Every Batman: Arkham Game Ranked (Main Series)
A full breakdown of the main Arkham games, where they rank today, and why some entries stand above the rest. From Asylum to Knight, here is how the franchise truly stacks up.
Ranking the Arkham Games: From Classics to Controversial Favorites
The Batman: Arkham series is one of the most consistent and beloved superhero franchises in gaming. Across four main entries, the series delivered a blend of tight combat, atmospheric worldbuilding, memorable villains, and some of the best exploration and stealth design in the genre. These games set the standard for what a superhero game could be, and even years after release, they still hold up remarkably well.
This tier list looks at the core Arkham titles through the lens of long-term player reception, critical reviews, and how each game has aged. From the groundbreaking impact of Asylum to the ambitious world of Knight, each entry brings something meaningful to the franchise. Some games reached near perfect execution while others made bold choices that divided the fanbase, but all of them played a role in shaping the modern superhero gaming landscape.
Below is where each game lands, based on the overall consensus from fans and critics along with the strengths, flaws, and legacy of each entry.
S
A
B
S Tier
Batman: Arkham City
The fan favorite and widely considered the peak of the franchise. Arkham City expanded on the tight design of Asylum and turned it into a richly atmospheric open world filled with standout villains, sharp pacing, incredible combat, and a narrative that still hits hard. The general consensus is that this is not only the best Arkham game, but one of the best superhero games ever made.
Batman: Arkham Asylum
The game that started it all and set a new standard for superhero titles. Asylum is a masterclass in pacing and atmosphere, with tight Metroidvania design, focused storytelling, and the birth of the legendary freeflow combat system. Critics and fans still praise it for its clarity, mood, and sense of escalating tension. Many consider it a near perfect experience.
A Tier
Batman: Arkham Knight
A stunning conclusion to the Rocksteady trilogy with one of the best looking open worlds of its era and the strongest combat in the series.
The main reason it lands in A instead of S is the Batmobile. Some players love it, others find it intrusive. It is heavily used in story missions, which created mixed reactions.
Despite that, the consensus is clear: Arkham Knight is fantastic, polished, and emotionally powerful, but not as universally beloved as Asylum or City.
B Tier
Batman: Arkham Origins
Origins has always been the most underrated entry.It delivered one of the best stories in the series, an incredible Joker and Batman dynamic, great boss fights, and a strong winter atmosphere.
Its reputation suffered at launch due to bugs and the fact that it was developed by WB Montréal instead of Rocksteady. But over time, fans have re-evaluated it.
The general consensus today is: Good game, great boss fights, excellent story, but not quite as tight or polished as the main trilogy.
Final Thoughts
The Arkham series is one of the strongest superhero franchises ever made, and even its “lowest” entry is still better than most action games. City and Asylum remain timeless classics. Knight is ambitious and cinematic with a few divisive design choices. Origins is the black sheep, but one that has grown in fan appreciation over time.