Quickly earning a reputation as the leading looter shooter franchise, Borderlands has become a gaming icon. Its distinctive cel-shaded art style and the infamous 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 major milestone: the long-awaited Borderlands movie, directed by Eli Roth (Hostel, Thanksgiving), brings Pandora and its inhabitants to the big screen. While critical reception may have been mixed, the film's release is a significant achievement for the franchise.

With Borderlands 4 confirmed for later this year, many new and returning fans will likely want to revisit the series. This timeline will help you understand the chronological order of the games.

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

How Many Borderlands Games Are There?

There are currently seven 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 good introduction if story isn't your primary concern. The trilogy shares similar style and gameplay. However, experiencing the overarching narrative from the beginning is ideal, especially after seeing the movie.

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Every Canon Borderlands Game in Chronological Order

(Mild spoilers ahead)

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 leads to encounters with the Crimson Lance militia, hostile wildlife, and countless bandits. The game's addictive gameplay loop of combat, loot, and character progression defined the looter shooter genre. Four expansions enhanced the experience.

2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel bridges the gap between the first two games. It follows Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap on a lunar mission to Elpis. Featuring Handsome Jack prominently, it reveals his descent into villainy and connects to Borderlands 2. Several expansions added content and characters.

3. Borderlands 2 (2012)

Borderlands 2 (2012) returns to Pandora with a new team of Vault Hunters facing off against the tyrannical Handsome Jack. Larger in scope than its predecessor, it offers a compelling story, memorable combat, and an abundance of loot. Numerous post-release additions extended its lifespan.

4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014 - 2015)

This episodic adventure from Telltale Games focuses on Rhys and Fiona, unlikely partners who stumble upon a grand adventure after a vault key caper. Its branching narrative and impactful choices make it a significant part of the Borderlands canon.

5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)

Expanding on the Borderlands 2 DLC, Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep, Wonderlands shifts the setting to a fantasy realm. While different in tone, it retains the core Borderlands gameplay, adding spells and an overworld. Four DLCs provide additional content.

6. Borderlands 3 (2019)

Borderlands 3 (2019) introduces a new cast of Vault Hunters battling the siren twins, Troy and Tyreen, across multiple planets. It features many returning characters and expands the series' scope significantly. Extensive DLC adds further campaigns and missions.

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)

New Tales From The Borderlands features new characters—Anu, Octavio, and Fran—who become entangled with the Tediore corporation and a powerful artifact. This narrative-driven adventure offers branching story paths and player choices.

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. Gearbox Software's acquisition by Take-Two suggests a bright future for the franchise, with potential for more frequent releases.