Borderlands Franchise Timeline: Optimal Play Order for Optimal Enjoyment

Borderlands: A Franchise Timeline and Guide for New and Returning Fans

Borderlands, a celebrated looter shooter franchise, has expanded beyond video games into comics, novels, and even a movie. This guide helps navigate the series, covering both chronological and release order. The recent film adaptation, while not critically acclaimed, marks a significant milestone for the franchise. With Borderlands 4 on the horizon, now's the perfect time to revisit or explore this unique universe.

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How Many Borderlands Games Exist?

Seven main canon games and two non-canon titles (Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball and Borderlands Legends) exist.

Best Starting Point:

While starting with Borderlands 1 offers the most complete narrative experience, any of the mainline games (1, 2, and 3) provide a solid introduction to the gameplay. All three are readily available on modern platforms.

Chronological Game Order (Mild Spoilers):

1. Borderlands (2009): Follows Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai as they hunt for the legendary Vault on Pandora, battling the Crimson Lance and the planet's dangers. Multiple expansions enhanced the original experience.

2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014): A prequel bridging Borderlands 1 and 2, featuring new Vault Hunters on Elpis, Pandora's moon. Explores Handsome Jack's backstory and rise to power. Several expansions were released post-launch.

3. Borderlands 2 (2012): A larger-scale sequel returning to Pandora, pitting new Vault Hunters against Handsome Jack. Often considered the series' best entry. Numerous expansions added significant content.

4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014-2015): An episodic Telltale Games adventure focusing on Rhys and Fiona, whose schemes intertwine with the search for a Vault. A significant addition to the overall narrative.

5. Borderlands 3 (2019): A new team of Vault Hunters confronts the villainous Siren twins, Troy and Tyreen, across multiple planets. Features returning characters and extensive DLC.

6. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022): A fantasy-themed spin-off based on the Borderlands 2 DLC, "Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep." Retains core Borderlands gameplay with a unique setting and expansions.

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022): A sequel to Tales From The Borderlands, featuring new characters, Anu, Octavio, and Fran, and a story centered around a powerful artifact and the Tediore corporation.

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)

The Future of Borderlands:

Borderlands 4 is slated for release on September 23, 2025, promising to be a significant addition to the franchise. Take-Two's acquisition of Gearbox suggests a bright future for the series with further expansion into the Borderlands universe anticipated.