The Borderlands franchise, a celebrated looter-shooter, has evolved into a multimedia powerhouse since its debut. Its distinctive cel-shaded art style and iconic characters have cemented its place in gaming culture, extending its reach into comics, novels, and even tabletop games. This month marks a significant milestone: the Borderlands movie, directed by Eli Roth, hits the big screen, introducing Pandora and its inhabitants to a wider audience. Despite mixed reviews, the film's release is a major achievement for the franchise.
With Borderlands 4 slated for release later this year, anticipation is high among both veteran and new fans. To help everyone catch up, here's a timeline of the series, detailing the games' chronological order and release order.
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Chronological Order of Play | Release Order of Play
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How Many Borderlands Games Exist?
The Borderlands canon currently includes seven games and spin-offs, plus two smaller, non-canon titles: Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball and Borderlands Legends.
Where to Begin Your Borderlands Journey?
While Borderlands 1 is the logical starting point for a complete narrative experience, any of the three mainline games provide a solid introduction to the gameplay. All three are readily available on modern platforms. However, for those wanting to follow the overarching storyline, especially after seeing the movie, beginning with the first game is recommended.
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Every Canon Borderlands Game in Chronological Order:
(Minor spoilers ahead)
1. Borderlands (2009):
The inaugural title introduces Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai, four Vault Hunters searching for the legendary Vault on Pandora. Their quest plunges them into a chaotic battle against the Crimson Lance, hostile wildlife, and numerous bandits. The game's success established the looter-shooter genre and was further enhanced by four post-release expansions.
2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014):
Developed by 2K Australia, this prequel bridges the gap between the first two main games. It follows Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap on a mission to a Vault on Elpis, Pandora's moon. Featuring Handsome Jack as a central antagonist, it expands upon his backstory and showcases his descent into villainy. Several expansions were added post-launch.
3. Borderlands 2 (2012):
The direct sequel returns to Pandora with a new team of Vault Hunters facing off against the tyrannical Handsome Jack. Larger in scope than its predecessor, it offers expanded quests, new character classes, and an even greater arsenal of weapons. Considered by many as the best in the series, it also received extensive post-release support.
4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014-2015):
A Telltale Games episodic adventure, this spin-off focuses on Rhys and Fiona, whose unlikely partnership leads them on a Vault-hunting quest. Its branching narrative and impactful choices have solidified its place within the Borderlands canon.
5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022):
This fantasy-themed installment, based on the popular Borderlands 2 DLC, immerses players in a Bunkers & Badasses campaign. While the setting changes, the core gameplay remains true to the series, featuring a vast array of weapons, classes, and enemies. Four DLC expansions further enrich the experience.
6. Borderlands 3 (2019):
The third main entry introduces Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze, who must stop the murderous siren twins, Troy and Tyreen. For the first time, the game takes players across multiple planets, reuniting them with familiar faces. It features extensive DLC content.
7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022):
This sequel to Tales From The Borderlands features a new cast of characters: Anu, Octavio, and Fran, who find themselves entangled with the Tediore corporation. Similar to its predecessor, it emphasizes narrative choices and their consequences.
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)
The Future of Borderlands:
Borderlands 4, set for release on September 23, 2025, is the next major installment. Take-Two's acquisition of Gearbox Software suggests a bright future for the franchise, with potential for more frequent releases and expanded media.
