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

The Borderlands franchise, a celebrated looter-shooter, has become a recognizable video game icon. Its distinctive cel-shaded art style and memorable characters have cemented its place in modern gaming culture. The franchise's influence extends beyond gaming, encompassing comics, novels, and even a tabletop game.

This year marks a significant milestone with the release of the Borderlands movie, directed by Eli Roth. While the film's reception was mixed, it represents a major step for the franchise.

With Borderlands 4 slated for release in 2025, both new and returning fans are likely eager to revisit the series. This timeline provides a comprehensive overview of the Borderlands games, helping players understand the series' narrative progression.

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Chronological Play OrderRelease Date Order

How 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 to the gameplay. However, for a complete narrative experience, beginning with the first game is recommended.

Canon Borderlands Games in Chronological Order:

(Minor spoilers ahead)

1. Borderlands (2009): Introduces Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai as they hunt for the legendary Vault on Pandora, battling the Crimson Lance and the planet's dangerous creatures. The game's success launched the looter-shooter genre.

2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014): Bridges the gap between the first two games, following Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap on a mission to a Vault on Elpis. This prequel showcases Handsome Jack's descent into villainy.

3. Borderlands 2 (2012): Returns to Pandora with a new team of Vault Hunters facing off against the tyrannical Handsome Jack. Often considered the best in the series, it expands on the original's formula with more quests, characters, and weapons.

4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014-2015): A Telltale Games episodic adventure focusing on Rhys and Fiona, whose schemes lead them on a Vault-hunting quest. Its story is considered canon to the main series.

5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022): A fantasy-themed spin-off based on the Borderlands 2 DLC, Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep. While different in setting, it retains the core Borderlands gameplay loop.

6. Borderlands 3 (2019): Features a new cast of Vault Hunters battling the siren twins, Troy and Tyreen, across multiple planets. The game expands the series' scope and includes many returning characters.

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022): A sequel to Tales From The Borderlands, featuring new protagonists Anu, Octavio, and Fran, who encounter a powerful artifact and face the wrath of Tediore.

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, set for release on September 23, 2025, is the next major installment. Take-Two's acquisition of Gearbox suggests a bright future for the franchise, with potential for more frequent releases and expanded media.