Play Borderlands Games in Timeline Order

Since its debut, *Borderlands* has swiftly cemented its status as a flagship title in the looter shooter genre, becoming a beloved and iconic franchise in gaming. Its distinctive cel-shaded art style and the iconic masked psycho have embedded the series into modern video game culture. Far from resting on its laurels, *Borderlands* has expanded into a multimedia empire, branching out into comics, novels, and even a tabletop game.

This month marks a significant milestone for the franchise as it makes its cinematic debut with a film directed by Eli Roth, known for *Hostel* and *Thanksgiving*. The movie reimagines the world of Pandora and its vault-obsessed inhabitants for a new audience. Despite mixed reviews, the film represents a pivotal moment for the series.

With *Borderlands 4* slated for release later this year, both new and returning fans are eager to dive back into the series and revisit its origins. To help you get up to speed, we've compiled a comprehensive timeline of the *Borderlands* saga.

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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Answer See Results How Many Borderlands Games Are There? -------------------------------------

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

Where's The Best Place to Start?

The most straightforward starting point is arguably Borderlands 1. However, if you're less concerned with the narrative, any of the mainline games provide a solid introduction. The trilogy shares a similar style, scope, and gameplay, and all are available on modern consoles and PC. For those interested in the overarching story, beginning with the first game is the recommended approach, especially if you're coming fresh off the movie.

Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition

8$29.99 save 70%$8.99 at Fanatical$16.80 at Amazon 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 game that started it all, Borderlands launched in 2009, introducing players to Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai—a quartet of Vault Hunters on a treasure hunt across the volatile planet of Pandora. Their quest for the legendary Vault quickly descends into chaos, facing off against the Crimson Lance militia, battling Pandora's savage wildlife, and confronting hordes of bandits. The game's success propelled the looter shooter genre forward with its addictive gameplay loop of killing enemies, discovering countless guns, and character development. Post-launch, it received four expansions, ranging from zombie-themed islands to a Mad Max-inspired Thunderdome.

2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)

Developed by 2K Australia with Gearbox Software's assistance, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel fills the narrative gap between the first two games. Set on the moon of Elpis, it follows new Vault Hunters Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap as they search for another Vault. While offering more of what fans loved—new classes, guns, bosses, and quests—it also deepens the backstory of Borderlands 2's main antagonist, Handsome Jack, showing his descent into madness. The game was further expanded with additional content, including the Holodome Onslaught and Claptastic Voyage, plus two new playable characters: the Doppelganger and the Baroness.

3. Borderlands 2 (2012)

Borderlands 2 returned players to Pandora with a new team of Vault Hunters: Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0. Their quest to find a new Vault is thwarted by the planet's tyrannical ruler, Handsome Jack, who attempts to kill them, leaving them stranded. The game follows their journey to uncover Jack's sinister plans and stop him. Widely regarded as the best in the series, Borderlands 2 expanded the original formula with more quests, new classes, and a memorable villain. Post-launch, it received four campaigns, two additional characters, and several Headhunter missions.

4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014 - 2015)

Tales From The Borderlands, developed by Telltale Games, is the first spin-off in the series. Set after Borderlands 2, it focuses on a crook named Fiona and a corporate employee, Rhys, who inadvertently embark on a quest for a new Vault. The game emphasizes a branching, cinematic narrative with player-driven moral choices. Its impact on the Borderlands canon is significant, with characters from this game appearing in Borderlands 3.

5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands may look different with its fantasy setting, but it retains the essence of Borderlands. Serving as an expanded version of the beloved Borderlands 2 DLC, Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep, this game immerses players in a world of Bunkers and Badasses, guided by the enthusiastic dungeon master, Tiny Tina. It offers a mix of guns, classes, and enemies, alongside new elements like spells and an overworld area. Four DLCs were released, introducing new dungeons, bosses, and gear.

6. Borderlands 3 (2019)

Borderlands 3 introduced a new squad of Vault Hunters—Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze—tasked with stopping the siren twins, Troy and Tyreen, from harnessing Vault power for a mysterious purpose. This installment takes players across multiple planets, reuniting them with familiar characters like Lilith and Claptrap. With its vast array of guns, classes, and enemies, Borderlands 3 offers extensive content, including four new campaigns, takedown missions, and additional cuts featuring previously unseen content.

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)

The latest entry in the series, New Tales From The Borderlands introduces new protagonists Anu, Octavio, and Fran, who stumble upon a vault and a powerful artefact, drawing the ire of the Tediore corporation and its CEO, Susan Coldwell. The game focuses on a branching narrative 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 release, *Borderlands 4*, is set to launch on September 23, 2025. Following Gearbox Software's acquisition by Take-Two, studio head Randy Pitchford has described the upcoming sequel as "the greatest thing [the studio has] ever done." With Take-Two's focus on expanding the franchise, as noted by CEO Strauss Zelnick, the future looks bright for more *Borderlands* adventures.