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

Since its release, Borderlands has rapidly become a leading name in the looter shooter genre, establishing itself as a recognizable franchise in gaming. Its distinctive cel-shaded art style and iconic masked psycho antagonist 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 long-awaited theatrical release of the Borderlands movie, directed by Eli Roth (Hostel, Thanksgiving). While critical reception may have been mixed, the film's release is a major achievement for the franchise.

With Borderlands 4 confirmed for release later this year, many new and returning fans will likely want to revisit the series. To help, we've created a timeline to guide you through the games' interconnected narrative.

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

How Many Borderlands Games Are There?

Currently, there are 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 starting with Borderlands 1 is the simplest approach, any of the three mainline games offer a good introduction if you're less concerned with the overarching story. All three are stylistically similar and available on modern platforms. However, for a complete understanding of the Borderlands saga, especially after seeing the movie, beginning with the first game is recommended.

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Every Canon Borderlands Game in Chronological Order

(Mild spoilers ahead)

1. Borderlands (2009)

The original Borderlands (2009) 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 militia, Pandora's wildlife, and numerous bandits. The game's success launched the looter shooter genre, and its post-release support included four expansions.

2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)

Developed by 2K Australia, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel bridges the gap between the first two main games. It follows Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap as they search for a Vault on Elpis, Pandora's moon. The game features Handsome Jack, the antagonist of Borderlands 2, in a prominent role, showcasing his descent into madness. Post-release content included expansions and additional playable characters.

3. Borderlands 2 (2012)

Borderlands 2 (2012) returns to Pandora with a new team of Vault Hunters: Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0. They confront the tyrannical Handsome Jack, leading to a thrilling adventure filled with quests, new character classes, and a vast arsenal of weapons. Considered by many as the best in the series, it also received substantial post-release support.

4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014 - 2015)

Developed by Telltale Games, Tales From The Borderlands is an episodic adventure set on Pandora. It follows Rhys, a Hyperion employee, and Fiona, a con artist, as they unexpectedly embark on a quest for a new Vault. The game emphasizes narrative choices and their impact on the story, and its characters have appeared in later installments.

5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022) expands on the Borderlands 2 DLC, "Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep." It's a fantasy-themed adventure set within the Bunkers & Badasses tabletop game, featuring a massive amount of weaponry, character classes, and enemies. The game includes an overworld map and spellcasting mechanics, along with several expansions.

6. Borderlands 3 (2019)

Borderlands 3 (2019) introduces Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze, who must stop the villainous siren twins, Troy and Tyreen. The game features multiple planets to explore, reunions with familiar characters, and a massive amount of loot. It also boasts extensive DLC content.

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)

New Tales From The Borderlands (2022) introduces new protagonists: Anu, Octavio, and Fran. Their adventure involves a mysterious artifact and a confrontation with the Tediore corporation. Like its predecessor, it emphasizes narrative choices and their impact on the story.

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 slated for release on September 23, 2025. Following Take-Two's acquisition of Gearbox Software, future Borderlands projects are anticipated, suggesting a potentially increased frequency of releases in the coming years.