Borderlands Game Timeline: A Comprehensive Order Guide

The Borderlands franchise, a celebrated looter-shooter, has become a gaming icon. Its distinctive cel-shaded art style and memorable characters have cemented its place in modern video game culture. The franchise's influence extends beyond gaming, encompassing comics, novels, and even a tabletop game. This year marks a significant milestone with the release of the Borderlands movie, directed by Eli Roth. While critical reception was mixed, the film's release is a major achievement for the franchise.

With Borderlands 4 slated for release in 2025, anticipation is high among existing and new fans. To help players prepare, we've compiled a timeline of the series, outlining the best way to experience the storyline.

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Chronological Play OrderRelease Date Play Order

Will you see the Borderlands movie?

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How Many Borderlands Games Exist?

Seven main Borderlands games and spin-offs are canon, plus two non-canon titles: Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball and Borderlands Legends.

Optimal Starting Point:

While Borderlands 1 is the logical starting point, any of the three main games offer a solid introduction, especially if storyline isn't a primary concern. The trilogy shares similar gameplay, but experiencing the overarching narrative from the beginning enhances the overall experience, particularly for those wanting to follow the movie's storyline.

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Chronological Order of Canon Borderlands Games:

(Mild spoilers ahead)

1. Borderlands (2009):

The original Borderlands introduces Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai, four Vault Hunters searching for the legendary Vault on Pandora. Their quest leads to encounters with the Crimson Lance militia, hostile wildlife, and numerous bandits. The game's success launched the looter-shooter genre and was further enhanced by four post-release expansions.

2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014):

Developed by 2K Australia, The Pre-Sequel bridges the gap between the first two games. It follows Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap on a mission to a Vault on Elpis, Pandora's moon. This game features Handsome Jack prominently, detailing his descent into villainy and setting the stage for Borderlands 2. Post-release expansions included the Holodome Onslaught and Claptastic Voyage.

3. Borderlands 2 (2012):

Borderlands 2 returns to Pandora with a new team of Vault Hunters: Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0. Their quest to find a Vault pits them against Handsome Jack. Considered by many as the best in the series, it expands on the original's formula with more quests, character classes, and weaponry. Post-release content included four campaigns and two additional playable characters.

4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014-2015):

A Telltale Games episodic adventure, Tales From The Borderlands, focuses on Rhys and Fiona, whose unlikely partnership leads them on a Vault-related adventure. This story-driven game features branching narratives and moral choices. Characters from this game appear in Borderlands 3, solidifying its canon status.

5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022):

A fantasy-themed spin-off, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, expands on the Borderlands 2 DLC, "Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep." It retains the core Borderlands gameplay while introducing a fantasy setting and new mechanics. Four DLC expansions further enrich the experience.

6. Borderlands 3 (2019):

Borderlands 3 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 returning characters. Extensive DLC content includes four campaigns and various missions.

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022):

A sequel to the original Tales From The Borderlands, this game introduces Anu, Octavio, and Fran, whose discovery of a powerful artifact puts them at odds with the Tediore corporation. Similar to its predecessor, it emphasizes narrative choices and branching storylines.

Release Order of Borderlands Games:

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 installment. Take-Two's acquisition of Gearbox Software suggests a bright future for the franchise, with potential for increased development and expansion of the Borderlands universe.