How to Play the Borderlands Games (and Spin-Offs) in Timeline Order

Quickly gaining recognition as a leading looter shooter, Borderlands has become a major player in gaming. Its distinctive cel-shaded art style and iconic masked 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 month marks a significant milestone: the long-awaited Borderlands movie, directed by Eli Roth (Hostel, Thanksgiving), brings Pandora and its vault-hunting inhabitants to the big screen. While critical reception was mixed, the film represents a substantial achievement for the franchise.

With Borderlands 4 confirmed for release later this year, many existing and new fans are likely revisiting the series. To help you navigate the Borderlands universe, here's a timeline:

Jump to:

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

How 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 obvious starting point for the story, any of the three main games offer a good introduction to the gameplay. All three are available on modern platforms. However, experiencing the overarching narrative chronologically provides the best understanding of the saga, especially after watching the movie.

Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition

8$29.99 save 70%$8.99 at Fanatical$16.80 at Amazon

Every Canon Borderlands Game in Chronological Order

(Mild spoilers ahead)

1. Borderlands (2009)

The original Borderlands introduces Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai, four Vault Hunters searching for the legendary Vault on Pandora. Their quest leads them into conflict with the Crimson Lance, hostile wildlife, and countless bandits. The game's success established the looter shooter genre, characterized by intense combat, a vast array of weapons, and character progression. Four expansions enhanced the experience post-launch.

2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)

Set between the first two main games, The Pre-Sequel features new Vault Hunters (Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap) on a mission to Elpis, Pandora's moon. It expands on Borderlands 2's story, showcasing Handsome Jack's descent into villainy. Several expansions added new content and playable characters.

3. Borderlands 2 (2012)

Borderlands 2 returns to Pandora with a new team of Vault Hunters (Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0) facing off against the tyrannical Handsome Jack. Larger in scope than its predecessor, it offers enhanced gameplay, a memorable villain, and an even more extensive arsenal. Numerous post-launch expansions added campaigns, characters, and missions.

4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014 - 2015)

A Telltale Games episodic adventure, Tales From The Borderlands focuses on Rhys and Fiona, unlikely allies who stumble upon a grand adventure after a vault key heist. Its branching narrative and impactful choices have cemented its place in Borderlands canon.

5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)

A fantasy-themed spin-off inspired by Borderlands 2's DLC, Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep, Wonderlands features a sprawling fantasy kingdom, but retains the core Borderlands gameplay. It includes multiple expansions.

6. Borderlands 3 (2019)

Borderlands 3 introduces Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze as they confront the siren twins, Troy and Tyreen, across multiple planets. It features returning characters and a vast amount of DLC content.

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)

New Tales From The Borderlands follows Anu, Octavio, and Fran as they navigate a perilous adventure involving a powerful artifact and the Tediore corporation. Like its predecessor, it emphasizes narrative choices and branching storylines.

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 September 23, 2025, is the next major release. Take-Two's acquisition of Gearbox suggests increased activity within the Borderlands universe in the coming years.