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

Quickly earning a reputation as the face of the looter shooter genre since its release, Borderlands has truly become one of gaming's most recognizable franchises. Known for its distinctive cel-shaded art style and its iconic masked psycho character, the series has carved out a unique space in the sci-fi gaming world with its irreverent humor and expansive universe. Beyond the games, Borderlands has expanded into a multimedia phenomenon, venturing into comics, novels, and even a tabletop game.

This month marks a significant milestone as Borderlands makes its anticipated leap to the big screen under the direction of Eli Roth, famous for films like Hostel and Thanksgiving. The movie reimagines Pandora and its vault-obsessed inhabitants for a broader audience. Despite mixed reviews, this cinematic venture represents a major step forward for the franchise.

With Borderlands 4 slated 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 Borderlands saga.

Jump to:

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

Currently, there are seven Borderlands games and spin-offs that are considered canon to the series, alongside two smaller, non-canon titles: Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball and Borderlands Legends.

Where's The Best Place to Start?

Starting with Borderlands 1 is the most straightforward entry point, though any of the mainline games can serve as an excellent introduction if the story isn't your primary focus. The trilogy shares similar gameplay styles and is accessible on modern consoles and PCs. For those interested in the overarching narrative, beginning with the first game provides the most coherent journey through the saga.

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 original Borderlands launched in 2009, introducing players to Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai—four Vault Hunters on a quest for the legendary Vault on Pandora. Their adventure unfolds amidst chaos, battling the Crimson Lance, dealing with Pandora's dangerous wildlife, and facing off against relentless bandits. Borderlands' success solidified the looter shooter genre, captivating players with its addictive gameplay loop of combat, endless gun varieties, and character development. Post-launch, the game received four expansions that expanded its universe even further.

2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)

Developed by 2K Australia with Gearbox Software's support, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel fills the narrative gap between the first two games. Set on Elpis, Pandora's moon, it follows new Vault Hunters Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap as they search for another Vault. While offering familiar gameplay, the game introduces new locales and classes, keeping fans engaged until Borderlands 3. It also deepens the story of Borderlands 2's antagonist, Handsome Jack, showing his transformation into the iconic villain. The game received several expansions, including new characters and adventures.

3. Borderlands 2 (2012)

Borderlands 2, launched in 2012, brings players back to Pandora with a new team of Vault Hunters: Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0. Their quest to find another Vault pits them against the planet's new ruler, the sadistic Handsome Jack. Stranded in an icy wasteland after a failed assassination attempt by Jack, the team uncovers his sinister plans while searching for the Vault. Widely regarded as a high point in the series, Borderlands 2 offers an expansive world, memorable characters, and the franchise's signature humor, supported by numerous expansions and additional content.

4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014 - 2015)

Telltale's Tales From The Borderlands offers a narrative-driven adventure set post-Borderlands 2. It follows Rhys, a Hyperion employee, and Fiona, a con artist, as they inadvertently become entangled in a quest for a Vault key. With its focus on story and player choices, the game is a critical part of the Borderlands canon, with its characters appearing in later games.

5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands shifts the series to a fantasy setting, inspired by the beloved Borderlands 2 DLC, Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep. Players enter the world of Bunkers and Badasses, led by the energetic dungeon master, Tiny Tina. Despite the new setting, the game retains core Borderlands elements like extensive loot and character classes, introducing new mechanics like spells and an overworld map. It comes with its own set of expansions.

6. Borderlands 3 (2019)

Borderlands 3, released in 2019, introduces new Vault Hunters Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze, tasked with stopping the siren twins, Troy and Tyreen. The adventure spans multiple planets, featuring familiar characters like Lilith and Claptrap. With its signature chaotic gameplay and extensive DLC, Borderlands 3 maintains the series' tradition of expansive content and thrilling action.

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)

New Tales From The Borderlands continues the narrative-focused approach, introducing new protagonists Anu, Octavio, and Fran. After discovering a valuable artifact, they find themselves pursued by the Tediore corporation. The game's story adapts to player choices, offering a dynamic and engaging experience.

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?