Quickly establishing itself as a leading light in the looter shooter genre, Borderlands has become a gaming icon. Its distinctive cel-shaded art style and the unforgettable Psycho bandit 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. While the film’s reception was mixed, its theatrical release is a major achievement for any franchise.
With Borderlands 4 confirmed for release later this year, many new and returning fans will want to revisit the series. Here's a timeline to help you get caught up:
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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 seven main 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 good introduction if you're less concerned with the overarching narrative. The trilogy shares a similar style and gameplay. However, for a complete understanding of the story, especially after seeing the movie, beginning with the first game is recommended.
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Every Canon Borderlands Game in Chronological Order
(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 them into conflict with the Crimson Lance, Pandora's wildlife, and countless bandits. The game's success launched the looter shooter genre and was bolstered 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 new Vault Hunters—Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap—on a mission to a vault on Elpis, Pandora's moon. Featuring Handsome Jack prominently, it reveals his origins and descent into villainy. Post-release content included expansions and additional playable characters.
3. Borderlands 2 (2012)
Borderlands 2 returns to Pandora with a new team of Vault Hunters facing off against the tyrannical Handsome Jack. Larger in scope than its predecessor, it features more quests, classes, and—of course—guns. Considered by many as the best in the series, it also received extensive post-launch support.
4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014-2015)
A Telltale Games episodic adventure, Tales From The Borderlands focuses on Rhys and Fiona, unlikely partners who stumble into a grand adventure after a con goes wrong. Set after Borderlands 2, it's a significant part of the overall canon, with characters appearing in later installments.
5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)
Expanding on the Borderlands 2 DLC, Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep, Wonderlands transports players to a fantasy realm within the Bunkers & Badasses tabletop game. While the setting changes, the core looter-shooter gameplay remains, with new features like spells and an overworld area. Four DLC expansions further expand the game.
6. Borderlands 3 (2019)
Borderlands 3 introduces a new cast of Vault Hunters tasked with stopping the murderous siren twins, Troy and Tyreen. The game expands the series' scope by taking players to multiple planets and reuniting them with familiar faces. Extensive DLC content adds further campaigns and missions.
7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)
The sequel to Tales From The Borderlands, this installment features a new trio of protagonists—Anu, Octavio, and Fran—who find themselves caught in a conflict with Tediore Corporation. Similar to its predecessor, the game emphasizes a branching narrative with player choices shaping the story.
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 suggests a bright future for the franchise, with potential for more frequent releases and expanded media.
