Quickly establishing itself as a leading light in the looter-shooter genre, Borderlands has become a gaming icon. From its distinctive cel-shaded art style to its infamous psycho poster child, this foul-mouthed, tongue-in-cheek sci-fi universe is a cornerstone of modern gaming culture. But the Borderlands adventure doesn't stop there; it's expanded into comics, novels, a tabletop game, and now, a major motion picture.
This month marks a significant milestone: the Borderlands movie, directed by Eli Roth (known for Hostel and Thanksgiving), brings Pandora and its vault-hunting inhabitants to the big screen, introducing the franchise to a new audience. While critical reception may have been mixed, its theatrical release is a huge achievement for the franchise.
With Borderlands 4 confirmed for release later this year, many existing and new fans will likely want to revisit the series and refresh their memories. Therefore, we've compiled a timeline to help you navigate the Borderlands saga.
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AnswerSee ResultsHow Many Borderlands Games Are There?
Currently, there are seven Borderlands games and spin-offs considered canon, plus two smaller, non-canon titles: Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball and Borderlands Legends.
Where's the Best Place to Start?
While the simplest answer is Borderlands 1, any of the three main games offer a good introduction if story isn't a primary concern. All three are stylistically and gameplay-wise similar and available on modern platforms. However, the overarching narrative is compelling, and if you're following the story from the movie, beginning with the first game is recommended.
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Every Canon Borderlands Game in Chronological Order
(Mild spoilers ahead for characters, settings, and story elements.)
1. Borderlands (2009)
The original Borderlands, released in 2009, introduces Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai—four Vault Hunters embarking on a treasure hunt on the volatile planet Pandora for the legendary Vault. Their quest quickly descends into chaos, pitting them against the Crimson Lance militia, savage wildlife, and hordes of bandits. The game's success launched the looter-shooter genre and was further enhanced by four post-release expansions.
2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)
Developed by 2K Australia with Gearbox Software, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel bridges the gap between the first two main games. It follows Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap as they hunt a Vault on Elpis, Pandora's moon. This game expands on Borderlands 2's story, showcasing Handsome Jack's descent into villainy and featuring characters from the sequel. Post-release additions included the Holodome Onslaught and Claptastic Voyage maps, and two additional playable 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 Vault puts them at odds with the tyrannical Handsome Jack. This larger-scale sequel offers more quests, character classes, and—of course—guns. Considered by many to be the best in the series, it also received extensive post-release support.
4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014-2015)
Telltale Games' episodic adventure, Tales From The Borderlands, offers a story-driven experience on Pandora. It follows Rhys, a Hyperion employee, and Fiona, a con artist, as they unexpectedly embark on a grand adventure involving a new Vault. The game's branching narrative and impactful choices have solidified its place in the Borderlands canon.
5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)
A fantasy-themed spin-off based on the Borderlands 2 DLC, Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands retains the core Borderlands gameplay but shifts the setting to a fantastical kingdom. It features a vast array of weapons, classes, and enemies, along with new mechanics such as an overworld and spellcasting. Four DLC expansions further enhance the experience.
6. Borderlands 3 (2019)
Borderlands 3 (2019) introduces Amara, FL4K, Zane, and Moze as they confront the murderous siren twins, Troy and Tyreen. This installment expands the series' scope by venturing to multiple planets, featuring both new and returning characters. It offers a wealth of content, including four major DLC campaigns.
7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)
A sequel to Tales From The Borderlands, this game introduces Anu, Octavio, and Fran, whose discovery of a vault artifact puts them in the crosshairs of Tediore Corporation. This narrative-driven adventure features player choices that significantly impact the story's outcome.
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 bright future for the franchise, with potential for more frequent releases and expanded multimedia projects.
