Batman: Arkham Knight: Beginner's Guide

Getting Started in Batman: Arkham Knight

Gotham can be explored freely from the start, and the story begins on Halloween with Scarecrow's threat and the evacuation of the city. Returning tools include the grapnel gun, batarangs, the counter system, Detective Vision and the Remote Hacking Device, and the Voice Synthesizer is new. Combat and investigation earn WayneTech points for upgrades.

The Batmobile can be summoned on foot or while gliding. Pursuit mode is for travel and driving challenges. Battle mode turns it into a tank with a Vulcan cannon, a 60mm cannon, anti-tank missiles and a riot suppressor.

Combat Mechanics to Master

Freeflow combat chains strikes, counters and dodges. Brutes must be stunned before you can attack them, and enemies can counter Batman's tactics, so vary your approach. Through Dual Play you can switch to Robin, Nightwing or Catwoman during some fights, and combat scores carry over to unlock double-team takedowns.

Fear Takedowns let Batman subdue up to five undetected enemies in a row, with time slowing after each takedown so you can target the next one.

Upgrades

Combat and investigation earn WayneTech points that pay for upgrades. Batmobile upgrades include an EMP device and a drone virus that turns enemy vehicles against each other, and the Batwing delivers upgrades.

Essential Tips

1. Use Detective Vision and the Tissue Scanner for investigations, and to read a room before a fight.
2. Use the Voice Synthesizer to lure thugs by mimicking other characters.
3. Stun brutes before attacking them.
4. Do the Most Wanted missions and Riddler challenges if you want the full ending; see the FAQ below.
5. Finish the story to unlock New Game Plus.

The Ending and Knightfall Protocol

After Gotham is secured Batman activates the Knightfall Protocol. Guides disagree on the exact requirements for the complete version of this ending. Most agree you need all 243 Riddler trophies and to defeat the Riddler; a commonly quoted figure is that you need to clear at least seven Most Wanted missions (one source says all fourteen), and DLC missions are reported not to count. Treat the exact count as unconfirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which platforms is it on?
A: PS4, Xbox One and Windows (23 June 2015) and Nintendo Switch (1 December 2023).

Q: Is the PC version fixed?
A: Warner Bros. suspended PC sales on 24 June 2015. A patch on 4 September 2015 fixed some problems and sales resumed on 28 October 2015 with a patch that added all earlier DLC. PC reception was still the weakest of the three platforms (Metacritic 70, against 87 on PS4 and 85 on Xbox One).

Q: Do I need to play Arkham Asylum and City first?
A: It is the finale of the Arkham series and refers to earlier events, so playing the earlier games first is recommended.

Q: How many Riddler challenges are there?
A: 243.

Q: What DLC is there?
A: Story packs Harley Quinn, Red Hood and Batgirl: A Matter of Family; the Arkham Episodes GCPD Lockdown, Catwoman's Revenge and A Flip of a Coin; and Season of Infamy (December 2015). There were also challenge packs, skins and Batmobiles.