Since its debut, **Borderlands** has quickly risen to prominence as the quintessential looter shooter, carving out a distinct niche in the gaming world. Its signature cel-shaded visuals and the iconic masked psycho character have cemented its place in modern video game culture. The franchise's influence extends beyond gaming, branching into comics, novels, and even a tabletop game, making it a true multimedia phenomenon.
This month marks a significant milestone for the series as it ventures onto the big screen with a film directed by Eli Roth, known for "Hostel" and "Thanksgiving." The movie reimagines the chaotic world of Pandora and its vault-obsessed inhabitants for a new audience. Despite mixed reviews, this adaptation represents a monumental step for the franchise.
With Borderlands 4 slated for release later this year, both new and returning fans are eager to re-immerse themselves in the series. To help you catch up, we've compiled a timeline of the series, detailing how each game fits into the broader narrative.
Jump to:
- How to play in chronological order
- How to play by release date
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How Many Borderlands Games Are There?
There are currently seven canon Borderlands games and spin-offs, along with two non-canon titles: Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball and Borderlands Legends.
Where's The Best Place to Start?
If you're interested in the overarching story, starting with Borderlands 1 is recommended. However, if you're more focused on gameplay, any of the mainline games will provide a solid introduction. The trilogy shares a similar style, scope, and gameplay, and all are available on modern consoles and PC.
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Every Canon Borderlands Game in Chronological Order
These blurbs contain mild spoilers for each game, including characters, settings, and story beats.
1. Borderlands (2009)
The inaugural game, Borderlands, launched in 2009, introducing players to the Vault Hunters Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai. Their quest leads them to Pandora, where they seek the legendary Vault, facing off against the Crimson Lance, wild creatures, and bandits. The game's success popularized the looter shooter genre, offering a thrilling gameplay loop and numerous expansions post-launch.
2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)
Developed by 2K Australia and Gearbox Software, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel fills the narrative gap between the first two games. Set on the moon of Elpis, new Vault Hunters Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap pursue another Vault. The game delves into the backstory of Handsome Jack, the antagonist from Borderlands 2, and received several expansions, including new playable characters.
3. Borderlands 2 (2012)
Borderlands 2 brings players back to Pandora with new Vault Hunters Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0. They clash with the planet's tyrannical ruler, Handsome Jack, while seeking another Vault. The sequel expands on the original's formula, offering more quests, classes, and guns, and is widely regarded as the best in the series.
4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014 - 2015)
Tales From The Borderlands, developed by Telltale Games, is a narrative-driven spin-off set after the events of Borderlands 2. It follows Rhys, a Hyperion employee, and Fiona, a con artist, as they navigate a complex plot involving a Vault key. The game's branching story and moral choices have earned it a place in the Borderlands canon.
5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)
Tiny Tina's Wonderlands transforms the Borderlands formula into a fantasy setting inspired by the beloved Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep DLC. Players explore a world of Bunkers and Badasses, battling fantasy creatures under the guidance of the eccentric dungeon master, Tiny Tina. The game retains the series' core elements while introducing new mechanics and expansions.
6. Borderlands 3 (2019)
Borderlands 3 introduces a new cast of Vault Hunters, Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze, on a mission to stop the siren twins, Troy and Tyreen. The game spans multiple planets, featuring familiar characters and offering extensive DLC content, including new campaigns and resurrected content.
7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)
New Tales From The Borderlands follows the adventures of Anu, Octavio, and Fran after they discover a powerful relic. The game focuses on a branching narrative and impactful choices, continuing the storytelling tradition of its predecessor.
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?
The next major release is Borderlands 4, scheduled for September 23, 2025. Following Gearbox Software's acquisition by Take-Two, Randy Pitchford described the sequel as the studio's "greatest thing." With Take-Two's focus on the franchise's growth potential, fans can expect more adventures in the Borderlands universe in the coming years.
