What Order to Play Arkham Games: A Journey Through Chaos and Chronology

blog 2025-01-11 0Browse 0
What Order to Play Arkham Games: A Journey Through Chaos and Chronology

The Arkham series, developed by Rocksteady Studios and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, has become a cornerstone of modern gaming, particularly for fans of the Batman universe. With its intricate storytelling, immersive gameplay, and richly detailed world, the series has garnered a massive following. However, one question that often arises among newcomers and veterans alike is: What order should you play the Arkham games in? This question, while seemingly straightforward, opens up a Pandora’s box of debates, theories, and personal preferences. Let’s dive into the chaos and chronology of the Arkham series, exploring the various perspectives on the optimal play order.

1. Release Order: The Traditional Approach

The most straightforward way to experience the Arkham series is to play the games in the order they were released. This approach allows players to witness the evolution of the series, both in terms of gameplay mechanics and narrative depth.

  • Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009): The game that started it all. Arkham Asylum introduces players to the dark, gritty world of Batman as he confronts the Joker, who has taken over the infamous Arkham Asylum. The game is praised for its tight gameplay, atmospheric setting, and compelling story.

  • Batman: Arkham City (2011): Building on the success of Arkham Asylum, Arkham City expands the world by setting the game in a sprawling, open-world version of Arkham City, a walled-off section of Gotham. The story delves deeper into Batman’s rogues’ gallery, with Hugo Strange and the Joker taking center stage.

  • Batman: Arkham Origins (2013): A prequel to the series, Arkham Origins explores a younger, less experienced Batman as he faces off against a host of assassins on Christmas Eve. While developed by a different studio (WB Games Montréal), the game maintains the core gameplay mechanics and adds new elements, such as a multiplayer mode.

  • Batman: Arkham Knight (2015): The final installment in the main series, Arkham Knight brings the story to a dramatic conclusion. The game introduces the Batmobile as a central gameplay element and explores the psychological toll of being Batman. The mysterious Arkham Knight and the return of the Joker (in a surprising twist) make this game a fitting end to the series.

Pros of Release Order:

  • Narrative Cohesion: Playing in release order allows you to experience the story as it was intended, with each game building on the events of the previous one.
  • Gameplay Evolution: You’ll witness the gradual improvement and refinement of gameplay mechanics, from the more linear Arkham Asylum to the open-world complexity of Arkham Knight.

Cons of Release Order:

  • Prequel Disruption: Arkham Origins, being a prequel, can feel like a step back in terms of narrative progression, especially after the high stakes of Arkham City.

2. Chronological Order: A Story-First Perspective

For those who prioritize narrative continuity over gameplay evolution, playing the games in chronological order might be the preferred approach. This means starting with Arkham Origins, followed by Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, and finally Arkham Knight.

  • Batman: Arkham Origins (2013): As a prequel, Arkham Origins sets the stage for the events of the main series. It introduces key characters and establishes the dynamics between Batman and his allies/enemies.

  • Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009): The story picks up years later, with Batman facing off against the Joker in a more confined, intense setting. The game’s narrative is self-contained but sets the tone for the rest of the series.

  • Batman: Arkham City (2011): The stakes are raised as Batman confronts a larger conspiracy involving Hugo Strange and the Joker. The game’s open-world design allows for a more expansive exploration of Gotham’s underworld.

  • Batman: Arkham Knight (2015): The final chapter in the series, Arkham Knight brings the story full circle, with Batman facing his greatest challenges yet. The game’s narrative ties up loose ends and provides a satisfying conclusion to the series.

Pros of Chronological Order:

  • Narrative Flow: Playing in chronological order provides a seamless narrative experience, with each game naturally leading into the next.
  • Character Development: You’ll witness Batman’s growth and evolution over time, from a young, inexperienced vigilante to the seasoned Dark Knight.

Cons of Chronological Order:

  • Gameplay Regression: Starting with Arkham Origins, which has less refined gameplay compared to the later titles, might feel like a step back for players who are used to the more polished mechanics of Arkham Asylum and beyond.
  • Pacing Issues: The shift from the open-world design of Arkham Origins to the more linear Arkham Asylum can be jarring for some players.

3. Thematic Order: A Deeper Dive into Batman’s Psyche

For those who are more interested in exploring the thematic elements of the series, a thematic play order might be the way to go. This approach focuses on the psychological and emotional journey of Batman, rather than strict narrative or chronological progression.

  • Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009): The game’s claustrophobic setting and intense focus on Batman’s psyche make it a perfect starting point for a thematic playthrough. The game delves into Batman’s relationship with the Joker and explores the thin line between sanity and madness.

  • Batman: Arkham Knight (2015): Jumping ahead to Arkham Knight allows players to explore the psychological toll of being Batman. The game’s narrative is heavily focused on Batman’s inner struggles, particularly his fear of becoming like the criminals he fights.

  • Batman: Arkham City (2011): Returning to Arkham City, players can see how Batman’s experiences in Arkham Asylum and Arkham Knight have shaped his approach to crime-fighting. The game’s open-world design allows for a deeper exploration of Batman’s role as Gotham’s protector.

  • Batman: Arkham Origins (2013): Finally, Arkham Origins provides a glimpse into Batman’s early years, showing how his experiences as a young vigilante shaped the man he would become. The game’s focus on Batman’s relationships with his allies and enemies adds depth to his character.

Pros of Thematic Order:

  • Psychological Depth: This play order allows for a deeper exploration of Batman’s psyche, providing a more nuanced understanding of his character.
  • Emotional Impact: By focusing on the emotional and psychological aspects of the story, players can experience a more profound connection to Batman’s journey.

Cons of Thematic Order:

  • Narrative Disruption: Jumping between games can disrupt the narrative flow, making it harder to follow the overarching story.
  • Gameplay Inconsistency: The shift between different gameplay styles and mechanics can be jarring for some players.

4. The “Joker-Centric” Order: A Villain’s Perspective

For those who are particularly fascinated by the Joker, the central antagonist of the series, a Joker-centric play order might be the most engaging. This approach focuses on the Joker’s role in the series and his complex relationship with Batman.

  • Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009): The game that introduces the Joker as the primary antagonist. The story revolves around Batman’s efforts to stop the Joker’s takeover of Arkham Asylum, setting the stage for their ongoing conflict.

  • Batman: Arkham City (2011): The Joker returns as a central figure in Arkham City, with his relationship with Batman taking center stage. The game explores the Joker’s motivations and his impact on Batman’s life.

  • Batman: Arkham Knight (2015): Even in death, the Joker’s presence looms large over Arkham Knight. The game delves into the psychological impact of the Joker on Batman, with the Clown Prince of Crime haunting Batman’s every move.

  • Batman: Arkham Origins (2013): While the Joker is not the main antagonist in Arkham Origins, the game provides important backstory on his early encounters with Batman. The game’s focus on the Joker’s rise to power adds depth to his character.

Pros of Joker-Centric Order:

  • Character Focus: This play order allows for a deep dive into the Joker’s character, exploring his motivations, actions, and impact on Batman.
  • Narrative Cohesion: By focusing on the Joker’s role in the series, players can experience a more cohesive narrative that ties the games together.

Cons of Joker-Centric Order:

  • Limited Perspective: Focusing solely on the Joker can limit the player’s understanding of other characters and storylines in the series.
  • Gameplay Repetition: The Joker’s presence in multiple games can lead to a sense of repetition in terms of gameplay and narrative.

5. The “Open-World First” Order: For the Explorers

For players who prioritize exploration and open-world gameplay, starting with the most expansive titles might be the best approach. This order allows players to fully immerse themselves in the world of Gotham before diving into the more linear experiences.

  • Batman: Arkham City (2011): With its sprawling open-world design, Arkham City is the perfect starting point for players who want to explore Gotham at their own pace. The game’s side missions and collectibles offer plenty of opportunities for exploration.

  • Batman: Arkham Knight (2015): Building on the open-world design of Arkham City, Arkham Knight offers an even larger and more detailed world to explore. The addition of the Batmobile adds a new layer of gameplay and exploration.

  • Batman: Arkham Origins (2013): While not as expansive as Arkham City or Arkham Knight, Arkham Origins still offers a sizable open-world environment to explore. The game’s focus on Batman’s early years provides a different perspective on Gotham.

  • Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009): Finally, Arkham Asylum offers a more linear, focused experience. While it lacks the open-world design of the later games, its tight gameplay and atmospheric setting make it a fitting conclusion to the series.

Pros of Open-World First Order:

  • Exploration Freedom: Starting with the most expansive titles allows players to fully immerse themselves in the world of Gotham, exploring every nook and cranny at their own pace.
  • Gameplay Variety: The open-world design of Arkham City and Arkham Knight offers a wide variety of gameplay experiences, from combat to stealth to exploration.

Cons of Open-World First Order:

  • Narrative Disruption: Jumping into the open-world titles first can disrupt the narrative flow, making it harder to follow the overarching story.
  • Pacing Issues: The shift from the open-world design of Arkham City and Arkham Knight to the more linear Arkham Asylum can be jarring for some players.

6. The “Reverse Order” Approach: A Unique Perspective

For those looking for a truly unique experience, playing the games in reverse order might be an intriguing option. This approach allows players to experience the series in a completely different light, with each game providing context for the events of the previous one.

  • Batman: Arkham Knight (2015): Starting with the final chapter, players can experience the culmination of Batman’s journey, with all the twists and turns that come with it. The game’s narrative provides a fitting conclusion to the series.

  • Batman: Arkham City (2011): Moving backward, Arkham City offers a deeper understanding of the events leading up to Arkham Knight. The game’s open-world design and complex narrative provide plenty of context for the final chapter.

  • Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009): Returning to Arkham Asylum, players can see how the events of the first game set the stage for the rest of the series. The game’s tight gameplay and atmospheric setting provide a stark contrast to the more expansive titles.

  • Batman: Arkham Origins (2013): Finally, Arkham Origins provides a glimpse into Batman’s early years, showing how his experiences as a young vigilante shaped the man he would become. The game’s focus on Batman’s relationships with his allies and enemies adds depth to his character.

Pros of Reverse Order:

  • Unique Perspective: Playing in reverse order offers a completely different perspective on the series, with each game providing context for the events of the previous one.
  • Narrative Depth: This approach allows for a deeper understanding of the series’ narrative, as players can see how each game builds on the events of the next.

Cons of Reverse Order:

  • Gameplay Regression: Starting with the most polished and refined title (Arkham Knight) and moving backward can lead to a sense of gameplay regression, as the earlier titles have less refined mechanics.
  • Pacing Issues: The shift from the open-world design of Arkham Knight and Arkham City to the more linear Arkham Asylum can be jarring for some players.

Conclusion: The Best Order is the One That Suits You

Ultimately, the best order to play the Arkham games depends on your personal preferences and what you hope to get out of the experience. Whether you prioritize narrative cohesion, gameplay evolution, thematic depth, or exploration, there’s an order that will suit your needs. The beauty of the Arkham series lies in its versatility, allowing players to approach it in a variety of ways. So, whether you’re a newcomer looking to dive into the world of Batman or a veteran revisiting the series, the choice is yours. Embrace the chaos, and enjoy the journey.


Q: Can I play Arkham Origins without playing the other games? A: Yes, Arkham Origins is a prequel and can be enjoyed on its own. However, playing the other games will provide additional context and depth to the story.

Q: Is Arkham Knight necessary to complete the series? A: Yes, Arkham Knight is the final chapter in the main series and provides a satisfying conclusion to the story. It’s highly recommended to play it after the other games.

Q: Are there any spin-offs or additional content in the Arkham series? A: Yes, there are several spin-offs and additional content, including Batman: Arkham VR and various DLCs for the main games. These can be enjoyed alongside or after completing the main series.

Q: Which game has the best gameplay mechanics? A: Arkham Knight is often praised for its refined gameplay mechanics, particularly the addition of the Batmobile. However, each game in the series has its own unique strengths and innovations.

Q: Can I skip Arkham Origins if I’m short on time? A: While Arkham Origins is not essential to the main series, it provides valuable backstory and character development. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, but you’ll miss out on some important context.

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