How to Play the Borderlands Games (and Spin-Offs) in Timeline Order

The Borderlands franchise, a celebrated looter shooter, has become a major player in gaming, recognizable for its cel-shaded art style and darkly humorous sci-fi universe. Its popularity extends beyond video games, encompassing comics, novels, and even a tabletop game. This year marks a significant milestone with the release of the Borderlands movie, directed by Eli Roth, though critical reception was mixed. With Borderlands 4 slated for release in 2025, both new and returning fans are likely eager to revisit the series. This timeline provides a comprehensive overview of the Borderlands games, outlining the best way to experience the story.

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Chronological Order of Play | Release Order of Play

[Poll: Are you going to see the Borderlands movie in theaters?]

How Many Borderlands Games Exist?

There are seven main canon Borderlands games and spin-offs, plus two smaller non-canon titles (Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball and Borderlands Legends).

Where to Begin Your Borderlands Journey?

While starting with Borderlands 1 is recommended for a complete narrative experience, any of the three mainline games provide a solid introduction to the gameplay. All three are available on modern platforms.

Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition

[Price comparison links removed for brevity]

Chronological Order of Canon Borderlands Games:

(Mild spoilers ahead)

1. Borderlands (2009): Follows Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai as they hunt for the legendary Vault on Pandora, battling the Crimson Lance, wildlife, and bandits. The game's success launched the looter shooter genre and included four post-release expansions.

2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014): Set between the first two games, this installment features new Vault Hunters (Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap) on Elpis, the moon of Pandora. It showcases Handsome Jack's descent into villainy, significantly enriching the Borderlands 2 narrative. Several expansions were added post-release.

3. Borderlands 2 (2012): Returning to Pandora, players encounter a new team of Vault Hunters (Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0) facing off against the tyrannical Handsome Jack. Considered by many as the best in the series, it features expanded gameplay, a compelling villain, and numerous post-release additions.

4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014-2015): A Telltale Games episodic adventure focusing on Rhys and Fiona, whose con leads them on a Vault-related adventure. Its story significantly impacts the Borderlands 3 canon.

5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022): A fantasy-themed spin-off based on the Borderlands 2 DLC, "Assault on Dragon Keep." While the setting changes, the core Borderlands gameplay remains, featuring a vast fantasy kingdom, unique classes, and abundant loot. Four DLC expansions are available.

6. Borderlands 3 (2019): A new team of Vault Hunters (Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze) confront the siren twins, Troy and Tyreen, across multiple planets. The game features returning characters and a wealth of post-release content.

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022): The latest addition to the timeline, featuring new protagonists (Anu, Octavio, and Fran) who encounter a powerful artifact, leading them into conflict with Tediore Corporation. The game emphasizes narrative choices and branching storylines.

Release Order of Borderlands Games:

Borderlands (2009) | Borderlands Legends (2012) | Borderlands 2 (2012) | Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014) | Tales From The Borderlands (2014-2015) | Borderlands 3 (2019) | Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022) | New Tales From The Borderlands (2022) | Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball (2023) | Borderlands 4 (2025)

The Future of Borderlands:

Borderlands 4 is the next major release, scheduled for September 23, 2025. Take-Two's acquisition of Gearbox Software suggests increased future development within the Borderlands universe.