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

Since its debut, Borderlands has quickly become a hallmark of the looter shooter genre, evolving into one of gaming's most iconic franchises. With its distinctive cel-shaded art and the infamous masked psycho character, its irreverent sci-fi universe has become a mainstay in modern video game culture. The franchise's expansion into multimedia, including comics, novels, and a tabletop game, underscores its growing influence. This month marks a significant milestone with the release of the long-anticipated film adaptation directed by Eli Roth, introducing the world of Pandora to a new audience. Although the movie received mixed reviews, its release is a notable achievement for the franchise.

As we approach the release of Borderlands 4 later this year, both new and returning fans are likely eager to revisit the series. To help you navigate the expansive universe, we've compiled a comprehensive timeline of the Borderlands series.

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How to play in chronological order How to play by release date

Are you going to see the Borderlands movie in theaters? -------------------------------------------------------

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Answer See Results How Many Borderlands Games Are There? -------------------------------------

In total, there are currently seven Borderlands games and spin-offs that are canon to the series, alongside two smaller, non-canon titles: Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball and Borderlands Legends.

Where's The Best Place to Start?

The most straightforward starting point is arguably Borderlands 1. However, if the story isn't your primary concern, any of the three mainline games serve as an excellent introduction. The trilogy shares a similar style, scope, and gameplay, and they are all available on modern consoles and PC. For those who appreciate the overarching narrative, beginning with the first game is the best way to experience the saga as intended.

Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition

8$29.99 save 70%$8.99 at Fanatical$16.80 at Amazon Every Canon Borderlands Game in Chronological Order

These blurbs contain mild spoilers for each game, including characters, settings, and story beats.

1. Borderlands (2009)

The game that started it all, Borderlands launched in 2009, introducing players to Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai—four Vault Hunters on a quest for treasure. Set on the volatile planet of Pandora, they seek the legendary Vault, rumored to contain untold riches. Their journey quickly devolves into chaos, pitting them against the Crimson Lance militia, Pandora's savage wildlife, and hordes of bandits. Borderlands' success catapulted the looter shooter genre to prominence, with its addictive gameplay loop of enemy combat, gun discovery, and character development. Post-launch, the game received four expansions, exploring themes from zombie-infested islands to a playful take on Mad Max's Thunderdome.

2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)

Developed by 2K Australia with Gearbox Software, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel fills the narrative gap between the first two games. Set on the moon of Elpis, new Vault Hunters Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap embark on a mission to find another Vault. While offering more of the beloved Borderlands gameplay, it also delves into the backstory of Borderlands 2's antagonist, Handsome Jack, detailing his descent into madness. Additional expansions like Holodome Onslaught and Claptastic Voyage, along with new playable characters, enrich the experience.

3. Borderlands 2 (2012)

Borderlands 2, released in 2012, brings players back to Pandora with new Vault Hunters Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0. Their quest for another Vault is challenged by the planet's ruler, the ruthless Handsome Jack, who attempts to eliminate them. Surviving his attack, they embark on a mission to uncover Jack's sinister plans and find the Vault. This sequel expanded on the original, offering more quests, new classes, a compelling villain, and an even wider array of guns. It's widely considered one of the best entries in the series, with numerous post-release expansions adding depth and new content.

4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014 - 2015)

Telltale's spin-off, Tales From The Borderlands, offers a narrative-driven adventure set on Pandora. Instead of focusing on Vault Hunters, it follows Rhys, a Hyperion employee, and Fiona, a con artist, as they get entangled in a quest for a vault key. This episodic game emphasizes branching storylines and moral choices, earning its place in the Borderlands canon with characters reappearing in later games.

5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, though set in a fantasy realm, remains true to the Borderlands spirit. Expanding on the beloved Borderlands 2 DLC, Assault on Dragon Keep, players dive into the world of Bunkers and Badasses, guided by the enthusiastic Tiny Tina. The game maintains the series' core mechanics—gunplay, character classes, and enemy combat—while introducing new elements like spells and an overworld. It comes with four expansions, adding new dungeons, bosses, and gear.

6. Borderlands 3 (2019)

Borderlands 3, released in 2019, introduces new Vault Hunters Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze, tasked with stopping the siren twins Troy and Tyreen. The game expands the universe by taking players to multiple planets, teaming up with familiar characters like Lilith and Claptrap. It offers the expected looter shooter action with numerous guns, enemies, and classes, supplemented by extensive DLC content including new campaigns and special missions.

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)

New Tales From The Borderlands follows fresh protagonists Anu, Octavio, and Fran, who find themselves in possession of a powerful artifact after discovering a vault. Their journey pits them against the Tediore corporation and its CEO, Susan Coldwell. Like its predecessor, the game focuses on a branching narrative shaped by player choices, including dialogue options and QTE sequences.

Every Borderlands Game in Release Order

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 Wonderland (2022) New Tales From The Borderlands (2022) Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball (2023) Borderlands 4 (2025) What's Next For Borderlands?

Borderlands 4 is slated for release on September 23, 2025, marking the next major chapter in the series. Announced following Gearbox Software's acquisition by Take-Two, the game is described by studio head Randy Pitchford as their greatest work yet. With Take-Two eyeing significant growth opportunities for the franchise, fans can expect more frequent projects set in the Borderlands universe in the coming years.