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 tabletop games, showcasing its multimedia appeal.
This year marks a significant milestone: the Borderlands movie, directed by Eli Roth (Hostel, Thanksgiving), brought Pandora and its inhabitants to the big screen. Despite mixed reviews, the film's release is a major achievement for the franchise.
With Borderlands 4 slated for release in 2025, many fans—new and returning—will likely want to revisit the series. This timeline helps navigate the Borderlands universe:
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Chronological Play OrderRelease Date Order
How Many Borderlands Games Exist?
Seven main Borderlands games and spin-offs are canon, 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 satisfying introduction if story isn't the primary focus. The trilogy shares similar gameplay and style. However, for a complete narrative experience, beginning with Borderlands 1 is recommended, especially for those wanting to follow the movie's storyline.
Canon Borderlands Games in Chronological Order:
(Minor spoilers ahead)
1. Borderlands (2009): The original game introduces Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai, four Vault Hunters searching for the legendary Vault on Pandora. They battle the Crimson Lance, hostile wildlife, and bandits. The game's success propelled the looter-shooter genre. Four expansions enhanced the experience.
2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014): A prequel bridging the gap between the first two games, this installment features new Vault Hunters (Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap) on Elpis, Pandora's moon. It significantly develops Handsome Jack's backstory, showcasing his descent into villainy and featuring characters from Borderlands 2. Several expansions were released.
3. Borderlands 2 (2012): The sequel returns to Pandora with new Vault Hunters (Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0) confronting the tyrannical Handsome Jack. It expands on the original's formula with more quests, classes, and weaponry. Considered by many as the best in the series, it also received extensive post-release content.
4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014-2015): A Telltale Games episodic adventure, this spin-off features Rhys and Fiona, whose intertwined fates lead them on a Vault-hunting journey. Its narrative-driven gameplay and impactful choices have solidified its place in 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. While the setting changes, the core gameplay remains true to the Borderlands formula. It features a unique overworld and spellcasting mechanics. Four DLCs expand the adventure.
6. Borderlands 3 (2019): The third main installment introduces Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze, who must stop the villainous siren twins, Troy and Tyreen. The game expands the setting beyond Pandora, featuring multiple planets and many familiar characters. Substantial DLC content is available.
7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022): The sequel to Tales From The Borderlands, featuring Anu, Octavio, and Fran, who stumble upon a powerful artifact, drawing the attention of Tediore Corporation. This narrative-driven adventure offers branching storylines based on player choices.
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 release. Take-Two's acquisition of Gearbox Software suggests a strong future for the franchise, with significant growth potential.
