Can You Play as Other Characters in Batman Arkham City? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can play as other characters besides Batman in Batman: Arkham City, but the extent to which you can do so varies. While Batman is the primary character throughout the main story, you will have the opportunity to play as Catwoman during specific story segments, and after the main storyline is complete, you gain the ability to freely switch between Batman and Catwoman in the open world. Additionally, you can play as characters such as Nightwing, Robin, and others through challenge maps and DLC content. However, these characters are not available for free roaming in the main open world of Arkham City alongside Batman (with the exception of Catwoman post-story). This article will delve into all playable characters, how to access them, and the limitations you might encounter.
Playable Characters and Their Roles
Batman: The Core Experience
As expected, Batman is the central character for the main narrative of Batman: Arkham City. You will navigate the majority of the game’s story and open-world exploration as Batman, utilizing his gadgets, combat skills, and detective prowess. His storyline is the longest and introduces all of the core mechanics of the game.
Catwoman: A Dual Narrative
Catwoman plays a significant role in Arkham City, and her sections are interwoven seamlessly into Batman‘s main story. During the game, you’ll periodically switch to her perspective, experiencing a different angle to the events unfolding in Arkham City. Her missions focus on her unique agility, stealth abilities, and combat style. Once the main story is completed, you can switch freely between Batman and Catwoman at specific points marked by cats lounging on rooftops, denoted with a paw icon.
Challenge Map Characters: Nightwing, Robin, and More
While Nightwing, Robin, and other characters aren’t playable within the main story’s free-roam mode, they are available to use in the challenge maps. After you’ve unlocked them, you’ll be able to play as them by selecting the character when starting a challenge map. Each character has their unique abilities, gadgets, and combat animations, which adds a layer of replayability to the game.
DLC Characters: Harley Quinn and Red Hood
DLC content for Arkham City introduces the possibility of playing as even more characters, notably Harley Quinn and Red Hood for the challenge maps. Similar to Nightwing and Robin, these characters have distinct movesets and gadgets that create a fresh experience on the challenge maps. These characters also have their own challenges or specific challenge maps for a more personalized experience.
Azrael: A Non-Playable Presence
Azrael is featured in Batman: Arkham City, but he is not playable within the game. While he has a significant role as part of a side mission and a compelling storyline, he remains an NPC for the player. In gameplay, Azrael plays similarly to Batman, but he has fewer gadgets during predator mode. You can, however, play as Azrael in Batman: Arkham Knight.
How to Switch Characters
Switching Between Batman and Catwoman
Post-story, to switch between Batman and Catwoman in the open world, you must locate groups of cats lounging around. These spots are marked on the map. Once located, simply interact with the cats to switch between the two characters. The control to switch is generally the left mouse button or its equivalent on consoles.
Switching Characters in Challenge Maps
For challenge maps, character selection occurs at the start of each map. From the challenge map selection menu, you can select Nightwing, Robin, Harley Quinn, or Red Hood if you have downloaded the DLCs that unlock these characters.
Character Suits and Customization
There are also ways to customize the appearance of Batman within the game, through different Batman suit skins. These skins can be unlocked through certain progression achievements, or via a cheat at the main menu to allow access to these suits without completing the game. The combination is Left, Left, Down, Down, Left, Left, Right, Up, Up, Down.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you play as Nightwing in the main story of Arkham City?
No, Nightwing is not playable in the main story of Batman: Arkham City. He can only be used in the challenge maps.
2. How do you play as Robin in Arkham City?
Robin is available for play in the challenge maps. You can choose him at the start of a challenge map that you have unlocked.
3. Is it possible to play as Harley Quinn in Arkham City?
You can play as Harley Quinn in challenge maps with the DLC character pack. She is not playable in the main story free-roam.
4. Can I free roam as any character other than Batman and Catwoman?
No, Batman and Catwoman are the only two characters you can free-roam as in Arkham City, and Catwoman only post-game.
5. Is Catwoman DLC for Arkham City?
While Catwoman is available for play within the main game’s story, her missions form part of the story. You also need her DLC to have the ability to switch to her in the open world post-game.
6. How do you access the alternate Batman suits in Arkham City?
There’s a cheat code you can use on the main menu to unlock alternative Batman suits without completing the full game. The combination is Left, Left, Down, Down, Left, Left, Right, Up, Up, Down.
7. Why can you switch between Batman and Catwoman after beating the game?
After completing the main storyline and having completed Catwoman’s arc, the ability to freely switch between Batman and Catwoman is unlocked to provide players with more post-game exploration and gameplay variety.
8. Does Azrael have a playable role in Arkham City?
No, Azrael is not playable in Arkham City. He is, however, a key character in a side mission.
9. How does playing as Catwoman differ from playing as Batman?
Catwoman has different combat and traversal skills. She is more agile and stealth-based, and has a whip for combat and movement.
10. How many playable characters are there in Batman Arkham City with all DLCs?
Including the DLC characters, you can play as Batman, Catwoman, Nightwing, Robin, Harley Quinn, and Red Hood but not all in the main story.
11. Can you play as Red Hood in Arkham City?
Yes, Red Hood can be played in the challenge maps after you purchase and install the appropriate DLC.
12. What are the cats on the rooftops for in Arkham City?
The cats mark the spots where you can switch between playing as Batman and Catwoman after completing the main story.
13. Does playing as Catwoman impact the overall story of Arkham City?
Yes, Catwoman’s missions are integrated into the main storyline and offer a different perspective on the events of Arkham City.
14. Can you 100% the game without the Catwoman DLC?
No, you need the Catwoman DLC to collect all of the collectables that are scattered through the city, so you cannot 100% the game without this additional DLC content.
15. Are there other characters that appear in Arkham City, but are not playable?
Yes, characters such as Hugo Strange, The Joker and Penguin are significant characters in the story, but are not playable in the main game.