By Online Games VIP Editorial
·
IGN’s trailer reveal details a Harley Quinn and Joker story mission, Mayhem Mode, the Sinister Pack, and a free Absolute difficulty update.
IGN used its gamescom Studio livestream to reveal a trailer for the LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight Deluxe Edition Mayhem Collection DLC. The footage is presented as an early look at a new story mission featuring Harley Quinn and The Joker, alongside an activity called Mayhem Mode and a content bundle named the Sinister Pack.
According to IGN, the Mayhem Collection will be available at no extra cost to owners of the Deluxe Edition on September 18, 2026. That date is also the launch day for the Nintendo Switch 2 version of LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. IGN’s report describes a separate Absolute difficulty option as a free update for all players, rather than part of the paid edition structure.
The trailer reveal establishes the broad shape of the expansion, but it does not confirm every practical detail about access, the full Sinister Pack contents, or how the new activities will fit into the wider game. The available source also does not provide an official video player to embed here, so this article focuses on the information IGN reported rather than making unverified observations about the footage.
What the Mayhem Collection adds
IGN identifies the Harley Quinn and Joker story mission as the main addition in the Mayhem Collection. The pair will work together on an escape from Arkham Asylum, with their plan involving a large farewell event in Gotham City. The report frames the mission as a focused story scenario built around the two villains, although it does not state how long the mission is, how it becomes available, or whether it can be played in solo and co-op formats.
Harley Quinn’s reported equipment includes her hammer and a Fun Gun loaded with Confetti and Bubblegum. IGN also says that she can summon her hyenas, Bud and Lou. These details point to a character kit that combines close-range attacks with more playful effects and summoned support, but the source does not explain the damage values, cooldowns, upgrades, or exact controls involved.
The Joker brings a Paintball Pelter and a Boxing Glove. IGN describes his combat style as fast and agile, with an emphasis on speed and mobility. That description provides a broad distinction between the two playable villains, but it does not establish whether Joker and Harley have entirely separate mission roles, different traversal abilities, or unique progression paths.
IGN also reports that players can unlock Harley Quinn and Joker outfits inspired by earlier Batman media. The named examples include The Dark Knight Returns comic book series and Batman: The Animated Series, with additional references described as part of the wider selection. The report does not list every outfit or clarify whether these costumes are earned through the story mission, Mayhem Mode, or another in-game system.
The second major feature described by IGN is Mayhem Mode. In this activity, Harley Quinn and The Joker cause trouble across Gotham City while attempting to complete time-limited Mayhem Runs. Their objective is to return to Amusement Mile before the timer expires, with Batman and Robin pursuing them throughout the run.
IGN says players will earn LEGO studs by destroying objects and completing challenges. The activity will also include battles against A.R.G.U.S. Agents and members of Amanda Waller’s Task Force X. The named enemies include Deathstroke, Killer Croc, Captain Boomerang, Deadshot, King Shark, and Polka-Dot Man, along with other DC super-villains.
Analysis: The reported structure gives Mayhem Mode a different rhythm from a conventional story mission. The timer creates pressure to keep moving, while the destructible Gotham setting offers a reason to take detours and cause damage. The pursuit by Batman and Robin should add another layer of risk, but IGN’s information does not confirm how the chase works in practice. It is not yet clear whether the heroes can directly end a run, slow the villains down, or simply function as recurring combat threats.
The available report also leaves important questions about replayability unanswered. IGN does not specify whether Mayhem Runs use fixed routes, randomized objectives, score rankings, escalating difficulty, or a reward track. It is therefore too early to describe the mode as an endless activity, a score attack, or a repeatable open-world challenge with certainty.
IGN says the Sinister Pack will include themed outfits based on popular DC comic issues and action figures. The pack also contains a new vehicle and customization options for the Batcave. However, although the source introduces a full item list, that list is not included in the supplied article record. The identities of the outfits, the vehicle, and the Batcave decorations therefore remain unconfirmed here.
That missing inventory matters for players deciding how much value the Deluxe Edition offers. The Mayhem Collection is confirmed to contain the Harley Quinn and Joker mission, Mayhem Mode, and the Sinister Pack, but the evidence does not establish how many cosmetic items are included or whether any of them affect gameplay. It also does not clarify whether the new vehicle has special abilities beyond serving as a collectible or transport option.
The Absolute difficulty level is a separate addition scheduled for September 18, according to IGN. Unlike the Mayhem Collection, this mode will be free for all players. IGN characterizes it as requiring more skill, awareness, and precision during combat. The source does not state whether Absolute changes enemy behavior, damage, health, encounter design, resource availability, or rewards.
Analysis: Keeping Absolute difficulty separate from the Deluxe Edition content is potentially useful for the wider player base. Everyone can receive the tougher combat option, while the new villain-focused mission and other Mayhem Collection features remain tied to Deluxe Edition ownership. Still, the practical difference between Absolute and the existing difficulty settings cannot be assessed from the available reporting alone.
Release timing and edition context
LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight launched on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC in May 2026, as reported by IGN. The Nintendo Switch 2 version is scheduled for September 18, 2026, the same day the Mayhem Collection becomes available to Deluxe Edition owners.
IGN’s report does not say whether the Switch 2 launch version includes the Mayhem Collection immediately, whether the DLC will be sold separately on any platform, or whether the collection can be purchased as an upgrade for standard-edition owners. It also does not confirm whether the September 18 update will arrive simultaneously across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, although the wording identifies Absolute as a free update for all players.
The report references IGN’s own review of the base game, which praised its open-world Gotham setting and LEGO-style humor while describing it as a parody of Batman’s major stories. This article is analyzing IGN’s review description, not presenting an OnlineGamesVIP hands-on verdict. Nothing in the supplied evidence supports an independent assessment of the expansion’s quality or performance.
The trailer reveal is useful as a reporting lead, but the supplied text does not provide a shot-by-shot account of the video. We cannot confirm specific locations shown, mission scenes, boss encounters, interface elements, performance, visual changes, or the amount of gameplay footage included. The source confirms the trailer’s featured subjects, not every detail that may appear on screen.
Several player-focused questions remain open. IGN does not state whether Harley Quinn and The Joker can be used throughout the main campaign, or only in the new mission and Mayhem Mode. It does not explain whether Bud and Lou are always available, whether their summons can be upgraded, or whether the characters have separate skill trees. Co-op support, online functionality, local play, and accessibility options are also not addressed.
The source likewise does not confirm the campaign’s relationship with the existing Gotham map. Mayhem Runs are said to take place across Gotham City and end at Amusement Mile, but the report does not explain whether the mode uses the full open world, selected districts, or dedicated routes. The role of Batman and Robin in the chase is another unknown, as are the conditions for earning the reported studs and completing challenges.
For now, the clearest confirmed picture is a Deluxe Edition content drop built around two recognizable villains, a timed Gotham activity, extra cosmetics and customization, and a free higher difficulty option for the broader player base. More information will be needed before players can judge the collection’s scope, replay value, or the significance of its new combat options.