The Borderlands franchise, a celebrated looter-shooter, has become a gaming icon, recognizable for its cel-shaded style and darkly humorous sci-fi universe. Its popularity extends beyond gaming, encompassing comics, novels, and even a tabletop game. This month marks a significant milestone: the Borderlands movie, directed by Eli Roth, hits the big screen, introducing the Pandora universe to a wider audience. While critical reception may have been mixed, the film's release is a major achievement for the franchise.
With Borderlands 4 slated for release later this year, anticipation is high for both new and returning fans. To prepare for the latest installment, we've compiled a timeline of the series, clarifying the storyline's progression.
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Chronological Play Order | Release Order Play Order
AnswerSee ResultsBorderlands Game Count:
The Borderlands canon currently includes seven main games and spin-offs, plus two non-canon titles: Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball and Borderlands Legends.
Optimal Starting Point:
While Borderlands 1 is the logical starting point, any of the three main games provide a solid introduction if storyline isn't a primary concern. The trilogy shares a similar style and gameplay, and all are accessible on modern platforms. However, for a cohesive narrative experience, especially following the movie, beginning with the first game is recommended.
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Chronological Order of Canon Borderlands Games:
(Minor spoilers ahead regarding characters, settings, and plot points.)
1. Borderlands (2009):
The inaugural title, released in 2009, introduces Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai – Vault Hunters embarking on a treasure hunt on Pandora for the legendary Vault. Their quest becomes a chaotic battle against the Crimson Lance militia, hostile wildlife, and 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, this installment 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. Featuring Handsome Jack prominently, it details his descent into villainy and expands on Borderlands 2's narrative. Post-launch expansions added new maps and playable characters.
3. Borderlands 2 (2012):
The direct sequel, released in 2012, returns to Pandora with a new team of Vault Hunters: Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0. Their quest to find a Vault pits them against the tyrannical Handsome Jack. Borderlands 2 significantly expands on the original, offering more quests, character classes, and an abundance of weaponry. Considered by many as the best in the series, it also received extensive post-release support.
4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014-2015):
Telltale Games' episodic adventure, set on Pandora, deviates from the main series' focus on Vault Hunters. It follows Rhys, a Hyperion employee, and Fiona, a con artist, as they become entangled in a quest for a new Vault. The narrative is driven by player choices, significantly impacting the storyline. Characters from this spin-off appear in Borderlands 3, solidifying its place in the canon.
5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022):
Gearbox Software's latest entry shifts the setting to a fantasy kingdom, inspired by the Borderlands 2 DLC, Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep. While the setting changes, the core gameplay remains true to the Borderlands formula. It features a vast array of weaponry, classes, and enemies, alongside new mechanics such as an overworld and spellcasting. Four DLC expansions further enrich the experience.
6. Borderlands 3 (2019):
Seven years after Borderlands 2, this installment introduces Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze as they confront the siren twins, Troy and Tyreen. For the first time, the game takes players across multiple planets. The game features numerous returning characters and a wealth of content, including substantial DLC.
7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022):
This sequel to Tales From The Borderlands introduces new protagonists: Anu, Octavio, and Fran. Their adventure involves a vault artifact and a conflict with Tediore Corporation. Similar to its predecessor, the narrative is heavily influenced by player choices.
Release Order of Borderlands Games:
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. Gearbox Software's acquisition by Take-Two Interactive suggests a significant expansion of the Borderlands universe in the coming years.
