Quickly earning a reputation as the leading looter shooter franchise, Borderlands has become a recognizable name in gaming. Its distinctive cel-shaded art style and iconic masked psycho, Handsome Jack, have cemented its place in modern video game culture. The franchise's influence extends beyond gaming, encompassing comics, novels, and even a tabletop game.
This month marks a significant milestone: the Borderlands movie, directed by Eli Roth (Hostel, Thanksgiving), brings Pandora and its inhabitants to the big screen, introducing the series to a new audience. While critical reception may have been mixed, the film's release is a major achievement for the franchise.
With Borderlands 4 confirmed for release later this year, many existing and new fans will likely want to revisit the series' origins. To help, here's a timeline to guide you through the Borderlands saga.
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AnswerSee ResultsHow Many Borderlands Games Are There?
There are seven main canon Borderlands games and spin-offs, plus two smaller, 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 offer a solid introduction if story isn't your primary concern. The trilogy shares similar gameplay and style. However, experiencing the overarching narrative from the beginning is recommended for a complete understanding of the saga, especially after watching the movie.
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Every Canon Borderlands Game in Chronological Order
(Mild spoilers ahead for characters, settings, and story elements.)
1. Borderlands (2009)
The original Borderlands (2009) introduces Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai—four Vault Hunters searching for the legendary Vault on Pandora. Their quest plunges them into a chaotic world of bandits, wildlife, and the Crimson Lance militia. Its compelling gameplay loop of combat, loot, and character progression defined the looter shooter genre. The game also received four expansions.
2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)
Developed by 2K Australia, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel bridges the gap between the first two games. It follows Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap on a moon-based adventure, featuring Handsome Jack's rise to power and providing backstory for Borderlands 2. Post-release expansions added new maps and playable characters.
3. Borderlands 2 (2012)
Borderlands 2 (2012) returns to Pandora with a new team of Vault Hunters facing the tyrannical Handsome Jack. The game expands on the original's formula with more quests, characters, and, of course, guns. 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, Tales From The Borderlands, focuses on Rhys and Fiona, two unlikely characters caught in a grand adventure involving a new Vault. Its branching narrative and moral choices significantly impact the story, establishing itself as canon within the Borderlands universe.
5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)
A fantasy-themed spin-off, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, expands on the Borderlands 2 DLC, "Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep." While the setting is different, the core gameplay remains true to the series. It features a vast fantasy world, new classes, spells, and, as always, countless weapons. Four DLC expansions further enhance the experience.
6. Borderlands 3 (2019)
Borderlands 3 (2019) introduces a new cast of Vault Hunters battling the siren twins, Troy and Tyreen, across multiple planets. The game features a large roster of returning characters and delivers the signature chaotic gameplay the series is known for. Significant DLC content expands the story and gameplay.
7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)
New Tales From The Borderlands features a new cast of characters—Anu, Octavio, and Fran—who stumble upon a powerful artifact, attracting the attention of the Tediore corporation. This episodic adventure 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)
What's Next For Borderlands?
Borderlands 4, slated for release on September 23, 2025, is the next major installment. Following Take-Two's acquisition of Gearbox Software, the future of the Borderlands franchise appears bright, with potential for more frequent releases and expansion of the IP.
