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

The Borderlands franchise, a celebrated looter-shooter, has become a gaming icon. Its distinctive cel-shaded art and memorable characters have cemented its place in modern video game culture. Beyond gaming, Borderlands has expanded into comics, novels, and even a tabletop game, showcasing its multimedia potential.

This year marked a significant milestone with the release of the Borderlands movie, directed by Eli Roth. While critical reception was mixed, the film's release represents a major achievement for the franchise.

With Borderlands 4 slated for release in 2025, many existing and new fans are likely revisiting the series. To help navigate this expansive universe, we've compiled a timeline of the games.

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Chronological Order of Play | Release Order of Play

Did you see the Borderlands movie in theaters?

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Borderlands Game Count:

The Borderlands canon currently includes seven main games and spin-offs, plus two smaller, non-canon titles: Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball and Borderlands Legends.

Best Starting Point:

While Borderlands 1 is the logical starting point, any of the three main games offer a solid introduction, especially if story isn't a primary concern. The trilogy shares similar gameplay, and all are available on modern platforms. However, for a cohesive narrative experience, particularly after seeing the movie, starting with Borderlands 1 is recommended.

Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition

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Chronological Order of Canon Borderlands Games:

(Mild spoilers ahead)

1. Borderlands (2009):

The original Borderlands introduces Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai, four Vault Hunters searching for the legendary Vault on Pandora. Their quest leads to encounters with the Crimson Lance, hostile wildlife, and countless bandits. The game's success launched the looter-shooter genre and was enhanced by four post-release expansions.

2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014):

Developed by 2K Australia, The Pre-Sequel bridges the gap between the first two games. It features new Vault Hunters (Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap) on a mission to Elpis, Pandora's moon. The game expands on Handsome Jack's backstory, showcasing his descent into villainy, and includes several post-release expansions.

3. Borderlands 2 (2012):

Borderlands 2 returns to Pandora with a new team of Vault Hunters facing the tyrannical Handsome Jack. The game expands on the original's formula with more quests, character classes, and an even larger arsenal of weapons. Considered by many as the series' best, it also received extensive post-release support.

4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014-2015):

A Telltale Games episodic adventure, Tales From The Borderlands shifts focus from Vault Hunters to Rhys and Fiona, whose unlikely partnership leads them on a Vault-related adventure. Its story choices significantly impact the narrative and its characters have appeared in later installments.

5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022):

A fantasy-themed spin-off, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands expands on the Borderlands 2 DLC, "Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep." While the setting changes, the core looter-shooter gameplay remains, with new classes, spells, and a vast array of weaponry.

6. Borderlands 3 (2019):

Borderlands 3 introduces a new cast of Vault Hunters battling the siren twins, Troy and Tyreen, across multiple planets. The game features returning characters and expands the series' scope with extensive DLC content.

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022):

A sequel to Tales From The Borderlands, New Tales features new protagonists, Anu, Octavio, and Fran, who become entangled with the Tediore corporation and its CEO. The game maintains the narrative focus and choice-driven gameplay of its predecessor.

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, set for release on September 23, 2025, is the next major installment. Take-Two's acquisition of Gearbox suggests a bright future for the franchise, with potential for more frequent releases and expansion into new areas.