Here's a comprehensive 2000-word guide on how to change costumes in Batman: Arkham City, including information from crazecosplay.com and ranking the best costumes:
How to Change Costumes in Batman: Arkham City
Batman: Arkham City offers players the ability to customize Batman's appearance through various alternate costumes, also known as skins. These skins not only provide visual variety but also allow players to experience the game with different versions of the Dark Knight. However, changing costumes in the game isn't immediately obvious, so this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Unlocking Alternate Costumes
Before you can change Batman's costume, you need to ensure you have access to alternate skins. Here are the main ways to unlock costumes in Batman: Arkham City:
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Complete the Main Story: Some costumes become available after you finish the main campaign.
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DLC and Pre-order Bonuses: Many alternate skins were offered as pre-order bonuses or downloadable content (DLC).
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Game of the Year Edition: If you have the Game of the Year edition, you'll have access to most, if not all, of the alternate skins.
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Cheat Code: There's a special cheat code that unlocks all acquired skins from the start of the game.
Using the Costume Change Cheat Code
To unlock all acquired skins at the beginning of the game, follow these steps:
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From the main menu, select your save slot.
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On the controller's D-pad (not the analog stick), enter the following sequence:
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Left, Left, Down, Down, Left, Left, Right, Up, Up, Down
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You should hear a confirmation sound (a bat noise) indicating the cheat has been activated.
This cheat code works on all platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, and even the remastered versions on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Changing Costumes In-Game
Once you've unlocked alternate costumes and activated them using the cheat code (if necessary), here's how to change Batman's outfit:
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Load your save game or start a new game.
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When the game loads, you'll be presented with a costume selection screen.
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Use the directional buttons or analog stick to cycle through available costumes.
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Press the confirm button to select your desired costume.
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The game will then load with Batman wearing the selected outfit.
Remember, you can only change costumes when loading a save or starting a new game. You cannot change costumes mid-game without exiting to the main menu.
Available Costumes in Batman: Arkham City
Batman: Arkham City features a wide array of alternate costumes. Here's a list of the main skins available in the game:
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Default Batman
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Batman: The Animated Series
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Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
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Batman: Year One
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Batman: Earth One
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Batman Inc.
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Sinestro Corps Batman
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1970s Batman
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Batman Beyond
Each of these costumes offers a unique look for Batman, drawing inspiration from various comic book eras, animated series, and alternate universe versions of the character.
Obtaining Additional Costumes
If you're playing the standard edition of Batman: Arkham City and want to access more costumes, you have a few options:
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Skins Pack DLC: Available for purchase, this pack includes multiple alternate costumes.
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Individual Skin Purchases: Some skins can be bought separately.
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Free DLC: Occasionally, skins like the Batman Inc. costume were made available as free downloads.
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Game of the Year Edition: Upgrading to this version of the game includes most, if not all, alternate skins[5].
Costume Changes for Other Characters
While Batman has the most alternate costumes, other playable characters in Batman: Arkham City also have some skin options:
Catwoman: Catwoman's costume can be changed in the Riddler's Revenge challenge mode, but not in the main story campaign.
Robin: The Robin DLC includes alternate skins such as Red Robin and Animated Series Robin.
Nightwing: The Nightwing DLC includes his default skin and an Animated Series version.
Cosplay Options
For fans who want to bring their favorite Batman: Arkham City costumes to life, there are cosplay options available. While not directly related to changing costumes in-game, it's worth noting that websites like crazecosplay.com offer high-quality cosplay costumes inspired by the game. For instance, they have a detailed replica of The Riddler's outfit from Batman: Arkham City, allowing fans to embody Edward Nigma's iconic look.
Ranking the Best Costumes in Batman: Arkham City
Now, let's rank the top costumes available in Batman: Arkham City, considering factors like design, faithfulness to source material, and overall coolness factor:
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Batman Beyond: This futuristic Batman costume tops our list for its sleek, high-tech design and the way it brings the popular animated series into the Arkham universe. The black and red color scheme with the full-face mask creates a striking silhouette that stands out in Gotham's dark alleys.
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Batman: The Animated Series: A close second, this costume perfectly captures the iconic look of Batman from the beloved 90s animated show. Its simple yet effective design proves that sometimes, classic is best.
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Batman: The Dark Knight Returns: Based on Frank Miller's groundbreaking graphic novel, this bulkier, older Batman design adds a sense of grit and experience to the character. The shorter ears and wider bat symbol are instantly recognizable to comic fans.
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Sinestro Corps Batman: This unique costume imagines Batman as a member of the fear-inducing Sinestro Corps from the Green Lantern universe. The yellow and black color scheme with glowing details makes for a visually stunning alternate look.
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Batman Inc.: A more modern take on the Batsuit, this costume represents Batman's global expansion in the comics. Its armored appearance and high-tech visor give Batman a corporate superhero look.
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Batman: Year One: Inspired by David Mazzucchelli's artwork, this costume represents a younger, less experienced Batman. Its simplicity and lack of armor plating reflect Batman's early days.
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1970s Batman: This costume is a throwback to the character's look in the 1970s comics, complete with the oval bat symbol and blue-and-grey color scheme. It's a nice nod to Batman's history.
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Batman: Earth One: Based on Gary Frank's design for the Earth One graphic novels, this costume offers a more realistic, militaristic take on the Batsuit.
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Default Batman: While an excellent design in its own right, the default Arkham City Batman costume ranks last simply because the alternate options offer more variety and fan service.
Tips for Using Alternate Costumes
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Replay Value: Use different costumes to add replay value to the game. Each playthrough can feel fresh with a new look for Batman.
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Photo Mode: If you're playing a version of the game with photo mode, alternate costumes can make for great screenshot opportunities.
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Challenge Mode: Experiment with different costumes in challenge mode to see which one you perform best with.
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Thematic Playthroughs: Try matching your costume choice to your playstyle or the story beats. For example, use the Year One costume for a more stealthy approach, or the Dark Knight Returns skin for a more aggressive style.
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Appreciate the Details: Take time to appreciate the intricate details on each costume. Rocksteady put a lot of effort into faithfully recreating these iconic looks.
Conclusion
Changing costumes in Batman: Arkham City adds an extra layer of enjoyment to an already fantastic game. Whether you prefer the classic animated series look, the futuristic Batman Beyond suit, or any of the other great options, there's a costume for every type of Batman fan. Remember to use the cheat code if you want immediate access to all your unlocked skins, and don't forget to try out different costumes for varied gameplay experiences.
The ability to change Batman's appearance is more than just a cosmetic feature; it's a celebration of the character's rich history and the many interpretations he's had over the years. From his early comic book days to modern reimaginings, each costume tells a story and represents a different era or version of the Dark Knight.
So, the next time you boot up Batman: Arkham City, take a moment to cycle through the available costumes. Choose the one that speaks to you the most, whether it's for nostalgia, cool factor, or just because it fits your mood for that playthrough. After all, while the suit doesn't make the Batman, it certainly adds to the fun of being the Batman in this incredible game.
