Since its debut, Borderlands has rapidly established itself as a cornerstone of the looter shooter genre, becoming one of the most iconic franchises in gaming. Known for its distinctive cel-shaded visuals and the notorious masked psycho, the series blends foul-mouthed, irreverent sci-fi elements that have resonated deeply within modern gaming culture. But the universe of Borderlands isn't confined to just video games; it has expanded into a multimedia empire, branching into comics, novels, and even a tabletop game.
This month marks a significant milestone as Borderlands leaps to the big screen under the direction of Eli Roth, known for films like "Hostel" and "Thanksgiving." This film introduces Pandora and its vault-hunting inhabitants to a broader audience. Although the movie received mixed reviews, its release is a monumental step for the franchise.
With the announcement of Borderlands 4 slated for release later this year, both new and returning fans are eager to revisit the series. To help you navigate the expansive world of Borderlands, we've crafted a comprehensive timeline of the series, detailing how each game fits into the overall narrative.
**Jump to**:
How to play in chronological order
How to play by release date
There are a total of **seven Borderlands games and spin-offs** that are considered canon within the series, along with **two** smaller, non-canon titles: Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball and Borderlands Legends.
Where's The Best Place to Start?
For those new to the series, starting with Borderlands 1 is highly recommended, especially if you're interested in following the narrative from its inception. However, if the story isn't your primary concern, any of the three mainline games serve as a solid entry point. Each game in the trilogy shares a similar style, scope, and gameplay, and all are readily available on modern consoles and PCs. For those keen on experiencing the overarching saga, beginning with the first game is the ideal way to immerse yourself in the world of Borderlands.
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 the adventures of Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai, a quartet of Vault Hunters on a quest for treasure. Set on the unpredictable planet of Pandora, they seek the legendary Vault rumored to contain untold riches. Their journey quickly turns into a chaotic battle against the Crimson Lance militia, the planet's wild creatures, and hordes of bandits. Borderlands not only popularized the looter shooter genre but also captivated players with its addictive gameplay loop of combat, exploration, and an endless array of guns. Post-launch, the game was bolstered by four expansions, ranging from zombie-infested islands to a playful homage to Mad Max's Thunderdome.
2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)
Developed by 2K Australia in collaboration with Gearbox Software, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel bridges the narrative gap between the first and second games. Set on the moon of Elpis, players control new Vault Hunters Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap as they pursue another Vault. While offering familiar Borderlands gameplay with new classes and settings, The Pre-Sequel's primary allure is its deeper look into the story of Borderlands 2, particularly the rise of its antagonist, Handsome Jack. The game also reintroduces key characters and bosses from the sequel, enriching the backstory and providing insight into Jack's descent into villainy. Post-launch, additional expansions like the Holodome Onslaught and Claptastic Voyage, along with new playable characters, further expanded the game's universe.
3. Borderlands 2 (2012)
The official sequel to Borderlands, released in 2012, Borderlands 2 returns players to Pandora with a new team of Vault Hunters: Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0. Their mission to find another Vault is thwarted by the planet's tyrannical ruler, Handsome Jack, who attempts to eliminate them. Stranded in an icy wasteland after a failed assassination attempt, the group embarks on a quest to uncover Jack's sinister plans and locate the Vault. Borderlands 2 expands on the original formula with more quests, classes, and an even larger arsenal of weapons. Widely considered the best in the series, it offers a compelling narrative, memorable combat, and the trademark humor of Borderlands. The game was supported by numerous post-launch expansions, including four additional campaigns and new playable characters.
4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014 - 2015)
The first spin-off in the series, Tales From The Borderlands, developed by Telltale Games, shifts the focus from Vault Hunters to a more narrative-driven experience. Set after Borderlands 2, it follows Rhys, a Hyperion employee, and Fiona, a con artist, as they inadvertently become embroiled in a quest for a Vault key. This episodic adventure emphasizes moral choices and branching storylines, showcasing the series' universe from a new perspective. Its impact on the Borderlands canon is significant, with characters from Tales appearing in subsequent games.
5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)
Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, the latest entry from Gearbox Software, may not look like a typical Borderlands game with its fantasy setting, but it retains the core gameplay elements. Inspired by the beloved Borderlands 2 DLC, Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep, Wonderlands immerses players in a Dungeons and Dragons-like world where Tina serves as the dungeon master. Players battle fantastical creatures and undertake epic quests, all while enjoying the series' signature loot system and a host of new features like spells and an overworld map. The game's four DLCs add even more content, including new dungeons, bosses, and gear.
6. Borderlands 3 (2019)
Seven years after Borderlands 2, Gearbox Software released Borderlands 3, introducing new Vault Hunters Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze on a mission to stop the siren twins, Troy and Tyreen, from harnessing the power of the Vaults. The game expands the universe beyond Pandora, taking players to multiple planets. Familiar faces like Lilith, Rhys, and Claptrap return, enhancing the narrative. Borderlands 3 continues the tradition of intense looter shooter action with a vast array of weapons, new classes, and extensive post-launch content, including four new campaigns and additional missions.
7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)
The latest addition to the series, New Tales From The Borderlands, introduces new protagonists Anu, Octavio, and Fran. Following their accidental discovery of a Vault and a powerful artefact, they find themselves pursued by the Tediore corporation's CEO, Susan Coldwell. This narrative-driven game focuses on player choices, dialogue options, and interactive sequences, continuing the legacy of its predecessor while adding fresh stories to the Borderlands universe.
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 big release for the series is Borderlands 4, set to launch on September 23, 2025. Following Gearbox Software's acquisition by Take-Two, Randy Pitchford, head of Gearbox, has described the upcoming sequel as the studio's greatest achievement yet. With Take-Two focusing on expanding the Borderlands franchise, fans can expect more frequent projects and potential growth opportunities for the IP in the coming years.
