Borderlands Game Timeline: Play Order Guide

Since its release, *Borderlands* has rapidly become a leading name in the looter shooter genre, establishing itself as a recognizable franchise in gaming. Its distinctive cel-shaded art style and iconic masked psycho villain have cemented its place in modern video game culture. The *Borderlands* universe continues to expand beyond gaming, branching into comics, novels, and even a tabletop game. This month marks a significant milestone: the *Borderlands* movie, directed by Eli Roth (known for *Hostel* and *Thanksgiving*), brings Pandora and its vault-hunting inhabitants to the big screen, introducing the franchise to a new audience. While critical reception was mixed, the film’s release is a major achievement for the franchise.

With *Borderlands 4* confirmed for release later this year, many new and returning fans will likely want to revisit the series. To help you catch up, here's a timeline of the games:

Jump to:

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

How Many *Borderlands* Games Are There?

There are currently seven canon Borderlands games and spin-offs, plus two 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 provide a good introduction if story isn't your primary concern. The trilogy shares similar gameplay, but experiencing the overarching narrative from the beginning is recommended, especially if you've recently seen the movie. All three main entries are available on modern platforms.

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

(Mild spoilers ahead)

1. *Borderlands* (2009)

The original Borderlands, released in 2009, 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 militia, hostile wildlife, and countless bandits. The game's success launched the looter shooter genre and was enhanced by four post-release expansions.

2. *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel* (2014)

Developed by 2K Australia and Gearbox Software, The Pre-Sequel bridges the gap between the first two Borderlands games. It follows Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap as they hunt a Vault on Elpis, Pandora's moon. The game features Handsome Jack prominently, showcasing his descent into villainy and setting the stage for Borderlands 2. Post-release additions included the Holodome Onslaught and Claptastic Voyage maps, along with two playable characters.

3. *Borderlands 2* (2012)

Borderlands 2, released in 2012, returns to Pandora with a new team of Vault Hunters: Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0. Their quest to find a new Vault puts them at odds with the tyrannical Handsome Jack. This larger, more expansive sequel builds upon the original's formula, offering a compelling story, memorable combat, and an abundance of weaponry. It received significant post-release support, including four campaigns, two playable characters, and Headhunter missions.

4. *Tales From The Borderlands* (2014-2015)

This episodic adventure from Telltale Games features Rhys, a Hyperion employee, and Fiona, a con artist, who unexpectedly embark on a grand adventure after a deal gone wrong. Set after Borderlands 2, it emphasizes story and player choices, with its characters later appearing in Borderlands 3.

5. *Tiny Tina's Wonderlands* (2022)

This fantasy-themed spin-off, based on the Borderlands 2 DLC, Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep, features a new setting but retains the core Borderlands gameplay. Players join Tina's Bunkers & Badasses campaign, battling fantasy creatures and collecting an array of weaponry. Four DLC expansions further expand the game's content.

6. *Borderlands 3* (2019)

Borderlands 3 introduces Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze, who must stop the murderous siren twins, Troy and Tyreen. This installment expands the series' scope, taking players across multiple planets and featuring many familiar faces. Extensive DLC content adds further campaigns, missions, and director's cuts.

7. *New Tales From The Borderlands* (2022)

This sequel to Tales From The Borderlands introduces Anu, Octavio, and Fran, who find themselves caught in a conflict with Tediore Corporation after discovering a powerful artifact. The narrative focuses on player choices and their impact on 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 game in the series. Gearbox Software's acquisition by Take-Two Interactive suggests a bright future for the franchise, with potential for more frequent releases.