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

The Borderlands franchise, a celebrated looter-shooter, has rapidly become a gaming icon. Its distinctive cel-shaded art style and memorable characters, like the Psycho, have cemented its place in modern video game culture. Expanding beyond gaming, Borderlands has branched into comics, novels, and even a tabletop game.

This year marks a significant milestone: the Borderlands movie, directed by Eli Roth (Hostel, Thanksgiving), bringing Pandora and its inhabitants to the big screen. Despite mixed reviews, the film represents a major achievement 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 helps navigate the games' chronological order and release order.

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Chronological Order of GamesRelease Order of Games

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How Many Borderlands Games Are There?

Seven main Borderlands games and spin-offs are canon, plus two smaller 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 solid introduction if story isn't the primary focus. All three are available on current platforms. However, experiencing the overarching narrative chronologically is recommended for a complete understanding.

Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition

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Every Canon Borderlands Game in Chronological Order

(Mild spoilers ahead)

1. Borderlands (2009)

The original Borderlands introduced Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai, Vault Hunters seeking the legendary Vault on Pandora. Their quest leads to encounters with the Crimson Lance, hostile wildlife, and bandits. The game's success launched the looter-shooter genre, and it received four expansions.

2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)

Set between the first two Borderlands games, The Pre-Sequel features new Vault Hunters (Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap) on Elpis, Pandora's moon. It expands on Handsome Jack's backstory, showing his descent into villainy, and includes several expansions.

3. Borderlands 2 (2012)

Borderlands 2 returns to Pandora with new Vault Hunters (Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0) facing Handsome Jack. It's considered by many to be the best in the series, featuring a compelling story, memorable combat, and a vast arsenal of weapons. It also boasts numerous post-release additions.

4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014-2015)

A Telltale Games episodic adventure, Tales From The Borderlands follows Rhys and Fiona, unlikely partners on a Vault-related adventure. Its branching narrative and impactful choices have established it as a significant part of the Borderlands canon.

5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)

A fantasy-themed spin-off based on the Borderlands 2 DLC, Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep, Wonderlands features a high-fantasy setting while retaining core Borderlands gameplay. It includes expansions adding new content.

6. Borderlands 3 (2019)

Borderlands 3 introduces Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze, tasked with stopping the villainous siren twins, Troy and Tyreen. The game expands the series' scope by venturing beyond Pandora and features extensive DLC.

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)

New Tales From The Borderlands features new protagonists (Anu, Octavio, and Fran) facing off against Tediore and its CEO, Susan Coldwell. Like its predecessor, it emphasizes narrative choices and branching storylines.

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?

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 increased frequency of new projects.