You’re tearing through the rain-slicked streets of Gotham, the Batmobile’s engine roaring, and suddenly the ground starts pulsing red. It’s a rhythmic, menacing glow that screams "stay away," but if you're going for that 100% completion or the Gotham Underground trophy, you’re diving straight in. These Bleake Island explosive devices are the first real introduction to the militia’s scorched-earth policy in Batman: Arkham Knight, and honestly, they're a massive pain if you don't know the rhythm.
Most players treat these like a standard tank battle. That’s a mistake. While the "Campaign for Disarmament" side quest technically spans the whole city, Bleake Island is where the learning curve hits the hardest. It’s where you realize the Arkham Knight isn't just playing games—he’s trying to turn the city into a literal minefield.
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The Reality of Disarming Bleake Island
There are four of these nasty things buried in the asphalt of Bleake Island. You’ve probably already hit the first one; the game basically forces it on you during the main story to teach you the mechanics. You find a bomb, you latch on with the Power Winch, and you sit there like a duck while a virus uploads.
It’s a trap, obviously. The second you start that upload, every drone in the vicinity decides it’s a great time to swarm your position.
The "disarming" part isn't actually about the bomb itself—at least not at first. It’s about survival. You’re tethered to the device. If you move too far away, the hack fails. It’s a claustrophobic, high-stakes game of keep-away where the Batmobile is the only thing standing between Batman and a very fiery end.
Where to Find Them (And How Hard They Hit)
The threat levels on Bleake Island vary wildly. You might roll up to one thinking it’s a breeze, only to realize you’ve brought a knife to a tank fight.
- The Cauldron (Near the Train Yard): This is usually your "Minimal" threat introduction. You’ll face about a dozen basic Rattlers. If you can’t beat this one, you might want to spend some Waynetech points on your armor before moving on.
- Chinatown (North side of the Roundabout): The difficulty spikes here to "High." The geography is the real killer. The roundabout offers very little cover, and you’ll have Diamondbacks and Mambas trying to snipe you from multiple angles.
- The Cauldron (Next to Sionis Industries): This one is "Ultra." Yeah, it’s as bad as it sounds. You’re looking at a massive wave of drones—around 48 units if you’re playing on higher difficulties.
- The Cauldron (South of Panessa Studios): Another "Ultra" threat. This one sits in a somewhat sunken canal area. It feels like being in a gladiator pit.
Why the Power Winch is Your Best Friend
Disarming these Bleake Island explosive devices requires more than just shooting. Once the drones are scraps, you have to use the Power Winch again for the "controlled explosion."
This part is weirdly sensitive. You have to rev the engine, keeping the needle in the orange zone on your HUD. Go too fast, and you’ll blow yourself up. Too slow, and the needle resets. It’s about finding that sweet spot of torque.
Kinda like a mini-game, but with much higher stakes for your health bar.
Upgrade Priorities for Campaign for Disarmament
- Energy Generation: You need your Missile Barrage. Fast. In the "Ultra" encounters, being able to take out four or five tanks at once is the only way to keep the field clear.
- 60mm Cannon Reload Speed: If you’re waiting three seconds between shots while five Diamondbacks have a lock on you, you’re already dead.
- Chassis Armor: You will get hit. It’s almost inevitable when the screen is a mess of red targeting lines.
Dealing With the "Ghost Drone" Glitch
There’s a legendary, and incredibly annoying, bug that specifically plagues the Bleake Island bombs. Sometimes, you’ll be down to the last drone, and it just... isn't there. You can hear it. You can see the red "last enemy" marker on your radar, but the tank is stuck behind a wall or under the map.
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If this happens, don't panic. Usually, you can pulse your sonar to try and "wake up" the AI pathfinding. If that fails, you might have to restart from the last checkpoint. It’s a total buzzkill, but it’s a known issue that’s been around since the 2015 launch.
The Long Game: Why You’re Doing This
Clearing these bombs isn't just about cleaning up the streets. It’s a requirement to unlock the final confrontation with Deathstroke. If you’ve been wondering why Slade Wilson is just chilling in a command vehicle and won't fight you, it’s because you haven't finished your chores.
You have to clear every single explosive device, every watchtower, and every militia checkpoint across all three islands. Bleake Island is just the appetizer.
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Actionable Strategy for Your Next Session
- Recon First: Glide over the area before engaging. Identify where the Mambas (missile drones) are likely to spawn. They stay back, while Rattlers charge in.
- Stay Centered: It’s tempting to chase a drone to the edge of the barrier, but staying near the bomb gives you the best field of vision and keeps the hack progress moving.
- Save Your Barrage: Don't waste a Level 4 Missile Barrage on two Rattlers. Wait until the Mambas or Diamondbacks show up in force.
Once you’ve cleared the four devices on Bleake Island, you'll see your "Most Wanted" percentage for the militia missions tick up. You're one step closer to locking the Arkham Knight’s forces out of your city for good.