The Borderlands franchise, a celebrated looter-shooter, has become a gaming icon. Its distinctive cel-shaded art style and memorable characters have cemented its place in modern video game culture. Expanding beyond gaming, Borderlands has branched into comics, novels, and even a tabletop game, culminating in a feature film directed by Eli Roth. While the film's reception was mixed, its release marks a significant milestone for the franchise.
With Borderlands 4 slated for release later this year, both new and returning fans are eager to revisit this beloved universe. This timeline provides a comprehensive overview of the series' chronological order and release order.
Jump to:
Chronological Order | Release Order
[Poll: Are you going to see the Borderlands movie in theaters? (Yes/No)]
How Many Borderlands Games Exist?
Seven main Borderlands games and spin-offs form the series canon, alongside 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, any of the three main games serve as excellent introductions if story isn't a primary concern. The trilogy shares similar gameplay and style. However, for a cohesive narrative experience, especially following the movie, beginning with the first game is recommended.
Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition
[Price comparison links for Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition]
Every Canon Borderlands Game in Chronological Order:
(Mild spoilers ahead)
1. Borderlands (2009):
This inaugural title introduces Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai as they hunt for the legendary Vault on Pandora, battling the Crimson Lance, wildlife, and bandits. Its innovative gameplay loop, featuring countless guns and character builds, propelled the looter-shooter genre. Four post-release expansions enhanced the experience.
2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014):
Bridging the gap between the first two games, The Pre-Sequel follows Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap on Elpis, Pandora's moon. It showcases Handsome Jack's descent into villainy, setting the stage for Borderlands 2. Several expansions added further content and playable characters.
3. Borderlands 2 (2012):
Returning to Pandora, Borderlands 2 features Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0 confronting the tyrannical Handsome Jack. Expanding upon the original, it offers a richer story, more varied combat, and an even greater arsenal of weapons. Numerous post-release additions broadened the gameplay.
4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014-2015):
This episodic adventure, developed by Telltale Games, shifts focus from Vault Hunters to Rhys and Fiona, whose intertwined fates lead them on a Vault-related quest. Its narrative choices significantly impact the storyline, and its characters have appeared in subsequent games.
5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022):
A fantasy-themed spin-off expanding on the Borderlands 2 DLC, Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep, Wonderlands retains the core Borderlands gameplay within a high-fantasy setting. It features new classes, spells, and an expansive overworld. Four DLCs further enrich the experience.
6. Borderlands 3 (2019):
Borderlands 3 introduces Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze as they confront the villainous siren twins, Troy and Tyreen, across multiple planets. The game reunites players with familiar characters and delivers the signature Borderlands chaos, with extensive DLC content.
7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022):
This sequel to Tales From The Borderlands introduces Anu, Octavio, and Fran, whose discovery of a powerful artifact embroils them in conflict with Tediore Corporation. It maintains the narrative-driven gameplay of its predecessor.
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 significant potential for expansion.
