If you enjoy superhero games, you’ve probably heard of Arkham Knight, the final chapter in Rocksteady Studios’ acclaimed Batman: Arkham series. This action-adventure masterpiece combines gritty storytelling, fluid combat mechanics, and a massive open-world Gotham City, allowing players to step into the shoes (and cape) of the Dark Knight himself. Whether you’re new to the game or want to master every mechanic, this comprehensive guide will take you through every major aspect of Arkham Knight, providing tips, insights, and some surprising facts along the way.
What is Arkham Knight?
Arkham Knight is an open-world action-adventure game and the fourth installment in the Batman: Arkham series, created by Rocksteady Studios. Released in 2015, it picks up a year after the events of Arkham City and follows Batman as he confronts his greatest threat yet: the Scarecrow and the Arkham Knight, a mysterious new villain.
What distinguishes this game is its immersive storytelling, stunning visuals, and the inclusion of the Batmobile as a drivable vehicle.
“It was a rainy night in Gotham, and I remember staring at the skyline while gliding across buildings for the first time—it felt like being Batman.”
Plot Overview
Scarecrow unleashes a new strain of his infamous fear toxin, threatening Gotham City with chaos. In response, the city is evacuated, leaving criminals and the mysterious Arkham Knight to rule the streets.
Throughout the story, Batman battles classic foes such as Two-Face, Penguin, and Harley Quinn, all while discovering the true identity of the Arkham Knight—a twist that will shock long-time fans.
Did you know? The reveal of Arkham Knight’s identity was one of the most discussed plot twists in modern gaming.
Main Characters
- Batman (Bruce Wayne) – The iconic vigilante protecting Gotham.
- The Arkham Knight is a militarised villain with a deep vendetta against Batman.
- The main antagonist, Scarecrow, spreads fear throughout the city.
- Oracle / Barbara Gordon is Batman’s tech-savvy partner.
- Commissioner Gordon is Gotham’s police commissioner and Barbara’s father.
- Robin (Tim Drake) is Batman’s sidekick.
- Dick Grayson (Nightwing) is the original Robin, now a solo hero.
- Each character carries emotional weight and history, making each cutscene memorable.
- Blue Archive Pity System.
Gameplay mechanics
Arkham Knight is known for its free-flow combat system, stealth predator mechanics, batmobile combat, detective vision puzzles, side missions, and augmented reality challenges. Mastering these systems is essential for surviving the streets of Gotham.
Combat and Stealth Tips:
Combat:
- Use counters strategically. Avoid button mashing.
- Use aerial attacks to defeat shielded enemies.
- Use environmental takedowns to quickly reduce enemy numbers.
Stealth:
Move between vantage points to prevent detection.
- Use gadgets like the Remote Batarang for distractions.
- Eliminate enemies one at a time.
“I remember hiding in the rafters, above three armed guards. Using the voice synthesiser to entice one away was extremely satisfying.”
How To Slide In Arkham Knight
Sliding is a stylish and tactical way of moving and attacking.
Step-by-step instructions for sliding:
- While running, press and hold the B (circle on PS) button.
- Batman will fall into a slide.
- You can initiate combat by sliding under obstacles or into enemies.
- Pro tip: Use the slide to chain into attacks for a more fluid takedown.
- Learn more about Arkham Knight’s movement mechanics.
Best Gadgets in Arkham Knight
- Remote control Batarang: Stun enemies or activate distant switches.
- Disruptor: Jam enemy weapons before fights.
- Use voice synthesiser to trick enemies into traps.
- Use Line Launcher to quickly navigate large spaces.
- Use Batclaw to open vents and grab enemy weapons.
Fun anecdote: “Once, I used the voice synthesiser to make a thug walk into a mine.” “Best distraction ever.”
Arkham Knight Revealed
Spoiler alert! The mysterious Arkham Knight is actually Jason Todd, a former Robin who was thought to have died. After being tortured by the Joker, he returns as a twisted version of Batman, out to destroy him. He eventually redeems himself, becoming the anti-hero Red Hood.
Major missions and side quests
Some memorable missions include:
- Ace Chemicals – The explosive opening.
- Panessa Studios features a mind-bending Joker hallucination.
- The Cloudburst Battle features a massive showdown in the Batmobile.
Must-play side quests:
- The Perfect Crime is a serial killer investigation.
- Use Gunrunner to destroy Penguin’s weapon rings.
- Train Azrael to be Batman’s successor.
Unlocking Harley Quinn and the Joker’s Cane.
Here’s how you can unlock them:
- Harley Quinn’s Mallet
- Finish the main storyline.
- Head to the clock tower.
- Speak with Nora to locate the secret room.
Joker’s Cane:
- Complete the story.
- Visit the GCPD headquarters.
- Inspect the evidence room.
- Learn more about the Arkham Knight unlockables.
Strategies Against the Militia
- Disrupt weapons before engaging.
- Use Fear Multi-Takedown to eliminate clusters.
- Use the Batmobile for support during large-scale battles.
Understanding Fear Toxins
Scarecrow’s new fear toxin is more potent than before. It produces widespread hysteria and vivid hallucinations. Batman must use Ivy’s abilities to neutralise it by finding ancient trees that absorb the toxins.
Tips for Using The Batmobile
- Tank mode is essential for combat.
- Use the winch to lower walls or power generators.
- Upgrade weapon systems early to combat drone swarms.
- Learn to switch between Batman and Batmobile seamlessly.
Boss Battles Walkthrough
- To avoid traps during the Arkham Knight Excavator Battle, stay on the move.
- In Deathstroke Tank Battle, form a circle around him and attack from behind.
- In Scarecrow Finale, use detective skills to trigger events and rely on allies.
- Genshin Impact.
Post-Game Content and the Red Hood
After completing the main story, players can activate the Knightfall Protocol, which will bring an end to Batman’s legacy. Then, in a DLC mission, you can play as Red Hood and hunt down Black Mask. His playstyle is more brutal—no rules, only results.
FAQs
1. What is Batman: Arkham Knight about?
Batman: Arkham Knight is an open-world action-adventure game in which players control Batman as he battles Scarecrow and a mysterious new villain—the Arkham Knight—while defending Gotham City.
2. Is Arkham Knight the final game in the series?
Yes, it is the final game in Rocksteady’s Arkham Trilogy, which concludes Batman’s story arc.
3. Can I play Arkham Knight without having played the previous games?
You can, but it is recommended that you start with Arkham Asylum and Arkham City to fully understand the characters and story progression.
4. Which platforms support Batman: Arkham Knight?
It’s available for PC, PS4, and Xbox One. It is also playable on newer consoles due to backward compatibility.
5. How long does it take to complete the game?
The main story takes approximately 15-20 hours to complete, while side quests and collectibles can take up to 40-60 hours.
Conclusion
Arkham Knight is more than just a superhero game; it’s a profound, emotional journey told through the eyes of Bruce Wayne. Every gamer will find something to enjoy, from intense hand-to-hand combat and stealthy takedowns to high-speed Batmobile chases and jaw-dropping story twists. By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to discover every secret Gotham has to offer.
