How to Switch Characters in Batman: Arkham Knight: A Comprehensive Guide
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The ability to switch characters adds a dynamic layer to the gameplay experience in Batman: Arkham Knight, allowing players to explore Gotham City from different perspectives and with unique combat styles. Unlike some games where character swapping is available at any time, Arkham Knight structures this feature around specific locations and, in some cases, post-game content. The main way to switch between playable characters is through the Belfry, which acts as a central hub between missions and patrols. Here’s a breakdown of the mechanics and other options for character switching in the game.
How to Change Characters in Arkham Knight
Switching at the Belfry
The primary method for switching characters in Batman: Arkham Knight involves using the Belfry. This location becomes accessible after the first night of gameplay. Within the Belfry, you’ll find a collection of hero suits on display, representing Batgirl, Robin, Red Hood, and Nightwing.
- Location: The Belfry is your go-to spot for changing characters. It is a central hub accessible between missions and while roaming the city.
- Interaction: To change to a different character, simply interact with the suit that belongs to the character you wish to play. For example, if you want to play as Robin, approach his suit and initiate the action prompt.
- Availability: The suits for Batgirl, Robin, Red Hood, and Nightwing are all available to swap to at the Belfry. These characters each offer a unique gameplay experience with their own gadgets and combat styles.
- Timing: Character switching at the Belfry is generally done in between missions or when you are free-roaming around Gotham. This allows you to play as each of these characters during side missions and general patrols.
Switching to Batman
Unlike the other characters who require interaction at the Belfry, changing to Batman is done primarily through the main menu.
- Batman Skins: To switch to Batman, or change Batman’s suit, you need to go to the main menu. Go to Showcase and press the required button (usually Square on PlayStation, X on Xbox, or click on PC) to select the highlighted skin to play in story mode.
- Skin Variety: Arkham Knight offers a wide variety of Batman suits, each with a unique design, and allows you to change to them at any time, no completion of the game is needed.
- Batman Always Available: Batman is the central character of the main story. You’ll automatically return to playing as him as part of the main plot, but you are free to change between Batman skins through the menu as often as you like.
Post-Game Character Switching
After you have completed the main story, there are additional options for character switching, most notably Catwoman.
- Catwoman Icons: Once the main story is finished, pink cat-face icons will appear on your map. These icons act as specific locations where you can switch between playing as Catwoman and Batman.
- Interaction Points: To switch, simply go to one of these cat icons and interact with the cat present at that location. This action will swap you between Batman and Catwoman.
- Catwoman Missions: This feature is available for completing Catwoman’s missions, challenges, and exploring the city.
Modded Character Switching
For PC players, there are also mods that provide further options for character switching.
- PC Modding: Using mods from creators like Wastelander121 and MrJAG, you can switch between a variety of characters, including Red Hood, Harley Quinn, Nightwing, Robin, Azrael, Bruce Wayne, Catwoman, Commissioner Gordon, Joker, GCPD Officer Owens, and of course Batman.
- Hotkeys: These mods typically use hotkeys (usually F1-F11) to instantly swap to the character you desire.
- Expanded Options: This mod allows much more fluid switching, offering the ability to play as characters who are not typically playable at the Belfry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about character switching in Batman: Arkham Knight, providing deeper insight into this gameplay mechanic.
1. How do you change between Batman skins?
To change Batman skins, you need to access the Showcase menu from the main game menu and choose the suit you wish to play with.
2. Can you change to other characters during a mission?
No, character switching is generally not possible during a mission. It is typically performed either at the Belfry or at designated post-game locations.
3. What is the purpose of the Belfry?
The Belfry acts as a hub where you can switch to other playable characters, as well as customize the Batmobile and review mission progress. It’s a central location for managing various aspects of the game.
4. How do you unlock the ability to change to Catwoman?
You unlock the ability to play as Catwoman by completing the main story of the game, after which her icons appear on the map, letting you switch to her at specific locations.
5. How do you play as other characters in Free Roam?
The game now includes a Free Roam menu that allows you to play as Robin, Catwoman, Red Hood, Harley Quinn, Azrael, and Nightwing while exploring Gotham freely.
6. Can you switch to Joker in Arkham Knight?
While you do not play as the physical Joker, you see him appear in the game through hallucinations. These are consequences of Batman being infected with Joker’s blood, rather than a playable character.
7. Is there a way to play as Bruce Wayne outside of cutscenes?
By using specific mods on PC, you can play as Bruce Wayne, but there is no way to play as him in the vanilla version of the game.
8. How do you switch to first-person view?
You can enable first-person mode by pressing the ‘o’ key (for PC players) and press ‘i’ to revert back to the normal view.
9. How does the mod for extra characters work?
The mods use hotkeys (usually F1-F11) to instantly swap you to the modded characters, this enables players to access characters not readily available in the vanilla game.
10. What happens if Catwoman leaves Arkham?
If Catwoman attempts to leave Arkham (after the final events), the game will trigger a cutscene that leads to the credits, showing the bad ending. The game then rewinds allowing the player to choose the canon good ending.
11. Can you play as Harley Quinn in free roam?
Yes, via the free roam menu that was added, you can now free roam Gotham as Harley Quinn and other playable characters.
12. Who are the playable characters in Arkham Knight?
Officially, you play as Batman, Nightwing, Red Hood, Robin, Catwoman, and Batgirl. Mods expand this by providing access to additional characters like Azrael and Harley Quinn.
13. How many Batman skins are available in Arkham Knight?
There are a total of 23 Batman skins available in Arkham Knight. These can be unlocked through gameplay, completing challenges, and DLC.
14. What is New Game Plus in Arkham Knight?
New Game Plus is an unlocked game mode after completing the main story. This mode allows you to replay the game with all of your upgrades in a much more difficult setting.
15. Is it possible to play as other characters in challenges?
Yes, the update added an option to play as the other characters in predator and combat challenges via the free roam menu.