Every Arkhamverse Game In Chronological Order

Key Takeaways

Batman: Arkham Shadow is the latest prequel in the Arkhamverse, bridging events between Arkham Origins and Arkham Asylum.
The game adapts Arkham gameplay into VR, featuring Batman during a dark period, investigating the rise of the Rat King.
Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League continues the Arkhamverse five years post-Arkham Knight, with Batman as one of the main antagonists.

As a long-time Batman fan who has seen the Dark Knight through thick and thin, I must say that the Arkham series has been nothing short of spectacular in its portrayal of Gotham City and its denizens. From the claustrophobic confines of Arkham Asylum to the sprawling metropolis of Arkham City, each game has offered a unique take on the Caped Crusader’s world, pushing the boundaries of what a superhero game can be.

Originally, a captivating superhero tale featuring Batman unfolded, but it has since blossomed into the extensive DC Universe now recognized as the Arkhamverse. The most recent addition to this saga is the virtual reality game “Batman: Arkham Shadow“, which presents another prequel story similar to “Batman: Arkham Asylum“, though it is exclusive to the Meta Quest 3 platform.

In simple terms, the Arkham universe features multiple stories told through sequels, prequels, and even spin-offs that are also sequels, which can make it complex for newcomers to follow. With the arrival of Arkham Shadow, curious fans might be eager to understand where this fits into the larger timeline, considering the journeys each hero and villain experiences by the end.

1 Batman: Arkham Origins

How Batman Met His Iconic Supervillains

Year 2-3

In Batman’s two-year stint as a vigilante, the game “Batman: Arkham Origins” serves as the earliest event in the Arkhamverse timeline. By this point, Batman is familiar with street thugs and crime bosses, but on Christmas Eve, he finds himself confronting his first group of genuine supervillains for the first time. This motley crew includes Bane, Firefly, Deathstroke, a meeting with The Joker, and the challenge of defeating Mr. Freeze in the DLC on New Year’s Day.

Initially, Arkham Origins was criticized due to the replacement of voice actors for Batman and the Joker. However, more than a decade has passed, and now, Arkham Origins is cherished as one of the series’ favorite entries. With its visually captivating holiday backdrop and depiction of Batman’s transformation into Gotham City’s superhero, it stands strong as a prequel in the franchise. Eventually, it received a sequel known as Arkham Knight.

2 Batman: Arkham Origins – Blackgate

The Cat And The Bat Together For The First Time

Year 3

In the game titled “Batman: Arkham Origins – Blackgate“, the Caped Crusader squares off against villains like Black Mask, The Joker, and The Penguin within Blackgate Prison. This confrontation occurs three months after the events of the preceding game. In this adventure, Batman encounters Catwoman for the first time; she’s a frequently appearing character that fans adore from the “Arkham” series. Their alliance develops, yet Catwoman, as usual, harbors secret intentions.

In addition to Solomon Grundy, Bronze Tiger, and Deadshot, other villains are also present, with characters such as Amanda Waller and Rick Flag making appearances in the game Arkham Origins – Blackgate. This particular title is frequently overlooked within the Arkhamverse, primarily because it was initially designed for handheld systems like the Nintendo 3DS and PS Vita. However, it was later released on PC and consoles as well.

3 Batman: Arkham Shadow

The Saddest And Darkest Period Of Batman’s Career

Unknown Year

Initially, fans were unsure about “Batman: Arkham Shadow“, but it didn’t take long for it to gain acclaim due to its successful translation of the original games’ gameplay style and storytelling into a VR experience. The story unfolds somewhere between the events of “Arkham Shadow” and “Arkham Asylum“, as indicated by the early appearances of characters who later become infamous villains like Harvey Dent, Harleen Quinzel, and Jonathan Crane.

The storyline of “Batman: Arkham Shadow” centers around a young Batman enduring a troubled era as Gotham City spirals into turmoil under the control of a nefarious figure called the Rat King. The narrative takes on a detective-like quality, with Batman battling and probing his way through both Gotham and Blackgate Prison to expose the true identity of the Rat King before he brings about destruction upon the city.

4 Batman: Arkham Underworld

The Mobile Game That Most People Forgot

Unknown Year

In the once-popular mobile game titled “Batman: Arkham Underworld,” players assumed the role of a growing criminal mastermind in Gotham City, crossing paths with characters like The Riddler and Two-Face. While the exact timeline isn’t specified, we know that it happened prior to “Arkham Asylum.” Given the appearance of Two-Face and Harley Quinn, this implies that the game transpired after the events of “Arkham Origins” or “Arkham Shadow.

In the game known as “Arkham Underworld,” we were introduced to Carmine Falcone, a character who had been mentioned but not seen before. However, unfortunately, “Arkham Underworld” didn’t gain much attention due to insufficient players, and thus it was removed from the spotlight. Nevertheless, Falcone made a comeback in the game titled “Batman: Arkham Shadow.

5 A Matter Of Family (DLC Story)

The Arkhamverse Debut Of Barbara As Batgirl

Year 8

In contrast to other downloadable content for “Batman: Arkham Knight,” “A Matter Of Family” stands alone as the only expansion that unfolds in the past, occurring several months before the incidents in “Arkham Asylum.” During this period, Barbara Gordon is still Batgirl, venturing into the Joker’s latest hideout to rescue her father, Jim Gordon, from his grasp.

In contrast to other downloadable content chapters in “Batman: Arkham Knight,” “A Matter Of Family” stands out for its expansive nature, featuring an explorable map similar to that of “Batman: Arkham Asylum.” This addition hinted at the possibility of future games centered around Bat-Family members and further developed Barbara’s character. Her role as Batgirl, previously only referenced, was finally brought to life in this chapter.

6 Batman: Arkham Asylum

The Original Game Started With A Veteran Batman

Year 8

The initial game within the Batman: Arkham series features the iconic voices of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprising their roles as Batman and the Joker respectively. This is none other than Batman: Arkham Asylum, a title that occurs six years following the events in Arkham Origins. By this point, Batman and the Joker have had their fair share of confrontations, and the former has accumulated a group of notorious villains who are now imprisoned at Arkham Asylum.

Under the guidance of Paul Dini, who co-created “Batman: The Animated Series,” “Batman: Arkham Asylum” swiftly earned affection as a cherished superhero game. A significant factor in its popularity lies in its straightforward premise. In this narrative, Batman finds himself trapped on Arkham Island alongside his most formidable adversaries. His mission is to subdue them all. Boasting dark yet captivating graphics and enjoyable gameplay, “Arkham Asylum” was an overwhelming triumph.

7 Batman: Arkham City

The Sequel That Showed That Sometimes Bigger Is Better

Year 10-11

18 months following the events of “Arkham Asylum”, in December, the game “Batman: Arkham City” draws inspiration from films like “Escape From New York”. In this tale, a part of Gotham City is enclosed and transformed into a grim, prison-like setting. By this time, Batman has been working tirelessly for eleven years. The DLC named “Harley Quinn’s Revenge” concludes the storyline of Arkham City in January.

In essence, Batman: Arkham City stands as an exceptional follow-up, boasting an expansive Gotham City for players to delve into, and significant enhancements across almost every facet of its predecessor. This new installment offers gamers additional tools from Batman’s arsenal and a broader roster of villains to confront, while maintaining an immersive narrative with numerous side missions.

8 Batman: Arkham VR

Inside The Mind Of A Broken Batman

Year 11

The initial foray into translating the Arkhamverse into virtual reality was met with a diverse response. In essence, Batman: Arkham VR lacked substantial action and instead focused on psychological horror from Batman’s perspective. However, due to the early stage of modern VR technology at that time, the game could be completed in under an hour.

Initially, it can be a bit tricky to determine the timeline of “Batman: Arkham VR,” but as events progress, it becomes evident that it falls somewhere between “Batman: Arkham City” and “Batman: Arkham Knight.” Throughout the game, Batman exhibits signs of being affected by the Joker’s toxic blood, culminating in Batman understanding towards the end that the Phantom Joker is gradually taking hold within his psyche.

9 Batman: Arkham Knight

Batman Ended His Symphony Of Justice On A Dark Note

Year 12

Originally slated as the concluding game in the series, “Batman: Arkham Knight” finds Batman bringing an end to his Gotham City vigilante career on Halloween night, eight months following “Arkham City.” It’s been confirmed that the events of “Arkham Origins” transpired ten years earlier, suggesting that Batman’s career in the Arkhamverse spanned approximately twelve years.

In the game titled Arkham Knight, the Gotham City protector, Batman, faces his most formidable test yet. The city is under control of Scarecrow and an unknown entity known as the Arkham Knight, who lead a technologically advanced militia. Additionally, Batman must deal with numerous other villains and some of the franchise’s most terrifying moments. Multiple downloadable content chapters unfold over several months following that fateful Halloween night.

10 Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League

Not The Ending For Batman That Fans Expected

Year 17

Although it faces numerous debates about its gameplay and narrative, it’s been confirmed that Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League is the forthcoming installment in the Arkhamverse, occurring five years following Batman: Arkham Knight. After his identity as Batman is revealed, Bruce Wayne departs from Gotham City and eventually encounters and teams up with the Justice League, who are now enslaved under Brainiac’s control.

In this action-packed live-service game, you’ll encounter characters like Harley Quinn, The Penguin, and a fresh take on Poison Ivy – all with roots in past Arkham series. However, Batman ties everything together as the central figure. Initially portrayed as one of the main adversaries, his storyline concludes in a manner that leaves many feeling unsatisfied. Yet, there’s speculation that he might resurface in future downloadable content for the game.

2024-10-25 11:04