You’re soaring over the rainy, neon-drenched skyline of Gotham in Batman: Arkham Knight, just minding your own business, when suddenly you spot it—a massive, flaming bat symbol burning on a rooftop. That’s your signal. Michael Lane, better known as Azrael, is back, and he’s basically auditioning to be your replacement. It’s the "Heir to the Cowl" Most Wanted mission, and if you're trying to hit that 100% completion (or the 240% Prestige suit), you've gotta find him.
Honestly, the game is kinda vague about where he pops up next. Alfred might give you a nudge, but if you’re like me, you probably just want to get it done without aimlessly gliding for twenty minutes. Here is the deal with the Azrael Arkham Knight locations and how to actually survive his trials.
Where to Find Every Burning Bat Symbol
Azrael doesn't just hang out anywhere; he picks high-visibility spots, usually with a great view of the chaos. You have to do these in a specific order. If you go to the third location before the second, he just won't be there. Period.
1. The Kingston Rooftop (Miagani Island)
This is the one that usually triggers automatically early in the game. You'll find it right across from the Bank of Gotham. Look for the building with the "Kingston" signage. It’s a simple intro. You’ll talk to him, he’ll do his "I am the chosen one" routine, and then you jump into the first trial.
The Trial: It’s a basic combat warm-up. Six thugs. No weapons.
The Catch: In every Azrael mission, you cannot get hit. Not once. If a punch lands or a bullet grazes you, the simulation ends immediately. You have to be perfect.
2. Otisburg (Founders' Island)
This one is tucked away near the Fire Station in Otisburg. Coordinates are roughly 2713, 1464. It’s on a fairly high roof south of the station. This is where things start getting a bit more "Arkham."
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The Trial: You’re fighting seven thugs and one Brute.
Pro-Tip: Don't get greedy with the Brute. Use your Cape Stun and then the Beat Down, but keep your camera panned out. The regular thugs love to try and sneak a punch in while you’re busy pounding the big guy.
3. Chinatown (Bleake Island)
Head over to the Chinatown district on Bleake Island. The symbol is burning on a roof just west of the main traffic circle (1902, 2343). If you’re having trouble seeing it, look for the glowing orange embers from a distance—they stand out against the blue and green neon of Chinatown.
The Trial: Ten thugs and a Medic.
Strategy: Hit the Medic first. Seriously. If you don't, he’ll keep reviving the guys you just knocked out, or worse, electrifying their armor. In a mission where one hit means failure, an electrified thug is a nightmare.
4. The Lady of Gotham
This is the big statue in the middle of the water between the three islands. The final trial is right at her feet, on the base of the statue.
The Trial: This is the "Ninja" round. You’ll face six Combat Experts. They have swords. They move fast. They do that annoying dash attack that requires a double counter.
Expert Advice: Don't mash the counter button. Wait for the yellow sparks. If you're too twitchy, you'll miss the timing on the second ninja's attack and have to restart the whole thing.
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The Clock Tower: Reconstructing the Truth
After you finish the fourth trial, the "location" aspect shifts. Batman starts getting suspicious—as he should—and you’re directed to the Clock Tower on Bleake Island. This isn't a fight; it's a detective sequence. You’ll be using Oracle’s computer to scrub through Azrael’s subconscious memories.
You’re looking for "lithographs"—specific symbols hidden in the footage. If you want to breeze through it, scrub to these specific timestamps:
- 00:00:00 (Right at the start)
- 00:05:55
- 00:16:44
- 00:28:92
- 00:41:31
Once you find them all, you realize the Order of St. Dumas hasn't been entirely honest with Michael. They’ve basically brainwashed him to wait for his moment and then murder Batman.
The Choice: What Happens at the End?
This is one of the few moments in the game where you actually get to choose the outcome. Azrael enters the Clock Tower, and you're in control of him. You see the sword on the wall. You have three real paths here:
- The "Vengeance" Ending: Pick up the sword and try to kill Batman. Batman, being Batman, counters him instantly and hauls him off to the GCPD lockup. Azrael ends up in a cell next to the other villains.
- The "Justice" Ending: Pick up the sword, but instead of attacking, you break it. Azrael realizes he’s been a pawn, shakes Batman’s hand (sorta), and leaves to take down the Order of St. Dumas himself. This is widely considered the "best" or most "canon" feeling ending.
- The "Leave" Ending: Just walk to the elevator and leave without touching the sword. Azrael departs on good terms with Batman, intent on following a path of true justice.
Why Does He Keep Disappearing?
A lot of players get frustrated because they go to a location and Azrael isn't there. Usually, it's because you haven't progressed far enough in the main story. Alfred usually pings you about a "burning symbol" once the next stage is ready.
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If you’ve finished the main story and he’s still not showing up, try taking down a few militia watchtowers or drones. Sometimes the game needs a "world state" update to trigger the next side-quest beat.
Also, fun fact: if you use the Remote Batarang and fly it near Azrael during the early meetings, he’ll actually catch it. It doesn't change the mission, but it's a cool little nod to the fact that he really does have the skills to (almost) match the Bat.
Actionable Next Steps
To wrap this up and get your trophy:
- Check your map markers: If you see a pulsing white icon with a bat symbol, that's your next location.
- Master the Blade Dodge: If you aren't comfortable with the "hold Y/Triangle and pull back" mechanic, practice on some street thugs before heading to the Lady of Gotham.
- Decide his fate: Think about whether you want Azrael in a cage or out in the world as a reformed vigilante before you enter the Clock Tower for the final time.
Once you’ve locked him up or sent him on his way, you’ll be 8 WayneTech points richer and one step closer to the Knightfall Protocol.