Borderlands: A Franchise Timeline and Guide

Borderlands, a celebrated looter-shooter franchise, has expanded beyond video games into comics, novels, and even a movie. This guide provides a chronological timeline of the games, helping both new and returning fans navigate this expansive universe. The recent film adaptation, while not critically acclaimed, marks a significant milestone for the franchise. With Borderlands 4 on the horizon, now is the perfect time to revisit or discover this iconic series.

Are you planning to see the Borderlands movie?

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How Many Borderlands Games Exist?

The Borderlands canon currently includes seven main games and spin-offs, plus two smaller non-canon titles (Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball and Borderlands Legends).

Where to Begin Your Borderlands Journey?

While starting with Borderlands 1 offers the most complete narrative experience, any of the three mainline games (1, 2, and 3) provide a solid introduction to the gameplay. These games share similar styles and are readily available on modern platforms. However, for a cohesive story experience, beginning with Borderlands 1 is recommended, especially after watching the movie.

Chronological Order of Canon Borderlands Games (with minor spoilers):

1. Borderlands (2009): Follows Lilith, Brick, Roland, and Mordecai as they hunt for the legendary Vault on Pandora, battling the Crimson Lance, wildlife, and bandits. The game's success launched the looter-shooter genre.

   

2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014): A prequel bridging Borderlands 1 and 2, featuring new Vault Hunters on Elpis (Pandora's moon). This game significantly develops Handsome Jack's backstory.

   

3. Borderlands 2 (2012): Returns to Pandora with new Vault Hunters facing off against the tyrannical Handsome Jack. Often considered the best in the series.

   

4. Tales From The Borderlands (2014-2015): An episodic adventure focusing on Rhys and Fiona, whose intersecting paths lead them to a new Vault. Key to the overall Borderlands narrative.

   

5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022): A fantasy-themed spin-off, expanding on the Bunkers & Badasses tabletop game from Borderlands 2. While different in setting, it retains core Borderlands gameplay.

   

6. Borderlands 3 (2019): A new team of Vault Hunters confronts the siren twins, Troy and Tyreen, across multiple planets. Features many returning characters.

   

7. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022): A sequel to Tales From The Borderlands, introducing new protagonists and a fresh story involving a powerful artifact and the Tediore corporation.

   

Release Order of All Borderlands Games:

1. Borderlands (2009)
2. Borderlands Legends (2012)
3. Borderlands 2 (2012)
4. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)
5. Tales From The Borderlands (2014-2015)
6. Borderlands 3 (2019)
7. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)
8. New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)
9. Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball (2023)
10. 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 Borderlands universe, with potential for more frequent releases and expanded media.