Borderlands Games: Ultimate Timeline Guide for Optimal Gameplay

The Borderlands franchise has exploded in popularity since its inception, becoming a recognizable name in gaming. Its distinctive cel-shaded art style and irreverent humor have cemented its place in modern video game culture. The franchise's success 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 will likely want to revisit the series. This timeline provides a guide to experiencing the Borderlands games:

Jump to:

Chronological Order of Play | Release Order of Play

[Poll: Are you going to see the Borderlands movie in theaters?]

How Many Borderlands Games Are There?

There are seven canon Borderlands games and spin-offs, plus two non-canon titles (Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball and Borderlands Legends).

Where to Start?

While Borderlands 1 is the logical starting point, any of the three main games offer a good introduction to the gameplay. However, for a comprehensive narrative experience, beginning with Borderlands 1 is recommended, especially for those wanting to follow the story as intended after seeing the movie.

Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition

[Price Comparison: Fanatical, Amazon]

Canon Borderlands Games in Chronological Order:

(Mild spoilers ahead)

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

2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014): Set between Borderlands 1 and 2, this installment introduces new Vault Hunters (Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap) on a mission to Elpis, the moon of Pandora. It significantly expands on Handsome Jack's backstory.

3. Borderlands 2 (2012): Returns to Pandora with a new team of Vault Hunters (Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0) facing off against the tyrannical Handsome Jack. Considered by many as the best in the series.

4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014-2015): A Telltale Games episodic adventure focusing on Rhys and Fiona, whose paths intertwine as they pursue a Vault. A crucial part of the overall Borderlands narrative.

5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022): A fantasy-themed spin-off based on the Borderlands 2 DLC, "Assault on Dragon Keep," featuring Tina as the Dungeon Master. Maintains the core Borderlands gameplay loop within a unique setting.

6. Borderlands 3 (2019): Introduces new Vault Hunters (Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze) to battle the siren twins, Troy and Tyreen, across multiple planets. Features many returning characters.

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022): A sequel to Tales From The Borderlands, featuring new protagonists (Anu, Octavio, and Fran) caught in a conflict with Tediore Corporation.

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)

What's Next for Borderlands?

Borderlands 4 is the next major release, scheduled for September 23, 2025. Take-Two's acquisition of Gearbox suggests a bright future for the franchise with potential for more frequent releases.