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Batman games do not form one continuous story. The Arkham series, LEGO games, Telltale stories and older film adaptations have different continuities. For a first Arkham playthrough, release order is a useful way to encounter its gameplay and revelations.
Main Arkham games in release order
| Order | Game | Original release | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Batman: Arkham Asylum | 2009 | Introduces the modern Arkham gameplay and setting |
| 2 | Batman: Arkham City | 2011 | Expands the story and playable area |
| 3 | Batman: Arkham Origins | 2013 | A prequel with a younger Batman |
| 4 | Batman: Arkham Knight | 2015 | Continues after City |
These are original release years, not the dates of every port or collection. Arkham Origins’ Steam listing says its online services were retired in December 2016; do not buy it expecting the original multiplayer service.
Arkham story chronology
For the main non-VR sequence, use Origins → Asylum → City → Knight. Arkham Shadow fits between Origins and Asylum; DC’s story explanation identifies that placement. Shadow is a VR game for Meta Quest 3 and 3S, as shown on its official game page.
Arkham Origins Blackgate and Arkham VR are additional experiences, not replacements for the four-game sequence above. Check each game’s hardware and store requirements; VR titles need their supported headset platform.
Collections and remasters
Return to Arkham remasters Asylum and City. Arkham Collection packages vary by platform, but should not be assumed to include Origins or Shadow. Read the exact list in the store offer. A remaster repeats an existing story rather than adding a new chronological chapter.
Other Batman continuities
- LEGO Batman: The Videogame, LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes and LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham: a separate LEGO series.
- Batman: The Telltale Series, then Batman: The Enemy Within: an independent narrative sequence.
- Batman Begins: an adaptation associated with the 2005 film, not an Arkham prequel.
- Gotham Knights: a separate continuity focused on Batman’s allies.
Selected older releases
Batman (1986), The Caped Crusader (1988), the 1989-film adaptations, Return of the Joker, The Animated Series, The Adventures of Batman & Robin and Batman & Robin show how the character’s games changed across platforms. They are historical releases, and identical-looking titles can have different versions. This is a selected history rather than a claim to list every Batman appearance.
For older regional versions, our retro video and timing guide provides context. If you are choosing a console game for a different style of play, compare turn-based tactics games.