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

The Borderlands franchise, a celebrated looter-shooter, has rapidly become a gaming icon. Its distinctive cel-shaded visuals 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 Borderlands film adaptation, directed by Eli Roth (Hostel, Thanksgiving), brought Pandora and its inhabitants to the big screen. Despite mixed reviews, the film represents a major achievement for the franchise.

With Borderlands 4 slated for release in 2025, many existing and new fans are likely eager to revisit the series. To help navigate this expansive universe, we've compiled a timeline of the games, detailing their chronological order and release dates.

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Chronological Order | Release Order

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How Many Borderlands Games Exist?

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

Where to Begin?

While Borderlands 1 is the logical starting point for narrative continuity, any of the three main games serve as excellent introductions to the gameplay. All three are readily available on modern platforms. However, for a complete understanding of the overarching storyline, especially after seeing the movie, beginning with the first game is recommended.

Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition

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Canon Borderlands Games in Chronological Order:

(Minor spoilers ahead)

1. Borderlands (2009):

The inaugural title introduces Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai, Vault Hunters seeking the legendary Vault on Pandora. Their quest plunges them into conflict with the Crimson Lance, hostile wildlife, and bandits. The game's success propelled the looter-shooter genre, defined by its addictive gameplay loop of combat, loot acquisition, and character progression. Four post-release expansions expanded the experience.

2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014):

Developed by 2K Australia, this prequel bridges the gap between the first two main games. It follows Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap on a Vault hunt on Elpis, Pandora's moon. Featuring Handsome Jack prominently, it reveals his descent into villainy and connects to Borderlands 2. Several expansions added further content.

3. Borderlands 2 (2012):

This sequel returns to Pandora with new Vault Hunters: Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0. Their quest to find a Vault clashes with Handsome Jack's tyrannical rule. Borderlands 2 expanded upon the original's formula, offering a larger scope, more quests, and an even greater arsenal of weapons. Considered by many as the best in the series, it also received extensive post-launch support.

4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014-2015):

A Telltale Games episodic adventure, this spin-off focuses on Rhys, a Hyperion employee, and Fiona, a con artist, who become entangled in a Vault-related adventure. Its narrative-driven gameplay and impactful choices have cemented its place in the Borderlands canon.

5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022):

A fantasy-themed entry, expanding upon the Borderlands 2 DLC, Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep. While the setting changes, the core Borderlands gameplay remains. It features an expansive overworld and incorporates spellcasting alongside the usual gunplay. Multiple DLCs enhance the experience.

6. Borderlands 3 (2019):

The third main installment introduces Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze, tasked with stopping the murderous siren twins, Troy and Tyreen. For the first time, the game takes players beyond Pandora to multiple planets. It features a large cast of returning characters and extensive DLC content.

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022):

This sequel to Tales From The Borderlands introduces new protagonists: Anu, Octavio, and Fran. Their involvement with a powerful artifact puts them at odds with the Tediore corporation. Like its predecessor, it focuses on a branching narrative with player choices shaping the story.

Borderlands Games 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, anticipated for September 23, 2025, is the next major release. Gearbox Software's acquisition by Take-Two suggests a strong future for the franchise, with potential for more frequent releases and expanded media.