Arkham North serves as the primary outdoor hub of the asylum, connecting the Intensive Treatment facility to the western and eastern wings of the island. While it may initially appear sparse compared to the dense architecture of Arkham East, the Riddler has utilized the verticality and hidden subterranean passages of this area to conceal eleven specific trophies. Navigating this rocky terrain requires a combination of patience and late-game gadgetry, as many of these collectibles are locked behind structural weaknesses or security systems that cannot be bypassed during the first visit.

Completing the collection in Arkham North is essential for those aiming for the 100% completion mark and the ultimate confrontation with Edward Nigma. This breakdown covers every trophy location, the specific gear needed to retrieve them, and the most efficient pathing to ensure no stone is left unturned.

Essential Gadgets for Total Collection

Attempting to find every trophy in Arkham North upon your first arrival is a futile effort. The game’s design follows a Metroidvania-style progression, where early-access areas contain puzzles solvable only with late-game tools. To clean out the North area in a single sweep, the following items must be in the utility belt:

  • Explosive Gel: Acquired early near the Batmobile. Essential for floor panels and weakened walls.
  • Cryptographic Sequencer (with Range Amplifier): The standard version is obtained in the Mansion, but the Range Amplifier upgrade is vital for reaching security terminals located behind electrified barriers in the guard towers.
  • Line Launcher: Earned in the Sewers. This allows for horizontal traversal across the large gaps between the watchtowers and the rocky outcroppings.
  • Ultra Batclaw: A late-game upgrade from the Batcave. Unlike the standard Batclaw, this can pull down heavy reinforced walls from a distance, which is required for at least two trophies in this zone.

Locating the Arkham North Secrets Map

Before hunting individual trophies, obtaining the Secrets Map for Arkham North is the most logical first step. This map highlights the approximate locations of all Riddler challenges on the in-game grid.

The map is hidden inside the security booth located near the center of the area, specifically the eastern booth near the gate to Arkham East. To enter, use the Explosive Gel on the roof of the booth to blast through a weak ceiling panel. Dropping inside reveals the map on a desk. Having this visual guide on the HUD makes the following instructions much easier to track.

Detailed Trophy Breakdown

1. The Hidden Skull Room (Caves Passage)

Located in the passage connecting the courtyard to the Caves. Near the Intensive Treatment building, there is a small courtyard area. Follow the path toward the Caves and look for a ledge that can be grappled. Once on the ledge, enter the small room filled with decorative skulls. Use Detective Mode to identify a breakable wall on the right side. Apply Explosive Gel to reveal the trophy hidden behind the masonry.

2. High Altitude Structural Weakness (Caves Passage)

In the same passage as the first trophy, continue further into the tunnel. Look up to find a high ledge that is accessible via the grapple. Once on this elevated platform, turn around and use Detective Mode to scan the opposite wall. There is a high-altitude breakable panel here. Because the wall is too high for Explosive Gel, the Ultra Batclaw must be used to pull the wall down. Once the debris is cleared, grapple into the newly opened alcove to claim the prize.

3. The Mountain Opening (Batcave Entrance)

Just before the entrance to the tunnel that leads directly to the Batcave, there is a natural rock formation. Look upward to spot a small ledge and an opening high in the mountain wall. Grapple up to this crevice. The trophy sits at the end of a short, narrow crawlspace. This is one of the few trophies in the area that requires no special gadgets other than the basic Grapnel.

4. Intensive Treatment Parapet

Face the main northern entrance of the Intensive Treatment building. Directly above the heavy doors, there is a narrow architectural ledge. Grapple to this ledge and shimmy toward the left (western) side. The trophy is tucked into a corner, obscured by the building's gothic ornamentation. It is easily missed if the camera isn't tilted upward while standing at the front gates.

5. The Watchtower Floor Panel

There are two primary watchtowers in Arkham North. Between these towers, on the ground level, is a square patch of weakened floor. Using Detective Mode will highlight this as a structural vulnerability. Apply Explosive Gel to the ground and detonate it. The floor will collapse, revealing a small crawlspace containing the trophy. This is located behind the Intensive Treatment building.

6. Western Watchtower Rooftop

This is a straightforward acquisition. Grapple to the very top of the western watchtower (the one further from the gate to Arkham East). The trophy is sitting out in the open on the flat roof of the tower. Be wary of snipers who often occupy this position later in the game story; it is best to clear the tower of hostiles before attempting the climb.

7. The Abandoned Building Horse Shed

In the center of Arkham North, there is a dilapidated, half-ruined building that looks like an old stable or horse shed. Enter the ground floor of this structure. The trophy is sitting on the floor in the left corner, partially hidden by wooden debris and shadows. No gadgets are required here, though Detective Mode helps highlight the green glow against the dark interior.

8. Northwestern Ruin Wall

Head to the northwestern corner of the map, where the ruins of an older structure stand. There is a high wall here with a visible structural weakness high above the ground. Similar to Trophy #2, the height makes Explosive Gel useless. Position Batman at a distance and use the Ultra Batclaw to rip the wall down. Once the gap is created, grapple into the small room to retrieve the trophy.

9. The Long Zip (Watchtower to Ledge)

Climb back up to the western watchtower. Look toward the northwestern cliffside. There is a small, isolated ledge that cannot be reached by gliding alone. Equip the Line Launcher and fire it toward the ledge. Batman will zip across the gap. The trophy is located on this small plateau, overlooking the dark waters surrounding the island.

10. The Guard Tower Security Barrier

Go to the guard tower situated north of the central abandoned building. This tower is protected by a laser security grid that prevents entry. Look at the terminal controlling the gate; it is usually positioned in a way that requires the Cryptographic Sequencer. If the terminal is out of reach, the Range Amplifier upgrade is necessary to hack it from the ground or a nearby ledge. Once the lasers are deactivated, climb inside to find the trophy on a table.

11. Northeastern Cliffside Glide

Start from the roof of the western guard tower (where Trophy #6 was located). Look toward the far northeastern edge of the map, toward the cliffs that border the sea. There is a small, flat rock outcropping at the very edge of the map. You must glide from the high point of the watchtower to reach this distant ledge. The trophy is placed at the very end of the cliff, offering a view of the Gotham City skyline in the distance.

Synchronizing the Hunt: Riddles and Other Collectibles

While hunting for the eleven trophies, several other Riddler challenges are in the immediate vicinity. To maximize efficiency, consider solving these riddles while traversing the North island:

  • "Now I see it, now you don't!": Near the northwestern ruins, there is a perspective puzzle. Activate Detective Mode and look for a green question mark painted on different surfaces. You must align the dot (on a pillar) with the top part of the symbol (on a distant wall) by standing in a specific spot near the ruins' entrance.
  • Harvey Dent's Legacy: Inside the small security building near the watchtowers, after hacking the barrier, look for "Vote Dent" posters. Scanning these solves a riddle related to Two-Face.
  • The Tweedledum and Tweedledee Riddle: In the northeastern corner of the map, near the gate to Arkham East, look for a pair of see-saws or playground equipment. Scanning this solves the riddle: "Tweedledum and Tweedledee saw it, can you see it?"
  • Joker Teeth: Ten sets of chattering teeth are scattered around Arkham North. Three are usually near the Intensive Treatment entrance, others are found on the watchtowers, and a final few appear near the gate to Arkham West after certain story milestones.

Tactical Movement and Environmental Hazards

Arkham North is a deceptively dangerous area. As the story progresses, the Joker will deploy snipers to the watchtowers. If you are trophy hunting in the late game, always use the Inverted Takedown or Batarangs to neutralize snipers before exploring the ground level. The open nature of the terrain means Batman is easily spotted from above.

Additionally, the transition between Arkham North and the other zones (East and West) often involves narrow tunnels. These tunnels themselves sometimes contain trophies or Arkham Chronicles. For instance, the tunnel to Arkham West has a trophy hidden above the entrance that requires a quick grapple-turn immediately after entering.

Conclusion: The Path to 100%

Gathering all eleven trophies in Arkham North is as much about progression as it is about exploration. By waiting until the Ultra Batclaw and Line Launcher are in your possession, you can clear the entire zone in about fifteen minutes of concentrated play. This region emphasizes the Riddler's obsession with Batman's gadgets, forcing the player to use every tool in the arsenal to uncover the green question marks.

Once the final trophy in the North is collected, the Riddler’s voice over the comms will become increasingly agitated—a sure sign that you are closing in on his location. With the map cleared and the trophies secured, you are one step closer to ending Nigma's game once and for all in the shadows of Arkham Asylum.