"Timeline Guide: Playing Borderlands Games and Spin-Offs"

Since its debut, Borderlands has quickly established itself as the quintessential looter shooter, becoming a hallmark in the gaming world. Its distinctive cel-shaded visuals and iconic masked psycho character have cemented its place in modern video game culture. Far from resting on its laurels, the franchise has expanded into a multimedia phenomenon, branching out into comics, novels, and even a tabletop game.

This month marks a significant milestone for Borderlands, as it makes its much-anticipated leap to the big screen under the direction of Eli Roth, known for films like Hostel and Thanksgiving. The movie reimagines the world of Pandora and its vault-obsessed inhabitants for a fresh audience. Although the film received mixed reviews, its release is a pivotal moment for the franchise.

With the announcement of Borderlands 4 set for release later this year, both new and returning fans are eager to dive back into the series. To help everyone get up to speed, we've compiled a comprehensive timeline of the franchise, detailing how the games fit together.

Jump to:

• How to play in chronological order
• How to play by release date

How Many Borderlands Games Are There?

In total, there are currently seven Borderlands games and spin-offs that are part of the main canon, and two smaller, non-canon titles: Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball and Borderlands Legends.

Where's The Best Place to Start?

For those looking to delve into the Borderlands universe, starting with the original Borderlands game is recommended, especially if you're interested in following the overarching story. However, if the narrative isn't your primary concern, any of the trilogy's mainline entries can serve as a great introduction.

Each game in the trilogy shares a similar style, scope, and gameplay mechanics, and they're all accessible on modern consoles and PC. If you've just watched the movie and want to experience the story as it unfolds, beginning with the first game is the way to go.

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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 was released in 2009. It follows the adventures of four Vault Hunters—Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai—as they embark on a treasure hunt on the volatile planet of Pandora. Their goal is to uncover the legendary Vault, rumored to hold unimaginable treasures. Their journey quickly turns into a chaotic battle against the Crimson Lance militia, Pandora's savage wildlife, and numerous bandits. Borderlands became an instant hit, pioneering the looter shooter genre with its addictive gameplay loop of combat, gun collection, and character development. Post-launch, the game received four expansions, ranging from zombie-themed islands to a humorous take on Mad Max's Thunderdome.

2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)

Developed by 2K Australia with Gearbox Software's assistance, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel was released after Borderlands 2 but is set between the first two games. It introduces new Vault Hunters—Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap—who embark on a mission to find a Vault on the moon of Elpis. While offering more of what fans loved about Borderlands, including new classes, weapons, and boss fights, its main attraction is fleshing out the backstory of Borderlands 2's antagonist, Handsome Jack. The game also features several expansions, including the Holodome Onslaught and Claptastic Voyage, along with two new playable characters: the Doppelganger and the Baroness.

3. Borderlands 2 (2012)

The sequel to the original, Borderlands 2, released in 2012, brings players back to Pandora with a new group of Vault Hunters: Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0. Their mission to find a new Vault is complicated by the planet's tyrannical ruler, Handsome Jack, who attempts to eliminate them. Left stranded in an icy wasteland, the team uncovers Jack's sinister plans while pursuing the Vault. Borderlands 2 expanded on the original's formula, offering more quests, new character classes, and an even greater variety of guns. It's often regarded as the best in the series, thanks to its engaging story, memorable combat, and humor. The game was supported with four additional campaigns, two new playable characters, and several Headhunter missions.

4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014 - 2015)

Tales From The Borderlands, developed by Telltale Games, is the first full spin-off in the series. Set after the events of Borderlands 2, it follows Rhys, a Hyperion employee, and Fiona, a con artist, who get entangled in a quest for a new Vault. Unlike the mainline games, Tales focuses on a narrative-driven adventure with branching storylines influenced by player choices. It has since become an integral part of the Borderlands canon, with characters from the game appearing in Borderlands 3.

5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, Gearbox's latest addition to the franchise, shifts the setting from futuristic wastelands to a fantasy kingdom. Inspired by the Borderlands 2 DLC, Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep, it immerses players in a Dungeons and Dragons-style world called Bunkers and Badasses. With Tiny Tina as the dungeon master, players battle fantasy creatures and undertake epic quests. The game retains the series' core elements, such as extensive gun collections and character classes, while introducing new features like spells and an overworld map. It also includes four DLCs with new dungeons, bosses, and gear.

6. Borderlands 3 (2019)

Seven years after Borderlands 2, Borderlands 3 was released in 2019, introducing new Vault Hunters—Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze—who embark on a mission to stop the siren twins, Troy and Tyreen. Players travel across multiple planets, encountering familiar characters like Lilith, Rhys, Maya, Brick, Zer0, and Claptrap. The game continues the series' tradition of looter shooter action, offering new classes, a plethora of guns, and extensive post-launch content, including four new campaigns, takedown missions, and additional content cuts.

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)

New Tales From The Borderlands, the latest entry in the chronological timeline, follows three new protagonists—Anu, Octavio, and Fran—as they uncover the powers of a mysterious artefact found in a vault. Their journey pits them against the Tediore corporation and its CEO, Susan Coldwell. Like its predecessor, this game emphasizes a branching narrative influenced by player choices, featuring dialogue options, quick-time events, 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)

What's Next For Borderlands?

The next major release for the Borderlands series is Borderlands 4, scheduled for September 23, 2025. Announced following Gearbox Software's acquisition by Take-Two, Randy Pitchford, head of Gearbox, described it as "the greatest thing [the studio has] ever done." While details are scarce, the franchise is poised for further growth under Take-Two, with CEO Strauss Zelnick highlighting numerous potential opportunities. Fans can expect more adventures in the Borderlands universe in the years to come.