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

Borderlands: A Franchise Timeline and Guide

Borderlands, a celebrated looter-shooter franchise, has expanded beyond video games into comics, novels, and even a movie. This guide explores the Borderlands universe, offering a chronological playthrough and release order, along with insights into the franchise's future.

The Borderlands movie, directed by Eli Roth, recently premiered, marking a significant milestone for the franchise. While reviews were mixed, it introduces the series to a wider audience. With Borderlands 4 slated for release later this year, now is the perfect time to explore the games.

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:

Begin with Borderlands 1 for the complete narrative experience. However, if story isn't your primary focus, any of the three mainline games (1, 2, and 3) serve as excellent introductions. All three are available on modern platforms.

Chronological Playthrough:

(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 and the planet's dangers. The game's success launched the looter-shooter genre.

2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014): A prequel set on Elpis, the moon of Pandora. This game introduces new Vault Hunters (Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap) and details Handsome Jack's rise to power.

3. Borderlands 2 (2012): Returns to Pandora, introducing new Vault Hunters (Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0) who confront 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 con leads them on a Vault-hunting journey. Key to the overall 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." Features a unique setting but retains core Borderlands gameplay.

6. Borderlands 3 (2019): A new team of Vault Hunters (Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze) confronts the Calypso Twins, traveling across multiple planets. Features many returning characters.

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022): A sequel to Tales From The Borderlands, introducing Anu, Octavio, and Fran, who encounter a powerful artifact and the Tediore corporation.

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 is set for release on September 23, 2025, promising to be a significant addition to the franchise. Take-Two's acquisition of Gearbox Software suggests a bright future for the Borderlands IP, with potential for more frequent releases and expanded media.