The Borderlands franchise, a celebrated looter-shooter, has become a significant player in gaming culture. Its distinctive cel-shaded art style and irreverent humor have solidified its place in modern video games. The franchise's popularity extends beyond gaming, encompassing comics, novels, and even a tabletop game.
This year marks a major milestone with the release of the Borderlands movie, directed by Eli Roth. While critical reception was mixed, the film represents a significant step for the franchise.
With Borderlands 4 slated for release in 2025, many fans, both new and returning, will likely want to revisit the series. This timeline provides a guide to experiencing the Borderlands universe chronologically.
Jump to:
Chronological Play OrderRelease Date Play Order
[Poll: Are you going to see the Borderlands movie in theaters? (Yes/No)]
How Many Borderlands Games Are There?
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 Start?
While technically Borderlands 1 is the starting point, any of the three main games offer a good introduction if story isn't a primary concern. The trilogy shares similar gameplay and style. However, for a cohesive narrative experience, beginning with Borderlands 1 is recommended, especially after seeing the movie.
Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition
[Price Comparison: Fanatical, Amazon]
Every Canon Borderlands Game in Chronological Order
(Mild spoilers ahead)
1. Borderlands (2009)
The original Borderlands introduced Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai, four Vault Hunters seeking the legendary Vault on Pandora. Their quest leads to encounters with the Crimson Lance, hostile wildlife, and countless bandits. The game's success established the looter-shooter genre, characterized by intense combat, a vast arsenal of weapons, and character progression. Four post-release expansions enhanced the experience.
2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)
This prequel bridges the gap between the first two games, featuring new Vault Hunters (Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap) on Elpis, Pandora's moon. It further develops the story of Handsome Jack, the antagonist of Borderlands 2, showcasing his descent into villainy. Several expansions added post-launch content.
3. Borderlands 2 (2012)
Borderlands 2 returns to Pandora with a new team of Vault Hunters (Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0) facing off against Handsome Jack. The game expands upon the original's formula with more quests, characters, and weapons. It's often considered the best in the series. Numerous post-release additions enriched the gameplay.
4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014-2015)
This episodic adventure, developed by Telltale Games, features Rhys and Fiona, unlikely protagonists who stumble upon a grand adventure after a con goes wrong. The story unfolds through player choices, impacting the narrative's direction. Characters from this spin-off appear in Borderlands 3.
5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)
A fantasy-themed spin-off based on the Borderlands 2 DLC, Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep. While the setting changes, the core Borderlands gameplay remains. Players embark on quests, battle fantastical creatures, and collect an abundance of weapons. Four DLC expansions add more content.
6. Borderlands 3 (2019)
Borderlands 3 introduces a new cast of Vault Hunters (Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze) tasked with stopping the villainous siren twins, Troy and Tyreen. The game expands the setting beyond Pandora, featuring multiple planets and returning characters. Extensive DLC content adds further adventures.
7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)
This sequel to Tales From The Borderlands introduces new protagonists (Anu, Octavio, and Fran) who become entangled with the Tediore corporation. The story unfolds through player choices, affecting the narrative's outcome.
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 Wonderlands (2022) New Tales From The Borderlands (2022) Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball (2023) Borderlands 4 (2025)
What's Next For Borderlands?
Borderlands 4 is the next major release, scheduled for September 23, 2025. Take-Two's acquisition of Gearbox Software suggests a promising future for the franchise, with potential for more frequent releases and expanded content.
