Expanding upon the brutal foundations of its predecessor, Batman: Arkham Origins - Cold, Cold Heart delivers a focused, character-driven expansion to the Arkham saga. This action-adventure DLC shifts the spotlight away from the sprawling chaos of the main game's events to tell a more intimate, melancholy story centered on one of Batman’s most sympathetic adversaries: Mr. Freeze. Set during a New Year’s Eve ceremony, the expansion pits the Caped Crusader against a frozen Gotham as he uncovers the tragic motivations driving Victor Fries.

A Frozen Gotham: Story and Setting

The narrative of Batman: and Arkham Origins - Cold, Cold Heart takes heavy inspiration from the classic Batman: The Animated Series episode "Heart of Ice." The story begins when Mr. Freeze crashes a humanitarian awards gala at Wayne Manor, demanding the surrender of philanthropist Ferris Boyle. This invasion sets off a chain of events that leaves Gotham City quarantined behind impenetrable walls of ice.

Players will navigate through several distinct environments, both familiar and entirely new:

  • Wayne Manor: For the first time in the series, players explore the interior of Bruce Wayne's estate, even engaging in combat as Bruce Wayne while searching for secret entrances to the Batcave.
  • GothCorp Building: A brand-new, grand location that evokes a 1920s aesthetic, serving as a central hub for the DLC's investigation.
  • The Penguin’s Nightclub: A dingy, atmospheric setting used to track Freeze's movements across the frozen districts.

Gameplay Mechanics and New Arsenal

While the core combat, stealth, and traversal mechanics remain true to the Arkham Origins formula, Cold, Cold Heart introduces specialized tools designed to combat the sub-zero temperatures. To survive the frost, Batman utilizes the XE suit, which provides protection against extreme cold and grants access to new gadgets:

  • Thermal Batarangs: Essential for interacting with frozen elements of the environment.
  • Thermal Gloves: Used to manipulate ice and navigate the frozen landscape.

The challenge is further increased by a new class of enemies: henchmen equipped with cryogenic guns capable of freezing both Batman and his allies. Players must also manage the environmental hazards, such as massive walls of ice that require specific tools—like a specialized drill—to bypass.

Who This Expansion Appeals To

This DLC is an ideal choice for fans of the Arkham series who prefer a more structured, narrative-heavy experience over the sprawling exploration of the base game. Because the expansion focuses on a tighter scope and a more focused story arc, it offers a streamlined experience that is easy to complete in a few hours.

If you are a fan of deep character studies within the DC Universe, the humanization of Victor Fries makes this a must-play. It appeals specifically to those who enjoy tactical combat with new gadgetry and players looking for a high-stakes, atmospheric mystery set within a beautifully frozen version of Gotham City.

Technical Specifications

  • Genre: Action, Adventure
  • Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
  • Release Date: April 22, 2014