Quickly gaining renown as a leading looter shooter franchise, Borderlands has become a recognizable name in gaming. Its distinctive cel-shaded art style and iconic masked psycho, Handsome Jack, 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 month marks a significant milestone: the Borderlands movie, directed by Eli Roth (Hostel, Thanksgiving), brings Pandora and its inhabitants to the big screen, introducing the universe to a new audience. While critical reception may have been mixed, the film's release is a major achievement for the franchise.
With Borderlands 4 confirmed for release later this year, many fans—both new and returning—will likely want to revisit the series' origins. To help, we've compiled a timeline to guide you through the Borderlands saga.
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How to play in chronological order How to play by release date
AnswerSee ResultsHow Many Borderlands Games Are There?
There are currently seven canon Borderlands games and spin-offs, plus two smaller, non-canon titles: Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball and Borderlands Legends.
Where's the Best Place to Start?
While Borderlands 1 is the logical starting point, any of the three main games offer a solid introduction if story isn't your primary concern. The trilogy shares similar gameplay, but experiencing the overarching narrative from the beginning provides the most fulfilling experience, especially for those coming from the movie. All three main entries are readily available on modern platforms.
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Every Canon Borderlands Game in Chronological Order
(Mild spoilers ahead)
1. Borderlands (2009)
The original Borderlands (2009) introduces Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai—four Vault Hunters seeking the legendary Vault on Pandora. Their quest plunges them into conflict with the Crimson Lance militia, hostile wildlife, and countless bandits. The game's innovative looter-shooter gameplay, featuring a vast arsenal of weapons and character progression, was a critical and commercial success, establishing the genre's popularity. Four post-release expansions further enriched the experience.
2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)
Developed by 2K Australia, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel bridges the gap between the first two main games. It follows new Vault Hunters—Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap—on a mission to a Vault on Elpis, Pandora's moon. The game expands on the established formula, introducing new environments, classes, and enemies, while significantly developing Handsome Jack's backstory and showcasing his descent into villainy. Post-release expansions added new content and playable characters.
3. Borderlands 2 (2012)
Borderlands 2 (2012) returns to Pandora with a new team of Vault Hunters: Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0. Their search for a new Vault pits them against the tyrannical Handsome Jack. The game expands upon the original's success with a larger world, more quests, additional character classes, and—of course—an even greater variety of weapons. Considered by many to be the best in the series, it also received substantial post-release support.
4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014-2015)
A Telltale Games episodic adventure, Tales From The Borderlands, shifts the focus from action to narrative. It follows Rhys, a Hyperion employee, and Fiona, a con artist, as they become entangled in a quest for a new Vault. The game emphasizes player choices and their impact on the story, with its characters later appearing in Borderlands 3, solidifying its place in the canon.
5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)
A fantasy-themed spin-off inspired by the Borderlands 2 DLC, Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands retains the core Borderlands gameplay loop within a high-fantasy setting. Players embark on quests guided by Tiny Tina, battling fantasy creatures and collecting an abundance of magical weaponry. The game features expansions adding new content.
6. Borderlands 3 (2019)
Borderlands 3 (2019) introduces a new cast of Vault Hunters—Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze—tasked with stopping the villainous siren twins, Troy and Tyreen. For the first time, the game expands beyond Pandora, taking players to multiple planets. The game features numerous returning characters and a wealth of new content. Post-release DLCs added significant additional campaigns and missions.
7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)
New Tales From The Borderlands features a new set of protagonists—Anu, Octavio, and Fran—who stumble upon a powerful artifact, attracting the attention of the ruthless Tediore corporation. This narrative-driven adventure emphasizes player choices and their consequences, delivering another compelling story within the Borderlands universe.
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 Wonderlands (2022) New Tales From The Borderlands (2022) Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball (2023) Borderlands 4 (2025)
What's Next For Borderlands?
Borderlands 4, slated for release on September 23, 2025, is the next major installment. Gearbox Software's acquisition by Take-Two Interactive suggests a bright future for the franchise, with potential for more frequent releases and expanded media projects.
