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

Quickly gaining fame as a leading looter shooter, Borderlands has become a major player in gaming. Its distinctive cel-shaded art style and iconic masked psycho have cemented its place in modern video game culture. The franchise's influence extends beyond gaming, encompassing comics, novels, and even a tabletop game.

This month marks a significant milestone: the Borderlands movie, directed by Eli Roth (Hostel, Thanksgiving), brings Pandora and its inhabitants to the big screen. While critical reception was mixed, the film's release is a substantial achievement for the franchise.

With Borderlands 4 confirmed for release later this year, many existing and new fans will likely want to revisit the series. To help, here's a timeline to guide you through the Borderlands saga.

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

How Many Borderlands Games Are There?

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

Where's the Best Place to Start?

While Borderlands 1 is the logical starting point, any of the three main games offer a good introduction if story isn't your primary focus. The trilogy shares similar style and gameplay. However, for a complete narrative experience, especially after seeing the movie, beginning with Borderlands 1 is recommended.

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Every Canon Borderlands Game in Chronological Order

(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 them into conflict with the Crimson Lance, the planet's wildlife, and numerous bandits. The game's success launched the looter shooter genre, and it received four expansions post-release.

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 a vault on Elpis, Pandora's moon. The game expands on Handsome Jack's backstory, showing his descent into villainy. Post-launch expansions added new content and characters.

3. Borderlands 2 (2012)

Borderlands 2 returns to Pandora with a new team of Vault Hunters—Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0—who confront the tyrannical Handsome Jack. Larger in scope than its predecessor, it offers more quests, character classes, and, of course, guns. Extensive post-release support included campaigns, characters, and missions.

4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014 - 2015)

A Telltale Games episodic adventure, Tales From The Borderlands focuses on Rhys and Fiona, whose intertwined fates lead them on a Vault-related adventure. The story-driven gameplay features branching narratives and moral choices. Characters from this game appear in Borderlands 3.

5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)

Expanding on the Borderlands 2 DLC, Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep, Wonderlands shifts the setting to a fantasy realm. Despite the change in setting, the core looter-shooter gameplay remains, featuring new classes, spells, and an overworld area. Four DLC expansions enhance the experience.

6. Borderlands 3 (2019)

Borderlands 3 introduces Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze, who must stop the villainous siren twins, Troy and Tyreen. The game expands the setting beyond Pandora, featuring multiple planets and many returning characters. Significant DLC content adds further campaigns and missions.

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)

A sequel to Tales From The Borderlands, New Tales features Anu, Octavio, and Fran, who find themselves entangled with the Tediore corporation and its CEO, Susan Coldwell. The story-driven gameplay offers branching narratives and player choices.

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, slated for September 23, 2025, is the next major release. Gearbox Software's acquisition by Take-Two suggests a potential increase in Borderlands projects in the future.