Best Batman Game: All 13 Ranked, Arkham to LEGO (2026)

The best Batman game is still Batman: Arkham City, Rocksteady’s 2011 sequel that combined tight combat, stealth and a compact open Gotham better than any superhero game before it. Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham Knight round out the classic top three, and the newest major release, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight (2026), has quickly become the best new Batman game and the best pick for families.

Below we rank 13 Batman games across every era, from the Arkham series to LEGO, Telltale, VR and fighting games, with platforms, genre and why each one matters. We also cover the new LEGO Batman game, what is known about the next Rocksteady Batman game, and which edition to buy on each console. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.

Best Batman Games at a Glance

• Best Batman game overall: Batman: Arkham City
• Best for story and atmosphere: Batman: Arkham Asylum
• Best open-world Batman game: Batman: Arkham Knight
• Best new Batman game: LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight
• Best VR Batman game: Batman: Arkham Shadow
• Best story-choice game: Batman: The Telltale Series and The Enemy Within
• Best Batman fighting game: Injustice 2
• Best on Nintendo Switch: Batman: Arkham Trilogy

Batman Games Compared

1. Batman: Arkham City: Best Batman Game Overall

Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U; remastered in Return to Arkham (PS4, Xbox One) and on Switch in Arkham Trilogy | Genre: Action-adventure | Developer: Rocksteady Studios

Batman: Arkham Collection - PlayStation 4

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Arkham City took everything that worked in Arkham Asylum and set it loose in a walled-off slice of Gotham turned into a prison. You glide between rooftops, swoop onto thugs and tackle side stories involving a huge cast of villains, including the Joker, Two-Face, Mr. Freeze, the Riddler and Hugo Strange. The map is small by today’s standards, but it is dense, detailed and packed with things to do.

The FreeFlow combat reached its peak here, with more gadgets and counters, and the Mr. Freeze boss fight is still cited as one of the best in the genre. The story is bold and its ending remains one of the most talked-about moments in superhero games. Catwoman’s playable sections and the Harley Quinn’s Revenge expansion add variety.

Why it fits: It is the best balance of story, combat, stealth and exploration in any Batman game, and most fan and critic rankings put it first.

2. Batman: Arkham Asylum: Best for Story and Atmosphere

Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360; remastered in Return to Arkham (PS4, Xbox One) and in Arkham Trilogy (Switch) | Genre: Action-adventure | Released: 2009

Batman: Return to Arkham - Xbox One

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Arkham Asylum is the game that proved superhero games could be great. The Joker takes over Arkham Asylum, and Batman must work through the island’s buildings, facing villains like Scarecrow, Killer Croc, Poison Ivy and Bane. Its semi-linear Metroidvania structure, with new gadgets opening older areas, keeps the pace tight.

It introduced the FreeFlow combat system that countless action games later copied, and its “Predator” stealth rooms, where you stalk armed guards from gargoyles, remain a highlight. The Scarecrow nightmare sequences are still some of the most memorable moments in the series. Some fans rank it first because of its focus and atmosphere.

Why it fits: It is the most focused and atmospheric Batman game, and a must-play starting point.

3. Batman: Arkham Knight: Best Open-World Batman Game

Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch (Arkham Trilogy) | Genre: Open-world action-adventure | Released: 2015

Batman Arkham Knight PlayStation Hits for PlayStation 4

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Arkham Knight closes Rocksteady’s trilogy with the biggest Gotham yet and the Batmobile as a fully drivable vehicle and tank. Scarecrow unites the city’s villains, and a mysterious Arkham Knight leads a militia against Batman. Visually, it still looks impressive years later, especially the rain-soaked city at night.

The combat and stealth are the most refined in the series, with dual-play takedowns alongside allies like Robin, Nightwing and Catwoman. The main criticism is the heavy use of the Batmobile, which some players feel is overused in tank battles. The PC launch was famously rough, but patches fixed most issues long ago.

Why it fits: It is the biggest and best-looking Batman game, with an emotional ending to the Arkham story.

4. LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight: Best New Batman Game

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S (May 22, 2026), Switch 2 (September 18, 2026) | Genre: Action-adventure | Developer: TT Games, with Rocksteady credited as co-developer

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight - PlayStation 5

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The new LEGO Batman game is the most ambitious LEGO game yet. It is built around an open-world Gotham and borrows the counter-based combat of the Arkham games, mixed with the puzzle-solving and humour LEGO games are known for. Critics widely praised it as one of TT Games’ best, and several reviewers called it an Arkham successor in LEGO form.

For the first time in a LEGO game, it offers three difficulty levels, though even the hardest is fairly gentle. It supports local two-player co-op but not online co-op, which is a common complaint, along with shallow stealth and a smaller roster than older LEGO games. The Switch 2 version runs well overall, with some pop-in and softer textures than the other versions.

Why it fits: It is the best new Batman game, ideal for families and anyone who wants Arkham-style action with a lighter tone.

5. Batman: Arkham Origins: Best Young Batman Story

Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U | Genre: Action-adventure | Released: 2013 | Developer: WB Games Montréal

Batman: Arkham Origins - Playstation 3

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Origins is a prequel set on a snowy Christmas Eve, when Black Mask puts a bounty on a younger, rougher Batman and eight assassins come to collect. It is the first time Batman meets the Joker in the Arkham timeline, and many fans consider its Joker story and boss fights, especially Deathstroke, among the series’ best.

It reuses much of Arkham City’s design, so it does not feel as fresh as Rocksteady’s games, and it was not included in the Return to Arkham or Arkham Collection bundles. On modern hardware, PC is the easiest way to play. Still, its voice acting and story make it worth playing for Arkham fans.

Why it fits: It fills in the Arkham timeline with a strong Batman-Joker origin.

6. Batman: Arkham Shadow: Best VR Batman Game

Platforms: Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 3S | Genre: VR action-adventure | Released: October 2024 | Developer: Camouflaj

Arkham Shadow puts you inside the cowl in virtual reality. Set a few months after Arkham Origins, it follows Batman investigating a cult led by the Rat King. You punch, counter, glide and use gadgets with your own hands, and the game adapts the series’ FreeFlow combat and detective work to VR well.

Critics praised it as one of the best VR games available, and it was bundled free with Quest 3 family headsets for a period after launch. The main limit is the platform: it only runs on Quest 3 and 3S.

Why it fits: If you own a Quest 3 or 3S, it is the most immersive way to be Batman.

7. Batman: The Telltale Series and The Enemy Within: Best Story-Choice Batman Games

Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, mobile | Genre: Narrative adventure | Released: 2016 and 2017

Telltale’s Batman games slow things down and focus on Bruce Wayne as much as Batman. Your choices shape relationships with characters like Alfred, Catwoman, Harvey Dent and a new take on the Joker. The Enemy Within, the second season, is often seen as the stronger story, with an inventive arc for John Doe that lets you shape whether he becomes hero or villain.

Gameplay is mostly dialogue, investigation and quick-time action scenes, so it suits players who want story over combat. Both seasons have been collected in bundled editions on several platforms.

Why it fits: It is the best Batman game for drama, choices and a deeper look at Bruce Wayne.

8. Injustice 2: Best Batman Fighting Game

Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One | Genre: Fighting | Released: 2017 | Developer: NetherRealm Studios

Injustice 2: Legendary Edition - PlayStation 4

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Injustice 2 continues the story of a world where Superman becomes a tyrant and Batman leads the resistance. It has one of the best stories in any fighting game, with cinematic chapters, and its gear system lets you customise each character’s look and stats.

The Legendary Edition includes all DLC fighters. It is ideal for local versus play with friends, and the large DC roster, from Batman and Harley Quinn to guest characters, gives it lasting appeal.

Why it fits: It is the best choice for Batman fans who want head-to-head fights.

9. LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes: Best Classic LEGO Batman Game

Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, Wii, and handhelds | Genre: Action-adventure | Released: 2012

LEGO Batman 2 was the first LEGO game with full voice acting and an open-world hub, a version of Gotham you could explore freely. Batman and Robin team up with Superman, Wonder Woman and other Justice League heroes to stop Lex Luthor and the Joker.

It is easy to play, packed with collectibles, and supports two-player local co-op. Although it is older, it remains a favourite in fan rankings and an affordable family pick on PC.

Why it fits: It is the classic LEGO Batman game that set up the series’ open-world style.

10. LEGO DC Super-Villains: Best Batman Universe Game for Villain Fans

Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch | Genre: Action-adventure | Released: 2018

LEGO DC Super-Villains (Nintendo Switch)

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This LEGO spin-off flips the script and puts you in control of DC’s villains, including the Joker, Harley Quinn and Lex Luthor, plus a custom villain you create. Batman appears throughout, and Gotham is one of several explorable areas.

It is funny, generous with content and easy to find on current consoles, including Switch. It is a good fit for families who already finished the new LEGO Batman game.

Why it fits: It is a fun, Batman-adjacent adventure with a huge DC roster.

11. LEGO Batman: The Videogame: Best Nostalgia Pick

Platforms: PC, PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, DS, PSP | Genre: Action-adventure | Released: 2008

The first LEGO Batman game had a clever structure: the hero campaign followed Batman and Robin, while the villain campaign let you play as the bad guys planning each crime. It has no voice acting and a simpler design, but its charm holds up. It is mostly for players who remember it fondly, or who want the full LEGO Batman series.

Why it fits: It is a charming piece of Batman gaming history, best played on PC today.

12. Gotham Knights: Best Bat-Family Co-op Game

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S | Genre: Action RPG | Released: 2022 | Developer: WB Games Montréal

Gotham Knights (PS5)

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Gotham Knights is set after Batman’s death, so you play as Nightwing, Batgirl, Robin or Red Hood. It is a loot-driven action RPG with online co-op, letting two players patrol Gotham together. Reviews were mixed, with critics pointing to slower combat and a 30fps cap on consoles, and it is not an Arkham sequel.

Still, it is one of the few Batman-universe games with online co-op, and it offers a fresh angle on the Bat-Family. It is best bought at a lower price tier.

Why it fits: It is a pick for fans who want online co-op in Gotham and do not mind that Batman is absent.

13. Batman (NES): Best Retro Batman Game

Platforms: NES | Genre: 2D action platformer | Released: 1989 | Developer: Sunsoft

Sunsoft’s Batman, based loosely on the 1989 film, is one of the most respected licensed games of its era. It is a tough, fast action platformer with a wall-jump mechanic and a memorable soundtrack. It is hard by modern standards, but it remains a cult favourite and a must for retro collectors.

Why it fits: It shows that great Batman games existed long before Arkham.

Best Batman Game on Each Platform

PlayStation 5 and PS4

On PS5, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is the newest option. For the Arkham series, the Batman: Arkham Collection or Return to Arkham on PS4 plays on PS5 through backward compatibility.

Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One

Xbox Series X|S has LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, plus backward-compatible access to Return to Arkham and Arkham Knight.

Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

Batman: Arkham Trilogy brings Asylum, City and Knight with their DLC to Switch. Note that the physical cartridge contains Arkham Asylum, and Arkham City and Arkham Knight require a download. Switch 2 owners also get LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight.

Batman: Arkham Trilogy

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PC

PC has the widest library: the full Arkham series including Origins, LEGO Batman games, Telltale and Gotham Knights. The Arkham games run well on modest hardware today.

Is There a New Batman Game Coming?

The latest new Batman game is LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, released in May 2026 on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S and in September 2026 on Switch 2. Beyond that, a new single-player Batman game from Rocksteady has been reported as in development since early 2025, with Warner Bros. leadership stating the studio is returning to the single-player formula. As of October 2026, it has not been formally revealed, and there is no official title or release date. Treat leaks and rumours, such as claims of a Batman Beyond setting, with caution.

How We Ranked These Batman Games

We ranked these games by researching critic and fan consensus and comparing each game on the qualities that make a great Batman experience:

• Feeling like Batman: combat, stealth, gadgets and detective work.
• Story and villains: writing quality and how well Batman’s world is used.
• Design and lasting appeal: how the game holds up today.
• Availability: how easy it is to play on current hardware.
• Variety: including LEGO, VR, Telltale, fighting and retro picks.

Sources included publisher announcements, platform store listings and a broad reading of critic reviews and fan rankings. This guide is research-based; we did not run our own play sessions to build it.

Which Order Should You Play the Arkham Games?

For the best experience, play in release order: Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, then Arkham Knight. This lets you see the series’ mechanics grow and follow the story as Rocksteady intended. Arkham Origins is a prequel, so you can play it before Asylum for chronological order, or after Knight as a bonus. Arkham Shadow takes place after Origins and before Asylum, if you have a Quest headset.

A common mistake is starting with Arkham Knight because it looks best. It spoils key story moments from the earlier games and assumes you know the characters. Another is skipping Asylum because it is old: its tight design still holds up and sets the tone for everything that follows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Batman game?

Batman: Arkham City is widely considered the best Batman game, thanks to its mix of combat, stealth, story and a dense open Gotham. Arkham Asylum and Arkham Knight are close behind, and LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is the best new release.

What is the new LEGO Batman game?

The new LEGO Batman game is LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. It launched on May 22, 2026 for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and on September 18, 2026 for Switch 2. It features an open-world Gotham, Arkham-style combat and local co-op.

Is there a new Batman game coming out?

Rocksteady is reported to be developing a new single-player Batman game, but it has not been officially revealed as of October 2026. There is no confirmed title, platform list or release date yet.

What is the best Batman game for kids?

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is the best Batman game for kids. It has humour, easy controls and local co-op. LEGO Batman 2 and LEGO DC Super-Villains are also good family choices.

Can you play the Arkham games on Switch?

Yes. Batman: Arkham Trilogy brings Asylum, City and Knight to Switch, including their DLC. The physical version includes Arkham Asylum on the cartridge, with City and Knight downloaded separately.

Which Batman game has the best story?

Arkham City and Arkham Knight have the most acclaimed stories in the action series, while Batman: The Enemy Within is often praised as the best narrative-driven Batman game thanks to its choice-based take on the Joker.

Is Arkham Knight better than Arkham City?

Arkham Knight has the bigger world, better visuals and the most refined combat, but Arkham City is more often ranked higher for its tighter structure and less Batmobile-heavy design. Both are excellent.

Which Batman Game Should You Play?

• First-time players: Start with Arkham Asylum, then Arkham City.
• Open-world fans: Arkham Knight.
• Families and co-op: LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight.
• Story lovers: Batman: The Telltale Series and The Enemy Within.
• VR owners: Batman: Arkham Shadow.
• Fighting game fans: Injustice 2.
• Switch owners: Batman: Arkham Trilogy.

Whatever your platform, the Arkham trilogy remains the core of great Batman gaming, and the new LEGO game proves the Dark Knight is still in good hands.

Last updated: October 2026