The Borderlands franchise, a celebrated looter-shooter, has exploded in popularity since its debut, becoming a recognizable video game icon. Its distinctive cel-shaded art style and memorable characters, like the Psycho, have cemented its place in modern gaming culture. The franchise's success extends beyond video games, encompassing comics, novels, and even a tabletop game.
This year marks a significant milestone: the highly anticipated 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 major achievement for the franchise.
With Borderlands 4 slated for release in 2025, many fans—both new and returning—will likely want to revisit the series' origins. To help, we've compiled a timeline to guide you through the games' interconnected narrative.
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Chronological Play Order | Release Order Play Order
AnswerSee ResultsHow Many Borderlands Games Exist?
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 Begin?
While Borderlands 1 is the logical starting point, any of the three main games offer a solid introduction if story isn't your primary focus. The trilogy shares similar gameplay, but experiencing the overarching narrative chronologically provides the most satisfying experience, especially for those coming from the movie.
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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 legendary treasure on Pandora. Their quest becomes a chaotic battle against the Crimson Lance militia, hostile wildlife, and countless bandits. The game's innovative looter-shooter gameplay, featuring endless weapon variety and character builds, was a critical and commercial success, significantly impacting the gaming landscape. Post-release expansions added substantial content.
2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)
Developed by 2K Australia, The Pre-Sequel bridges the gap between the first two Borderlands games. It follows Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap as they hunt a Vault on Elpis, Pandora's moon. The game expands on the story of Handsome Jack, the antagonist of Borderlands 2, showcasing his descent into villainy and featuring characters and bosses from the sequel. Several expansions were released post-launch.
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. The game expands on the original's formula with more quests, character classes, and weapons. Considered by many as the best in the series, it features a compelling story, memorable combat, and the franchise's signature humor. Numerous post-release expansions were added.
4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014-2015)
A Telltale Games episodic adventure, Tales From The Borderlands offers a story-driven experience on Pandora. It follows Rhys, a Hyperion employee, and Fiona, a con artist, as they unexpectedly embark on a Vault-hunting adventure. The game's narrative branches based on player choices, and its characters have become integral to the Borderlands canon.
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." It retains the core Borderlands gameplay but shifts the setting to a fantastical kingdom. The game features a massive arsenal of weapons, diverse character classes, and unique gameplay mechanics tailored to the fantasy setting. Multiple expansions have been released.
6. Borderlands 3 (2019)
Borderlands 3 introduces Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze, who must stop the murderous siren twins, Troy and Tyreen. The game expands the series' scope by taking players to multiple planets. It features a large cast of returning characters and a wealth of weapons, enemies, and character classes. Extensive DLC content was released post-launch.
7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)
New Tales From The Borderlands features a new cast of protagonists—Anu, Octavio, and Fran—who stumble upon a powerful artifact, leading them into conflict with the Tediore corporation. Similar to the original Tales game, this installment focuses on a branching narrative driven by 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)
The Future of Borderlands
Borderlands 4, currently slated for a September 23, 2025 release, is the next major installment. Gearbox Software's acquisition by Take-Two Interactive suggests a bright future for the franchise, with potential for increased frequency of new projects.
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