Play Borderlands Games in Timeline Order: A Guide

Since its inception, the Borderlands franchise has swiftly established itself as a hallmark of the looter shooter genre, becoming a staple in modern gaming culture. Its distinctive cel-shaded art and iconic masked psycho have contributed to a universe that blends sci-fi with a sharp, humorous edge. The series' reach has extended beyond video games into comics, novels, and even tabletop gaming, solidifying its status as a multimedia phenomenon. This month marks a significant milestone for Borderlands as it ventures onto the big screen under the direction of Eli Roth, known for Hostel and Thanksgiving. Though the film has received mixed reviews, its release is a testament to the franchise's growing influence.

With the announcement of Borderlands 4 slated for release later this year, both new and veteran fans are eager to dive back into the series. To help everyone get up to speed, we've crafted a comprehensive timeline of the Borderlands saga.

Jump to:

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

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?

For those new to the series, starting with Borderlands 1 is recommended, especially if you're interested in the overarching narrative. However, if the story isn't your primary focus, any of the mainline entries offer a solid introduction to the gameplay and world of Borderlands. All three mainline games share similar styles, scopes, and gameplay mechanics, and are accessible on modern consoles and PC.

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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 inaugural Borderlands game introduced players to the volatile world of Pandora through the adventures of four Vault Hunters: Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai. Their quest for the legendary Vault, rumored to contain untold treasures, quickly devolves into a chaotic adventure filled with battles against the Crimson Lance, Pandora's wildlife, and relentless bandits. The game's success catapulted the looter shooter genre into prominence, supported by four expansive DLCs that explored diverse themes from zombie islands to a Mad Max-inspired Thunderdome.

2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)

Developed by 2K Australia with Gearbox Software, The Pre-Sequel bridges the gap between the first two games, set on the moon of Elpis. New Vault Hunters Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap delve into a fresh narrative that significantly expands the backstory of Borderlands 2's antagonist, Handsome Jack. The game offers a new setting, additional classes, and the detailed progression of Jack's descent into villainy, further enhanced by post-launch content like the Holodome Onslaught and Claptastic Voyage.

3. Borderlands 2 (2012)

Returning to Pandora, Borderlands 2 introduces a new squad of Vault Hunters—Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0—as they seek another Vault, only to cross paths with the tyrannical Handsome Jack. The game expands on the original's formula with a larger world, more quests, and an even wider variety of guns. It's often hailed as the pinnacle of the series, bolstered by a charismatic villain, engaging combat, and the signature humor of the franchise, with extensive post-release content including additional campaigns and characters.

4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014 - 2015)

Telltale's narrative-driven spin-off, Tales From The Borderlands, shifts focus to a pair of unlikely protagonists: Rhys, a Hyperion employee, and Fiona, a con artist. Their intertwined fate leads them on a quest for a vault key, set against the backdrop of Pandora post-Borderlands 2. The game emphasizes choice and consequence, weaving a compelling story that has since been integrated into the broader Borderlands canon.

5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands swaps Pandora's deserts for a fantasy realm, yet retains the core Borderlands gameplay. Inspired by the Borderlands 2 DLC, Assault on Dragon Keep, players navigate the world of Bunkers and Badasses under the guidance of the enthusiastic dungeon master, Tiny Tina. The game introduces new elements like spells and an overworld, complemented by multiple DLCs that expand the adventure.

6. Borderlands 3 (2019)

Borderlands 3 expands the series' scope, introducing new Vault Hunters—Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze—tasked with stopping the villainous twins, Troy and Tyreen. The game spans multiple planets, weaving in familiar characters and offering a wealth of guns, classes, and post-release content, including new campaigns and director's cuts.

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)

The latest addition to the series, New Tales From The Borderlands, introduces new protagonists Anu, Octavio, and Fran, entangled in a quest involving a mysterious vault artifact and the ruthless Tediore corporation. Like its predecessor, the game focuses on a branching narrative shaped by player choices, delivering a rich, decision-driven experience.

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?

The next major release in the series, Borderlands 4, is scheduled for September 23, 2025. Following Gearbox Software's acquisition by Take-Two, there's a clear emphasis on expanding the Borderlands universe. Take-Two's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, has highlighted significant growth potential for the franchise, suggesting more frequent projects and adventures in Pandora and beyond.