Game Modes

Beyond the gripping main narrative of Batman: Arkham City, a wealth of additional game modes awaits, offering diverse challenges and opportunities to hone your skills as the Caped Crusader (or Catwoman!). Mastering these modes is key to unlocking all achievements, earning valuable XP for upgrades, and truly becoming the ultimate detective and combatant.

Story Mode

This is the core experience of Batman: Arkham City, where you'll follow the intricate plot as Batman, and occasionally Catwoman, through the sprawling prison district. The Story Mode is divided into several key chapters and character episodes:

• The Master Thief (Catwoman Episode 1): This initial segment introduces Catwoman's unique stealth and combat mechanics as she attempts a daring heist. Pay close attention to environmental cues for optimal traversal and silent takedowns.
• The Arrest: Batman's dramatic entry into Arkham City. Focus on using your Batarang and Cape Stun to manage the initial waves of thugs.
• Saving One of the Nine: This mission often involves navigating crowded areas and using Detective Mode to identify threats and objectives.
• Sniping at Church: A critical early mission requiring strategic use of your grappling hook and glide to approach the church undetected. Remember to use your Smoke Pellets if you get into trouble.
• Sionis Steel Mill: A major hub early in the game. Expect heavy combat and environmental puzzles. The Disruptor is invaluable here for disabling enemy firearms.
• The Museum: This location presents unique challenges with various enemy types and puzzle elements. The Remote Electrical Charge (REC) gun becomes crucial for activating mechanisms.
• Joker's Errand: Often involves intense combat encounters. Ensure your combat upgrades, particularly those for critical strikes and special combo moves, are prioritized.
• The League of Shadows: Expect challenging stealth and combat scenarios against highly trained assassins. The Line Launcher is excellent for quick repositioning and escaping detection.
• Protocol 10: The climactic sequence of the game. Ensure you have all available gadgets and upgrades. Master your combat flow and predator tactics.

Throughout Story Mode, remember to actively seek out Riddler Trophies, solve Riddles, and complete Side Missions. These not only provide additional narrative depth but also grant significant XP, allowing you to unlock crucial upgrades like the Critical Combo Boost or Armor Plating which will make later encounters much more manageable.

Challenge Maps

Challenge Maps are standalone scenarios designed to test your combat and predator skills. They are accessible from the main menu and are an excellent way to practice specific techniques and earn medals. Each map has three medals to earn (Bronze, Silver, Gold), often tied to score, time, or specific objectives.

Combat Challenges

These maps throw waves of enemies at you, requiring flawless freeflow combat. Focus on maintaining your combo multiplier, using several gadgets, and executing special combo takedowns. Key strategies include:

• Gadget Variety: Don't just punch! Integrate your Batarang, Batclaw, and Explosive Gel into your combos for maximum points and crowd control.
• Special Combo Moves: Prioritize unlocking and using moves like the Special Combo Takedown, Special Combo Multi-Ground Takedown, and Special Combo Disarm and Destroy. These are essential for high scores and dealing with armored enemies.
• Environmental Takedowns: Look for opportunities to use the environment, such as smashing enemies into walls or over railings, for instant takedowns and bonus points.
• Countering: Master the counter mechanic. It's vital for avoiding damage and keeping your combo alive.

Examples of Combat Challenges include Rooftop Rumble and Blind Justice.

Predator Challenges

Predator maps require stealth, strategic planning, and efficient takedowns. Your goal is typically to eliminate all enemies without being detected, or by completing specific objectives within a time limit. Essential tactics:

• Detective Mode: Your best friend. Use it constantly to track enemy positions, patrol routes, and identify armed foes or environmental hazards.
• Silent Takedowns: Prioritize silent takedowns from gargoyles, grates, or corners.
• Gadget Use: The Sonic Batarang can lure enemies, the Disruptor can disable weapons and explosive crates, and Smoke Pellets are perfect for escaping detection or creating an opening.
• Environmental Opportunities: use vent systems, destructible walls, and chandeliers for strategic takedowns.
• Vantage Points: Always try to maintain a high vantage point on gargoyles to observe enemy movements and plan your next move.

Maps like Meltdown Preserve and Top of the World are excellent for practicing predator tactics.

Riddler's Revenge (DLC)

This downloadable content expands on the Challenge Maps, offering new maps and challenges, often with unique modifiers or enemy compositions. If you're looking for the ultimate test of your Arkham City skills, Riddler's Revenge is where you'll find it.

New Game Plus

Upon completing the main Story Mode, New Game Plus becomes available. This mode allows you to replay the entire story with all your previously unlocked gadgets, upgrades, and Riddler Trophies. However, it introduces significant difficulty enhancements:

• No Counter Icons: Enemy attack indicators are removed, forcing you to rely on visual cues and sound for counters. This demands a much higher level of combat mastery.
• Stronger Enemies: Thugs and villains deal more damage and have increased health.
• More Challenging Encounters: Enemy layouts and numbers are often adjusted to be more difficult.

New Game Plus is the definitive way to experience the story again, providing a fresh challenge even for seasoned players. It's also essential for unlocking certain achievements and fully exploring all narrative branches.