Story Recap & Lore

Welcome, Caped Crusader, to the definitive guide for navigating the treacherous streets and labyrinthine interiors of Arkham City! This section provides a comprehensive recap of the main story beats, interwoven with crucial lore details and actionable steps to ensure you're always one step ahead of Gotham's most dangerous criminals.

The Master Thief (Catwoman Episode 1)

Your journey into Arkham City begins not as Batman, but as the enigmatic Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman. This introductory segment sets the stage for the chaos within Arkham City's walls.

• Objective: Recover Catwoman's stolen loot from Two-Face's hideout.
• Location: The Courthouse, specifically the main courtroom where Two-Face has established his base of operations.
• Strategy:
  1. use Catwoman's unique agility to navigate the rooftops and enter the Courthouse through a high window.
  2. Employ stealth to avoid direct confrontation with Two-Face's thugs. Catwoman's whip can be used to disarm enemies or pull down environmental objects.
  3. Locate the vault where your loot is being held. Be wary of tripwires and pressure plates.
  4. After securing the loot, prepare for a confrontation with Two-Face himself. His tactics involve flanking and overwhelming numbers, so prioritize taking out his armed goons first.
• Lore: This mission immediately establishes the volatile nature of Arkham City, where villains like Two-Face carve out territories and engage in turf wars, often with innocent lives caught in the crossfire. It also highlights Catwoman's pragmatic, self-serving motivations, which will later intertwine with Batman's more altruistic goals.

The Arrest

Following Catwoman's escapade, the narrative shifts to Bruce Wayne, who is publicly speaking out against Arkham City. This act of defiance quickly lands him in the heart of the beast.

• Objective: Survive your initial incarceration and understand the true nature of Arkham City.
• Location: The Processing Center, the main entry point for all new "inmates" of Arkham City.
• Strategy:
  1. As Bruce Wayne, you'll be unarmed and vulnerable. Focus on observing your surroundings and listening to the dialogue to gather information.
  2. During the processing, Hugo Strange's presence is palpable. Pay attention to his ominous pronouncements about "Protocol 10."
  3. Once you're thrown into the general population, a brawl will inevitably ensue. Use basic combat maneuvers to defend yourself. Remember, you're still Bruce Wayne, so don't expect Batman's full arsenal.
  4. After the initial chaos, you'll need to find a way to escape and retrieve your gear. Look for ventilation shafts or weak points in the environment.
• Lore: This segment introduces Hugo Strange as the enigmatic director of Arkham City and the primary antagonist. His knowledge of Batman's secret identity is a critical plot point, raising the stakes significantly. The concept of Arkham City itself – a sprawling, walled-off district of Gotham designed to contain criminals – is fully realized here, showcasing its dystopian and dangerous environment.

Saving One of the Nine

Once Batman is back in action, his first priority is to rescue a group of doctors, including Dr. Stacy Baker, who have been captured by Joker's forces.

• Objective: Locate and rescue Dr. Stacy Baker and the other medical personnel from the Church.
• Location: The Church, which has been converted into a temporary holding facility and stronghold by Joker's thugs.
• Strategy:
  1. Approach the Church from the rooftops to gain a tactical advantage. Use your Grapple Gun and Glide to navigate silently.
  2. Perform a Ledge Takedown or Vent Takedown on isolated enemies to thin their numbers before engaging in open combat.
  3. Inside the Church, you'll encounter armed thugs and potentially a Medic enemy type. Prioritize taking out Medics to prevent them from reviving fallen comrades.
  4. Use Detective Mode to identify enemy positions, weapon types, and environmental hazards.
  5. The doctors are held in a specific area within the Church. You'll need to solve a minor environmental puzzle or disable a security system to reach them.
• Lore: This mission immediately establishes Joker's presence and his deteriorating health, a direct consequence of the events in Arkham Asylum. His desperate search for a cure for the "Titan formula" poisoning will drive much of the game's narrative. The doctors are crucial to his plans, highlighting the urgency of Batman's intervention.

Sniping at Church

Even after rescuing the doctors, the Church remains a dangerous area, with a sniper positioned to prevent any further interference.

• Objective: Neutralize the sniper guarding the Church.
• Location: The bell tower of the Church.
• Strategy:
  1. After the initial rescue, Alfred will alert you to the sniper's presence.
  2. Do NOT attempt a direct assault. The sniper has a clear line of sight and will quickly incapacitate Batman.
  3. Circle around the Church, using the surrounding buildings and gargoyles for cover.
  4. Your goal is to reach the bell tower from an unexpected angle. Look for a path that allows you to approach from above or behind the sniper's position.
  5. Once you're close, perform a Silent Takedown or a Glide Kick to incapacitate the sniper before they can react.
• Lore: This encounter emphasizes the tactical challenges presented by Arkham City's open-world design. Enemies are not always confined to specific buildings and can pose threats from unexpected vantage points. It also reinforces the idea that Joker's forces are well-organized and resourceful, despite their leader's declining health.

Sionis Steel Mill

The trail of Joker's activities leads Batman to the Sionis Steel Mill, a massive industrial complex now under the control of the Clown Prince of Crime.

• Objective: Infiltrate the Sionis Steel Mill to confront Joker and learn more about his plans.
• Location: The Sionis Steel Mill, a sprawling industrial facility located in the industrial district of Arkham City.
• Strategy:
  1. The Steel Mill is heavily guarded. Look for less obvious entry points, such as ventilation systems or weakened structural points that can be exploited with your Explosive Gel.
  2. Inside, you'll face several enemy types, including armed thugs, Armored Thugs (requiring a Beat Down to defeat), and potentially Titan Henchmen.
  3. The environment itself is a weapon. Use steam vents, electrical conduits, and heavy machinery to your advantage for Environmental Takedowns.
  4. You'll need to navigate through several distinct sections of the mill, including the Smelting Chamber and the Assembly Line. Each area presents unique combat and stealth challenges.
  5. Be prepared for a significant encounter with Harley Quinn and a large group of Joker's thugs. use your full arsenal of gadgets, including the Batarang for stunning and the Remote Electrical Charge (REC) for disabling machinery or stunning multiple enemies.
• Lore: The Sionis Steel Mill serves as Joker's primary base of operations and a grim testament to his influence within Arkham City. The industrial setting reflects his destructive nature. This location is also crucial for advancing the plot concerning the "Titan formula" and Joker's desperate search for a cure, leading to revelations about his true condition and the potential for a wider catastrophe.