The Borderlands franchise, a celebrated looter-shooter, has rapidly become a gaming icon. Its distinctive cel-shaded art style and memorable characters, like the Psycho, have cemented its place in modern video game culture. The franchise's success extends beyond gaming, encompassing comics, novels, and even a tabletop game.

This year marks a significant milestone: the Borderlands film, directed by Eli Roth (Hostel, Thanksgiving), brings Pandora and its inhabitants to the big screen. While critical reception was mixed, the film's release is a major achievement for the franchise.

With Borderlands 4 slated for release in 2025, both new and returning fans are likely eager to revisit the series. This timeline provides a comprehensive overview of the Borderlands games, helping you understand the series' narrative arc.

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Chronological Play OrderRelease Date Order

Will you see the Borderlands movie in theaters?

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How Many Borderlands Games Exist?

The Borderlands canon currently includes seven main games and spin-offs, plus two 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 a solid introduction if story continuity isn't a primary concern. The trilogy shares similar gameplay and style. However, for a complete narrative experience, especially after seeing the film, beginning with the first game is recommended.

Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition

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Chronological Order of Canon Borderlands Games:

(Mild spoilers ahead)

1. Borderlands (2009):

The original Borderlands introduces Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai, Vault Hunters searching for the legendary Vault on Pandora. Their quest leads them into conflict with the Crimson Lance militia and Pandora's dangerous wildlife. The game's success established the looter-shooter genre and was enhanced by four post-release expansions.

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

Developed by 2K Australia, The Pre-Sequel bridges the gap between the first two Borderlands games. It features new Vault Hunters (Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap) on a mission to Elpis, Pandora's moon. This game prominently features Handsome Jack, the antagonist of Borderlands 2, showcasing his descent into villainy. Several expansions were added post-launch.

3. Borderlands 2 (2012):

Borderlands 2 returns to Pandora with a new team of Vault Hunters (Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0) facing off against Handsome Jack. The game expands upon the original's formula, offering more quests, character classes, and, of course, guns. Considered by many as the best in the series, it received substantial post-release support.

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

A Telltale Games episodic adventure, Tales From The Borderlands, focuses on Rhys and Fiona, unlikely partners who stumble upon a grand adventure. Set after Borderlands 2, this story-driven game features branching narratives and moral choices. Its characters have appeared in subsequent games, solidifying its place in the canon.

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 changes, the core gameplay remains true to the Borderlands formula. The game includes four post-launch DLC expansions.

6. Borderlands 3 (2019):

Borderlands 3 introduces Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze, who must stop the villainous siren twins, Troy and Tyreen. The game expands the setting beyond Pandora, featuring multiple planets and returning characters. It also boasts extensive DLC content.

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022):

A sequel to Tales From The Borderlands, New Tales introduces Anu, Octavio, and Fran, who find themselves entangled with the Tediore corporation. This narrative-driven game features player choices that shape the story's outcome.

Release Order of All 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. Take-Two's acquisition of Gearbox Software suggests a bright future for the franchise, with potential for more frequent releases and expanded media.