Since its debut, Borderlands has rapidly cemented its status as the quintessential looter shooter, evolving into one of the most iconic franchises in gaming. Its distinctive cel-shaded graphics and the infamous masked psycho have made it a cornerstone of modern video game culture. But Borderlands isn't just sticking to video games; it's blossomed into a multimedia phenomenon, branching out into comics, novels, and even a tabletop game.
This month marks a significant milestone for the series as it finally leaps to the big screen with a film directed by Eli Roth, known for his work on Hostel and Thanksgiving. The movie reimagines the world of Pandora and its vault-obsessed inhabitants for a new audience. Although it didn't receive glowing reviews, the film represents a major step forward for the franchise.
With Borderlands 4 slated for release later this year, both new and veteran fans are likely eager to dive back into the series and revisit its origins. To help you get up to speed, we've crafted a concise timeline of the Borderlands saga to illustrate how everything fits together.
Jump to:
- How to play in chronological order
- How to play by release date
In total, there are currently seven Borderlands games and spin-offs that are canon to the series, along with two non-canon titles: Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball and Borderlands Legends.
Where's The Best Place to Start?
For those interested in the overarching narrative, starting with Borderlands 1 is recommended. However, if the story isn't your primary concern, any of the mainline games provide a solid introduction to the franchise. The trilogy's entries share similar styles, scopes, and gameplay mechanics, and they're all available on modern consoles and PCs. If you're coming off the movie and wish to follow the intended storyline, beginning with the first game is the way to go.
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 us to Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai, a group of Vault Hunters on a quest for treasure on the chaotic planet of Pandora. Their mission to uncover the legendary Vault leads them through a whirlwind of battles against the Crimson Lance, Pandora's savage wildlife, and ruthless bandits. Borderlands became an instant hit, propelling the looter shooter genre to new heights with its addictive gameplay loop of enemy slaughter, gun collection, and character development. Post-launch, the game received four expansions, expanding its universe from zombie islands to a Mad Max-inspired Thunderdome.
2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)
Developed by 2K Australia with Gearbox Software's help, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel fills the narrative gap between the first two games, despite being released after Borderlands 2. Set on the moon of Elpis, it follows new Vault Hunters Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap as they search for a Vault. The game offers more of the beloved Borderlands gameplay with new locales and classes, while also deepening the backstory of Borderlands 2's antagonist, Handsome Jack. It explores Jack's descent into villainy and includes several expansions, like Holodome Onslaught and Claptastic Voyage, plus two new playable characters.
3. Borderlands 2 (2012)
Borderlands 2, released in 2012, takes players back to Pandora with a new team of Vault Hunters: Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0. Their quest for a new Vault pits them against the planet's overlord, Handsome Jack. After a treacherous train ride leaves them stranded, they embark on a journey to thwart Jack's plans and find the Vault. Widely regarded as the best in the series, Borderlands 2 expands on its predecessor with more quests, classes, and an even larger arsenal of guns. The game was supported post-launch with four additional campaigns, two new characters, and several Headhunter missions.
4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014 - 2015)
Telltale Games' spin-off, Tales From The Borderlands, offers an episodic, story-driven adventure set on Pandora. Following the events of Borderlands 2, it focuses on Rhys, a Hyperion employee, and Fiona, a con artist, who become entangled in a quest for a new Vault after a botched deal. With its branching narrative and moral choices, Tales From The Borderlands has become an integral part of the series' canon, with its characters appearing in subsequent games.
5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)
Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, the latest entry, shifts the setting to a fantasy kingdom while retaining the core Borderlands experience. Inspired by the beloved Borderlands 2 DLC, Assault on Dragon Keep, it invites players into a world of Bunkers and Badasses, led by the enthusiastic dungeon master, Tiny Tina. Players battle fantastical creatures, embark on quests, and face the Dragon Lord, all while enjoying the series' signature gunplay and loot system, enhanced by spells and an overworld area. The game includes four DLCs with new dungeons, bosses, and gear.
6. Borderlands 3 (2019)
Borderlands 3, released in 2019, introduces new Vault Hunters Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze, who must stop the siren twins Troy and Tyreen from harnessing the power of the vaults. The game takes players across multiple planets, reuniting with familiar characters like Lilith, Rhys, Maya, Brick, Zer0, and Claptrap. Packed with the franchise's signature chaos, it offers a plethora of guns, enemies, and new classes to master. Post-launch, Borderlands 3 received four new campaigns, takedown missions, and content cuts.
7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)
New Tales From The Borderlands, the latest chronological entry, follows new protagonists Anu, Octavio, and Fran as they navigate the aftermath of discovering a vault artifact. Their journey pits them against the Tediore corporation and its CEO, Susan Coldwell. Like its predecessor, this game focuses on a branching narrative shaped by player choices, featuring dialogue options, QTE combat, and impactful 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)
