Quickly gaining recognition as a leading looter shooter franchise since its debut, Borderlands has become a major player in gaming culture. Its distinctive cel-shaded art style and iconic masked psycho villain have cemented its place in modern video games. 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 may have been mixed, the film's release is a huge step for the franchise.
With Borderlands 4 confirmed for release later this year, many fans—new and returning—will likely want to revisit the series. 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 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 you prioritize gameplay over story. The trilogy shares similar style and gameplay. However, for a complete narrative experience, especially after seeing the movie, beginning with the first game is recommended.
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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 them into conflict with the Crimson Lance militia, the planet's wildlife, and countless bandits. The game's success launched the looter shooter genre, and its post-release expansions added significant content.
2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel bridges the gap between the first two main games. It features new Vault Hunters—Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap—on a mission to a moon vault. The game expands on Handsome Jack's backstory, showcasing his descent into villainy and featuring characters from Borderlands 2. Post-release expansions added further gameplay and characters.
3. Borderlands 2 (2012)
Borderlands 2 (2012) returns to Pandora with a new team of Vault Hunters: Maya, Axton, Salvador, and Zer0. Their quest to find a new Vault pits them against the tyrannical Handsome Jack. The game expands upon the original's formula with more quests, characters, and, of course, guns. Numerous expansions enhanced the game post-launch.
4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014-2015)
Tales From The Borderlands, a Telltale Games episodic adventure, shifts the focus from Vault Hunters to Rhys, a Hyperion employee, and Fiona, a con artist. Their intertwined fates lead them on a quest for a new Vault, featuring moral choices that shape the narrative. Characters from this game appear in Borderlands 3, solidifying its place in the canon.
5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)
Tiny Tina's Wonderlands expands the Borderlands universe into a fantasy setting, based on the popular Borderlands 2 DLC, "Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep." While the setting changes, the core looter shooter gameplay remains, featuring new classes, spells, and a vast array of weapons. Multiple expansions add further content.
6. Borderlands 3 (2019)
Borderlands 3 (2019) introduces a new team of Vault Hunters—Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze—to take on the villainous siren twins, Troy and Tyreen. The game expands the series beyond Pandora, sending players across multiple planets. Substantial DLC content adds campaigns, missions, and additional characters.
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, drawing the attention of the Tediore corporation. Like its predecessor, this episodic adventure focuses on player choices and their impact on the narrative.
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 Interactive suggests a strong future for the franchise, with potential for more frequent releases and expanded media.
