioner Gordon, and Barbara Gordon.
Batman Arkham Knight
13. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Rocksteady’s game shifts the focus from Batman to Task Force X, exploring Metropolis as Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, or King Shark.
13.1 How Does Suicide Squad Connect to the Arkhamverse?
According to Rocksteady, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is a continuation of the Arkhamverse. The game takes place about five years after the events of Arkham Knight, with storylines from past Arkham games coming to fruition.
14. Batman Arkham Games By Release Date
Here’s a list of the Batman Arkham games in order of release:
| Release Date | Game |
|---|---|
| 2009 | Batman: Arkham Asylum |
| 2011 | Batman: Arkham City |
| 2011 | Batman: Arkham City Lockdown |
| 2013 | Batman: Arkham Origins |
| 2013 | Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate |
| 2014 | Batman: Assault on Arkham (Animated film) |
| 2015 | Batman: Arkham Knight |
| 2016 | Batman: Arkham Underworld |
| 2016 | Batman: Arkham VR |
| 2024 | Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League |
| 2024 | Batman: Arkham Shadow |
15. What’s Next in the Arkham Series?
After Arkham Shadow’s release, no Batman Arkham games are currently in development. Fans hope Rocksteady Studios will return to the series after almost a decade.
15.1 Will Rocksteady Return to the Arkhamverse?
While reports indicate Rocksteady is pitching single-player games, there’s been no official word on their next project.
FAQ: Your Questions About Batman Games Answered
1. What is the first Batman Arkham game to play?
The first Batman Arkham game to play is Batman: Arkham Asylum, released in 2009, if you want to experience the series by release date. However, if you prefer to follow the chronological order of the story, start with Batman: Arkham Origins, released in 2013.
2. In what order should I play the Arkham games for the best story experience?
For the best story experience, play the Arkham games in this order: Batman: Arkham Origins, Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate, Batman: Arkham Shadow, Batman: Arkham Asylum, Batman: Arkham City, Batman: Arkham VR, Batman: Arkham Knight, and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.
3. Are all the Batman Arkham games available on all platforms?
No, not all Batman Arkham games are available on all platforms. Some games, like Batman: Arkham Underworld and Batman: Arkham City Lockdown, are no longer available. Also, Batman: Arkham VR requires a virtual reality headset.
4. Which Batman Arkham game has the biggest open-world map?
Batman: Arkham Knight has the biggest open-world map in the Arkham series. It allows players to explore Gotham City with a fully playable Batmobile.
5. Who is the main villain in Batman: Arkham Asylum?
The main villain in Batman: Arkham Asylum is the Joker, voiced by Mark Hamill. He infiltrates the asylum with Harley Quinn to obtain a super-strength serum called Titan.
6. Does Batman: Arkham Shadow require a VR headset to play?
Yes, Batman: Arkham Shadow requires a virtual reality headset to play, as it is a virtual reality game set within the Arkhamverse.
7. Are there any Batman Arkham games that are no longer available for download?
Yes, Batman: Arkham Underworld and Batman: Arkham City Lockdown are no longer available for download.
8. What is the setting of Batman: Arkham Origins?
Batman: Arkham Origins is set on Christmas Eve in a snow-covered Gotham City. It features a less experienced Batman facing a $50 million bounty on his head.
9. How does Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League connect to the Batman Arkham series?
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is a continuation of the Arkhamverse, according to Rocksteady. It takes place about five years after the events of Arkham Knight. Storylines from past Arkham games come to fruition in this game.
10. Who wrote the story for Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City?
Paul Dini, known for his work on Batman: The Animated Series and Batman Beyond, wrote the story for both Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City.
Experiencing technical issues with your Polar device while diving into the Arkhamverse? Need guidance on warranty services or troubleshooting? Visit polarservicecenter.net for expert assistance. Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch support to ensure you can focus on enjoying your Polar products. Contact us today to explore troubleshooting guides, warranty details, and much more! Our address is 2902 Bluff St, Boulder, CO 80301, United States. You can also call us at +1 (303) 492-7080 or visit our website, polarservicecenter.net.
