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

Borderlands: A Franchise Timeline and Guide

The Borderlands franchise, known for its cel-shaded visuals, darkly humorous sci-fi setting, and loot-driven gameplay, has exploded in popularity since its debut. From video games to comics, novels, and even a movie (which, while not critically acclaimed, represents a significant milestone), Borderlands has become a multimedia powerhouse. With Borderlands 4 on the horizon, now's the perfect time to explore the series.

This guide outlines the Borderlands games in both chronological and release order, helping you decide where to begin your adventure.

Should You See the Movie?

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).

Best Starting Point:

While starting with Borderlands 1 is recommended for a complete narrative experience, any of the three main games provide a solid introduction to the gameplay. All three are available on modern platforms.

Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition

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Chronological Order (Mild Spoilers):

1. Borderlands (2009): Follows Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai as they hunt for the Vault on Pandora, battling the Crimson Lance and various creatures. Four expansions enhance the experience.

2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014): A prequel set on Elpis, featuring Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap. Explores Handsome Jack's rise to power. Includes expansions like Holodome Onslaught and Claptastic Voyage.

3. Borderlands 2 (2012): Returns to Pandora with new Vault Hunters (Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0) battling Handsome Jack. Considered by many to be the best in the series. Features numerous expansions and additional characters.

4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014-2015): A Telltale Games episodic adventure focusing on Rhys and Fiona, set after Borderlands 2. Character choices significantly impact the story.

5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022): A fantasy-themed spin-off based on the Borderlands 2 DLC, "Assault on Dragon Keep." Features a unique setting but retains core Borderlands gameplay. Includes four expansions.

6. Borderlands 3 (2019): A new team of Vault Hunters (Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze) confronts the Calypso Twins across multiple planets. Includes extensive DLC content.

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022): Another episodic adventure featuring new protagonists (Anu, Octavio, and Fran) who encounter a powerful artifact.

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, slated for release on September 23, 2025, is highly anticipated. Take-Two's acquisition of Gearbox suggests a bright future for the franchise, with potential for more frequent releases and expansion into new areas.