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

Since its launch, **Borderlands** has rapidly earned its stripes as the quintessential looter shooter, cementing itself as a standout franchise in gaming culture. Its distinctive cel-shaded visuals and the iconic masked psycho have made it instantly recognizable. Beyond the digital realm, Borderlands has expanded into a multimedia juggernaut, branching out into comics, novels, and even a tabletop game.

This month marks a monumental step for the franchise as it leaps to the big screen, directed by Eli Roth of *Hostel* and *Thanksgiving* fame. The film introduces Pandora and its vault-obsessed inhabitants to a fresh audience. Although the movie received mixed reviews, its release is a significant milestone for the series.

With **Borderlands 4** slated for release later this year, the franchise is poised to attract both new and returning fans eager to dive back into the saga. To help everyone get up to speed, we've compiled a comprehensive timeline of the series, detailing how each game fits into the larger narrative.

Jump to:

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

Are you going to see the Borderlands movie in theaters? -------------------------------------------------------

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AnswerSee ResultsHow Many Borderlands Games Are There?

In total, there are currently seven Borderlands games and spin-offs that contribute to the series' canon, alongside two smaller, non-canon titles: Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball and Borderlands Legends.

Where's The Best Place to Start?

If you're interested in the overarching narrative, starting with Borderlands 1 is the most logical choice. However, if you're more focused on gameplay, any of the three mainline games will serve as an excellent introduction. The trilogy shares a similar style, scope, and gameplay mechanics, and all are accessible on modern consoles and PCs. For those eager to follow the story as intended, beginning with the first game is highly recommended.

### Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition

8$29.99 save 70%$8.99 at Fanatical$16.80 at AmazonEvery Canon Borderlands Game in Chronological Order

These blurbs contain mild spoilers for each game, including characters, settings, and story beats.

1. Borderlands (2009)

This is where it all began. Launched in 2009, Borderlands introduced players to Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai—four "Vault Hunters" embarking on an epic treasure hunt on the volatile planet of Pandora. Their quest for the legendary Vault quickly spirals into chaos, pitting them against the Crimson Lance militia, Pandora's savage wildlife, and relentless bandits. The game's success catapulted the looter shooter genre into the mainstream, thanks to its addictive gameplay loop of defeating enemies, amassing an endless variety of guns, and character development. Post-launch, the game received four expansions, ranging from zombie-infested islands to a humorous take on Mad Max's Thunderdome.

2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)

Developed by 2K Australia with Gearbox Software, The Pre-Sequel bridges the narrative gap between the first two Borderlands games. Set on Pandora's moon, Elpis, it follows new Vault Hunters Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap on their mission to find another Vault. While offering the familiar Borderlands experience with new locales and classes, it also fleshes out the backstory of Borderlands 2's antagonist, Handsome Jack, showcasing his descent into villainy. Post-launch, it received expansions like the Holodome Onslaught and Claptastic Voyage, along with new playable characters.

3. Borderlands 2 (2012)

Returning to Pandora, Borderlands 2 introduced a new group of Vault Hunters: Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0, who clash with the planet's ruthless overlord, Handsome Jack. Their journey begins with a near-fatal train ride and evolves into a quest to uncover Jack's sinister plans and locate another Vault. This sequel expanded on the original with more quests, new character classes, and an even greater arsenal of guns. It's widely considered the best in the series, praised for its engaging story, memorable combat, and humor. Post-launch, it was supported with four additional campaigns, two new playable characters, and several Headhunter missions.

4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014 - 2015)

Tales From The Borderlands, developed by Telltale Games, is a narrative-driven spin-off set after Borderlands 2. It follows Rhys, a Hyperion employee, and Fiona, a con artist, as they become entangled in a quest for a new Vault. The game focuses on a branching, cinematic story with moral choices affecting the narrative. Its characters have since become integral to the Borderlands universe, appearing in subsequent games.

5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)

Despite its fantasy setting, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands remains true to the Borderlands formula. Inspired by the popular Borderlands 2 DLC, Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep, it plunges players into the world of Bunkers and Badasses, led by the lively dungeon master, Tiny Tina. The game offers a vast array of guns, classes, and enemies, alongside new features like an overworld and spell-casting. It also includes four DLCs, expanding the adventure with new dungeons, bosses, and gear.

6. Borderlands 3 (2019)

After a seven-year wait, Borderlands 3 introduced new Vault Hunters Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze, tasked with stopping the siren twins, Troy and Tyreen, across multiple planets. The game retains the series' signature chaos, offering a plethora of guns, enemies, and new character classes. Post-launch, it received four new campaigns, takedown missions, and additional content, including designer and director cuts.

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)

As the latest entry in the chronological timeline, New Tales From The Borderlands introduces new protagonists Anu, Octavio, and Fran, who find themselves in possession of a powerful artefact sought by the Tediore corporation. This narrative-driven game emphasizes branching storylines influenced by player choices, featuring dialogue options, QTE sequences, and impactful decisions.

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 Wonderland (2022)
• New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)
• Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball (2023)
• Borderlands 4 (2025)

What's Next For Borderlands?

The next major installment, *Borderlands 4*, is set to release on September 23, 2025. Following Gearbox Software's acquisition by Take-Two, CEO Randy Pitchford has hailed it as the studio's most ambitious project yet. With Take-Two focusing on the franchise's growth potential, fans can expect more frequent and exciting developments in the *Borderlands* universe in the coming years.