Since its inception, *Borderlands* has swiftly become a hallmark of the looter shooter genre, cementing its status as one of the most iconic franchises in gaming. Its distinctive cel-shaded visuals and the infamous masked psycho character have helped define its quirky, irreverent sci-fi universe, which has now become a cornerstone of contemporary video game culture. Yet, the series' influence doesn't end with gaming—it has evolved into a sprawling multimedia phenomenon, branching into comics, novels, and even a tabletop game.
This month marks a monumental step for the franchise as *Borderlands* makes its much-anticipated leap to the cinema, directed by Eli Roth, known for *Hostel* and *Thanksgiving*. This film reintroduces Pandora and its vault-obsessed inhabitants to a broader audience. Despite mixed reviews, this cinematic venture represents a significant milestone for any gaming franchise.
With the announcement of *Borderlands 4* slated for a release later this year, both new and veteran fans are likely eager to revisit the series' origins. To aid in this journey, we've compiled a comprehensive timeline of the *Borderlands* saga to help you understand its narrative arc.
Jump to:
- How to play in chronological order
- How to play by release date
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How Many Borderlands Games Are There?
The *Borderlands* universe currently encompasses **seven canon games and spin-offs**, alongside **two non-canon titles**: *Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball* and *Borderlands Legends*.
Where's The Best Place to Start?
For those new to the series or returning after a hiatus, starting with *Borderlands 1* is highly recommended. This approach ensures you experience the story from its inception. However, if you're less interested in the narrative and more in the gameplay, any of the three mainline games offers a solid introduction. Each entry in the trilogy shares a similar style, scope, and gameplay mechanics, and they're all accessible on modern consoles and PC.
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Every Canon Borderlands Game in Chronological Order
*The following summaries contain mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and plot points.*
1. Borderlands (2009)
The inaugural *Borderlands* game introduced players to the world of Pandora in 2009, following the adventures of four Vault Hunters—Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai—as they embark on a quest for the legendary Vault. Their journey across the volatile planet pits them against the Crimson Lance militia, wild creatures, and ruthless bandits. The game's success was largely due to its addictive gameplay loop of combat, gun collection, and character development, which propelled the looter shooter genre forward. Post-launch, the game received four expansions, expanding its universe from zombie-infested islands to a parody of *Mad Max*'s Thunderdome.
2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)
Developed by 2K Australia with Gearbox Software's collaboration, *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel* bridges the narrative gap between the first two games. Set on the moon of Elpis, it follows new Vault Hunters—Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap—as they search for another Vault. This game not only offers more of the beloved *Borderlands* gameplay but also delves deeper into the backstory of *Borderlands 2*'s antagonist, Handsome Jack. Post-launch, it received additional content like the Holodome Onslaught and Claptastic Voyage, along with new playable characters.
3. Borderlands 2 (2012)
*Borderlands 2* returned players to Pandora in 2012, introducing a new group of Vault Hunters—Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0—challenged by the planet's overlord, Handsome Jack. Their mission to uncover another Vault quickly turns into a battle against Jack's tyranny. This sequel expanded on the original with more quests, new character classes, and an even larger arsenal of guns. It's widely regarded as one of the best entries in the series, supported by numerous post-release campaigns and additional content.
4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014 - 2015)
The first spin-off, *Tales From The Borderlands*, crafted by Telltale Games, focuses on a narrative-driven adventure on Pandora. It follows Rhys, a Hyperion employee, and Fiona, a con artist, as they navigate a complex plot involving a fake vault key. This episodic series emphasizes branching storylines and player choices, significantly contributing to the *Borderlands* lore and featuring characters that appear in later games.
5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)
*Tiny Tina's Wonderlands* shifts the setting to a fantasy realm while retaining the core *Borderlands* gameplay mechanics. Inspired by the popular *Borderlands 2* DLC, it immerses players in the world of Bunkers and Badasses, guided by the exuberant Tiny Tina. This game introduces new elements like spells and an overworld, alongside traditional *Borderlands* features such as guns and character classes, supplemented by four DLCs.
6. Borderlands 3 (2019)
Launched in 2019, *Borderlands 3* introduces players to a new squad of Vault Hunters—Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze—as they chase down the siren twins, Troy and Tyreen, across multiple planets. This installment expands the universe further, reconnecting with familiar characters like Lilith and Claptrap. The game continues the tradition of expansive content with four new campaigns and additional DLCs.
7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)
The latest entry in the series, *New Tales From The Borderlands*, introduces new protagonists—Anu, Octavio, and Fran—as they navigate a plot involving a valuable vault artifact and the ruthless Tediore corporation. Like its predecessor, this game focuses on a choice-driven narrative, impacting the story's outcome through dialogue and decisions.
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 in the *Borderlands* saga is *Borderlands 4*, set to launch on September 23, 2025. Following Gearbox Software's acquisition by Take-Two, the studio's head, Randy Pitchford, described the upcoming game as "the greatest thing [the studio has] ever done." With Take-Two eyeing significant growth opportunities for the franchise, fans can expect more frequent and expansive projects in the *Borderlands* universe in the coming years.
