How to Change Outfits in Batman: Arkham Knight – Master the Caped Crusader’s Style
Few video game protagonists command presence like Batman — and in Batman: Arkham Knight, Rocksteady Studios gave players more than just combat and detective skills: they gave us style. Whether you’re gliding through Gotham’s rain-slicked rooftops or confronting Scarecrow in his lair, your Batsuit isn’t just armor — it’s identity. But how do you actually change outfits in Batman: Arkham Knight? And why should you care?
This guide isn’t just a button-mashing tutorial. It’s your blueprint to unlocking, selecting, and strategically using Batman’s iconic suits — from the tactical Armored Batsuit to the sleek, story-driven “Knightfall” costume. We’ll walk you through every step, reveal hidden tricks, and even analyze how suit choices can subtly enhance your gameplay experience.
Why Changing Outfits Matters — Beyond the Aesthetic
Before diving into how to change outfits, let’s address the why. In Arkham Knight, suits aren’t purely cosmetic. While they don’t alter stats like damage resistance or speed (a common misconception), they do impact immersion, unlockable achievements, and — perhaps most importantly — player motivation. Ever felt more determined to perfect a predator sequence because you were wearing the menacing “Red Son” suit? That’s psychological gameplay design at work.
Some suits are tied to story milestones or challenge completions, making them badges of honor. Others — like the “Batman Beyond” or “Zur-En-Arrh” skins — are pure fan service, rewarding longtime players with nostalgic or comic-accurate visuals. Changing outfits in Batman: Arkham Knight is about personalizing your Dark Knight — and owning your version of the legend.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Outfits in Batman: Arkham Knight
Changing Batman’s suit is refreshingly straightforward — once you know where to look.
Step 1: Unlock the Suit First
You can’t equip what you don’t own. Most alternate outfits are unlocked via:
- Story progression (e.g., “Armored Batsuit” after the first Scarecrow encounter)
- Riddler Trophy collection (e.g., “Dark Knight Returns” suit at 250 trophies)
- Challenge maps or AR training (e.g., “Gotham by Gaslight” for completing all Most Wanted missions)
- Pre-order bonuses or DLC packs (e.g., “New 52” or “The 8-Bit” suit)
Pro Tip: Open your in-game menu and navigate to “WayneTech” > “Gear” to see which suits you’ve unlocked and what’s still pending.
Step 2: Access the Batcomputer
Once you’ve unlocked a suit, head to any Batcomputer terminal — these are located in the Batcave, Clock Tower, or any of Batman’s safehouses scattered across Gotham. You’ll need to be out of combat and not in the middle of a mission.
Step 3: Navigate to “Appearance”
From the Batcomputer menu, select “Appearance”. Here, you’ll see a 3D model of Batman rotating in his current suit. Use the directional pad or mouse to scroll through available skins.
Step 4: Select and Confirm
Highlight the suit you want, then press the confirmation button (typically “A” on Xbox, “X” on PlayStation, or “E” on PC). The game will briefly load, and voilà — you’re suited up.
Important: Suit changes are saved globally. You don’t need to re-equip them after every mission or death.
Advanced Tips & Hidden Features
1. Suit-Specific Animations? Not Quite — But…
While Rocksteady didn’t create unique animations for each suit, some skins do alter subtle visual effects. For example, the “Electric” suit crackles with blue energy during takedowns, and the “Neon” suit glows under Gotham’s streetlights. These aren’t gameplay-altering, but they do enhance atmosphere — especially during night patrols.
2. Changing Suits Mid-Mission? Yes — With a Caveat
You can change suits during open-world exploration — but not during active story missions or boss fights. If you’re stuck in a cutscene-heavy segment, you’ll need to wait until you regain free roam. A clever workaround? Pause before entering a mission trigger zone, warp to the nearest Batcomputer via the map, change suits, then return.
3. Catwoman and Robin Have Their Own Wardrobes
Don’t forget — when playing as Catwoman or Robin in side missions or DLC, you can also change their outfits via their respective computers. Catwoman’s “Gotham City Sirens” skin or Robin’s “Red Robin” variant add flavor to co-op segments.
Case Study: The “Knightfall Protocol” Suit — When Timing Matters
One of the most dramatic suits in the game — the “Knightfall Protocol” Batsuit — is unlocked only after achieving the true ending. It’s charcoal-black, scarred, and radiates finality. Players who rush to equip it immediately after unlocking it often report a heightened emotional response during post-game exploration. Why? Because the suit’s design mirrors Batman’s psychological state — broken, resolved, and alone.
This is a perfect example of how changing outfits in Batman: Arkham Knight isn’t just customization — it’s storytelling. Equipping the Knightfall suit after completing 100% of the game transforms Gotham from a battlefield into a memorial