Decoding the Bat-Signal: A Comprehensive Guide to Playing the Arkham Games with DLC
So, you’re diving into the dark and brooding world of the Arkhamverse? Excellent choice! But figuring out the best order to experience Batman’s digital adventures, especially with all those tempting DLC packs, can be trickier than navigating the Riddler’s puzzles. Fear not, citizen, because this guide will break it all down, ensuring you have the ultimate experience.
The definitive order for playing the Arkham games with DLC is as follows, prioritizing story chronology and pacing:
- Batman: Arkham Origins
- DLC: Initiation DLC, Cold, Cold Heart, Blackgate (optional, see below)
- Batman: Arkham Asylum
- DLC: Joker Challenge Pack
- Batman: Arkham City
- DLC: Catwoman Bundle Pack, Harley Quinn’s Revenge
- Batman: Arkham Knight
- DLC: A Matter of Family, Harley Quinn Story Pack, Red Hood Story Pack, Batgirl: A Matter of Family, Season of Infamy (Mr. Freeze, Mad Hatter, Killer Croc, Ra’s al Ghul), GCPD Lockdown, Catwoman’s Revenge, Nightwing: GCPD Lockdown
- Batman: Arkham VR (playable after Arkham Knight)
This order balances the chronological narrative with the release order where it enhances the overall experience. Let’s dive deeper into why this order works so well, and then we’ll tackle some frequently asked questions.
Why This Order? A Deep Dive
This order maximizes your enjoyment of the series by considering several factors:
- Chronological Story: Starting with Arkham Origins provides the backstory for many characters and plot threads that run throughout the series.
- Gameplay Evolution: Playing the games in release order after Origins allows you to appreciate the gradual improvements and additions to the gameplay mechanics. Going back to an older title after experiencing the newer ones can feel clunky.
- DLC Integration: The DLC recommendations are strategically placed to complement the main narrative without disrupting the pacing. For example, Harley Quinn’s Revenge is best played after finishing Arkham City to provide closure to her storyline.
- Emotional Impact: Certain reveals and plot twists are more effective when experienced in the intended order.
DLC Placement: A Tactical Approach
Here’s a closer look at why the DLC is placed where it is:
- Arkham Origins DLC:
- Initiation DLC can be played any time after starting Arkham Origins as it’s largely self-contained training scenarios.
- Cold, Cold Heart should be played after completing the main Origins story, as it expands on Batman’s early experiences and character development.
- Blackgate: This is a bit of an outlier. It’s a separate, Metroidvania-style game. While it fills in some gaps between Origins and Asylum, its gameplay is significantly different and can be skipped without missing major plot points. It can be played immediately after Origins or skipped entirely.
- Arkham Asylum DLC:
- Joker Challenge Pack: These are additional challenges that can be enjoyed anytime after completing the main story. They don’t impact the narrative.
- Arkham City DLC:
- Catwoman Bundle Pack: Integrate this with your main playthrough. It enhances the main experience by adding a complementary perspective on the events.
- Harley Quinn’s Revenge: Crucially, this DLC serves as an epilogue to Arkham City and explores the aftermath of the Joker’s death. Play it after the main story to get the full emotional impact.
- Arkham Knight DLC:
- A Matter of Family: Play this before starting the Arkham Knight main storyline. It’s a prequel that lets you play as Batgirl, adding context to the Bat-family dynamics.
- Harley Quinn Story Pack, Red Hood Story Pack, Batgirl: A Matter of Family: These are all separate character-driven experiences that don’t directly impact the main story but provide unique gameplay and character insights. These can be played at any point during or after the main story of Arkham Knight.
- Season of Infamy: These are story packs that add new villains and missions to the main Arkham Knight world. They are best played during the main story, as they seamlessly integrate into Gotham’s events.
- GCPD Lockdown, Catwoman’s Revenge, Nightwing: GCPD Lockdown: These are side stories that follow Nightwing, Robin, and Catwoman after the main events of Arkham Knight. Play it after the Knightfall ending.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about playing the Arkham games:
1. Can I skip Arkham Origins?
While not strictly necessary for understanding Asylum or City, Origins provides valuable context for the characters and lore. It’s a worthwhile experience for die-hard fans, but it can be skipped without major confusion if you’re pressed for time.
2. Is it okay to play Arkham Knight first?
It’s strongly recommended to play Asylum and City before Knight. Knight builds upon the story and gameplay mechanics established in the previous games. Playing it first will spoil major plot points and reduce your appreciation for the series’ evolution.
3. Should I play A Matter of Family before Arkham Knight?
Yes, A Matter of Family is a prequel set before the events of Arkham Knight, providing backstory to Barbra Gordon.
4. Do I need to complete all side missions in Arkham Knight to see the true ending?
Yes, to activate the Knightfall Protocol and see the complete ending, you must complete all of the game’s side missions, including capturing all of the Riddler’s trophies.
5. What happens if I activate Knightfall before 100% completion?
You’ll get a partial ending. You can then continue playing to achieve 100% and unlock the full Knightfall Protocol sequence.
6. Is the Arkham Knight DLC worth it?
Most fans consider the Arkham Knight DLC to be worthwhile, especially the Season of Infamy and A Matter of Family. They add significant content and expand on the Arkham universe.
7. Does the Arkham Collection include all Arkham Knight DLC?
Yes, the Arkham Collection typically includes all previously released DLC for Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, and Arkham Knight. Verify this before purchasing.
8. What’s the deal with Arkham VR? When should I play it?
Arkham VR is a short, immersive experience that offers a unique perspective on Batman’s psyche. It’s best played after completing Arkham Knight to fully appreciate its narrative connections.
9. Is Gotham Knights connected to the Arkham series?
No, Gotham Knights is a separate game with an original story set in the DC universe but not connected to the Arkham games.
10. Will there be a 4th Arkham game?
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for a direct sequel to Arkham Knight.
11. Which Arkham game has the best Batsuit?
This is subjective, but many fans consider the Arkham Origins Batsuit to be a standout design.
12. What is the most sold Batman Arkham game?
Arkham City is one of the fastest selling games in history.
13. Can you free-roam after Knightfall?
Yes, you can continue to free-roam and complete any remaining missions after activating the Knightfall Protocol.
14. Where can I learn more about the impact of gaming on society?
There are many great resources online, but you can start with the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization is dedicated to exploring the educational and social dimensions of games.
15. What order should I play the Arkham Knight DLC?
The best order for Arkham Knight DLC is generally as follows: A Matter of Family, Harley Quinn Story Pack, Red Hood Story Pack, Batgirl: A Matter of Family, Season of Infamy (Mr. Freeze, Mad Hatter, Killer Croc, Ra’s al Ghul), GCPD Lockdown, Catwoman’s Revenge, Nightwing: GCPD Lockdown.
Playing “A Matter of Family” first provides backstory, while the Season of Infamy seamlessly integrates into the main story. The remaining character story packs and post-storyline DLC can be played any time after the main game.