"Borderlands Games: Timeline Play Order Revealed"

Since its debut, Borderlands has quickly risen to prominence as the quintessential looter shooter, cementing its status as one of the most recognizable franchises in gaming. Its distinctive cel-shaded visuals and iconic masked psycho have become emblematic of its irreverent, sci-fi universe, deeply ingrained in modern video game culture. The series' expansion into a multimedia juggernaut is remarkable, branching out into comics, novels, and even a tabletop game.

This month marks a significant milestone for Borderlands as it finally leaps to the big screen, directed by Eli Roth of Hostel and Thanksgiving fame. The film reimagines Pandora and its vault-obsessed inhabitants for a new audience. Although the film received mixed reviews, its release is a pivotal moment for the franchise.

With Borderlands 4 set to launch later this year, both new and returning fans are eager to dive back into the series and revisit its origins. To help you navigate the expansive universe, we've compiled a comprehensive timeline of the series, detailing how each game fits into the overall narrative.

Jump to:

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

How Many Borderlands Games Are There?

The Borderlands series includes a total of **seven canon games and spin-offs**, alongside **two non-canon titles**: Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball and Borderlands Legends.

Where's The Best Place to Start?

For those interested in the story, starting with Borderlands 1 is recommended. However, if you're more focused on gameplay, any of the three mainline entries will serve as an excellent introduction. The trilogy shares a similar style, scope, and gameplay, all readily available on modern consoles and PC. For those eager to follow the overarching narrative, beginning with the first game is the ideal way to experience the saga.

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Every Canon Borderlands Game in Chronological Order

*These summaries contain mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and story elements.*

1. Borderlands (2009)

The game that started it all, Borderlands launched in 2009, introducing players to the story of Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai—four Vault Hunters on a quest for treasure on the volatile planet of Pandora. Their search for the legendary Vault leads them through a chaotic journey, battling the Crimson Lance, wild creatures, and hordes of bandits. The game's success propelled the looter shooter genre to new heights with its addictive gameplay loop of combat, loot collection, and character development. Post-launch, it was supported with four expansions, exploring diverse themes from zombie-infested islands to a satirical take on Mad Max's Thunderdome.

2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)

Developed by 2K Australia with Gearbox Software's assistance, The Pre-Sequel fills the narrative gap between the first two games. Set on the moon of Elpis, it follows new Vault Hunters Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap on a mission to uncover another Vault. While offering more of the beloved Borderlands gameplay, it also delves into the backstory of Borderlands 2's antagonist, Handsome Jack, showing his descent into villainy. The game was expanded with additional content, including the Holodome Onslaught and Claptastic Voyage, plus two new playable characters.

3. Borderlands 2 (2012)

Borderlands 2, released in 2012, brings players back to Pandora with a new team of Vault Hunters: Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0. Their quest to find another Vault pits them against the planet's tyrannical ruler, Handsome Jack. After a near-fatal train ambush, they set out to uncover Jack's sinister plans and stop him. The sequel expanded on the original with more quests, classes, and an even larger arsenal of guns. Widely regarded as the series' best entry, it was supported with four campaign expansions, additional characters, and several Headhunter missions.

4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014 - 2015)

Telltale Games' spin-off, Tales From The Borderlands, offers a narrative-driven adventure set on Pandora. Instead of focusing 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. This episodic series emphasizes branching storylines and moral choices. Its impact on the franchise's canon is notable, with characters from the game appearing in subsequent titles.

5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands shifts the setting from Pandora's wastelands to a fantasy realm, yet retains the core Borderlands gameplay. Inspired by the popular Borderlands 2 DLC, it immerses players in a world of Bunkers and Badasses, a game within the game, led by the eccentric Tiny Tina. Players battle fantasy creatures, embark on epic quests, and confront the Dragon Lord, all while enjoying the series' signature loot and combat. The game includes four DLCs with new dungeons, bosses, and gear.

6. Borderlands 3 (2019)

Borderlands 3, released in 2019, introduces new Vault Hunters Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze, tasked with stopping the siren twins, Troy and Tyreen. The adventure spans multiple planets, featuring familiar faces from previous games. With its chaotic gameplay, vast array of guns, and new character classes, Borderlands 3 continues the series' tradition. Additional content includes four campaign expansions, takedown missions, and special cuts with previously unseen content.

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)

New Tales From The Borderlands is the latest entry in the chronological timeline, featuring new protagonists Anu, Octavio, and Fran. After discovering a valuable artifact in a Vault, they find themselves targeted by the Tediore corporation. The game focuses on a branching narrative shaped by player choices, including dialogue options and QTE sequences.

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 Wonderland (2022)
• New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)
• Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball (2023)
• Borderlands 4 (2025)

What's Next For Borderlands?

The next major release in the series, Borderlands 4, is scheduled for September 23, 2025. Following Gearbox Software's acquisition by Take-Two, studio head Randy Pitchford has described it as "the greatest thing [the studio has] ever done." With Take-Two focusing on expanding the franchise, the future looks bright for more adventures in the Borderlands universe.