The Borderlands franchise is renowned for its over-the-top action, loot-driven gameplay, and darkly comedic narrative. While the series may appear to prioritize humor over intricate storytelling, a rich tapestry of lore connects each installment, including the spin-offs, leading up to the highly anticipated Borderlands 4. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the sprawling Borderlands universe, outlining the optimal order to experience every game, both by release date and chronologically.
A robot hand holding a borderlands psycho mask in front of a dark blue screen.
Playing Borderlands in Release Order: A Journey Through Evolving Gameplay
Since its debut in 2009, the Borderlands universe has expanded to encompass nine unique games, with Borderlands 4 poised to be the tenth. This includes the core four games and a variety of spin-offs. Playing the series in release order allows you to appreciate the gradual refinement of gameplay mechanics and the expansion of the Borderlands world. Here’s the complete release order, excluding re-releases:
- 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 Wonderland (2022)
- New Tales From The Borderlands (2022)
- Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball (2023)
- Borderlands 4 (2025)
Playing Borderlands Chronologically: Unraveling the Timeline
Navigating the Borderlands timeline can be tricky due to The Pre-Sequel‘s narrative structure, which jumps between two distinct time periods. While we’ll indicate where these segments fit chronologically, it’s recommended to play The Pre-Sequel in its entirety the first time. While not essential to enjoying the series, experiencing all the games provides a deeper understanding of the lore and offers rewarding insights for dedicated fans.
Note: Borderlands Legends is excluded from the chronological order as it has been delisted and is no longer accessible.
We’ll be referencing the Fandom timeline for years in the Borderlands universe. This timeline establishes Borderlands 4 as the present day, with prior events marked as years ago (Y.A.).
Borderlands heroes stand under a tall arch in a new Tales From the Borderlands game.
- Borderlands (19-18 y.a.)
- Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (flashbacks 17 y.a.)
- Borderlands 2 (16 y.a.)
- Tales From the Borderlands (15 y.a.)
- Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (15 y.a.)
- Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands (unknown time prior to 3)
- Borderlands 3 (6 y.a.)
- New Tales from the Borderlands (5 y.a.)
- Borderlands 4 (current day)
Conclusion: Embark on Your Borderlands Adventure
Whether you choose to follow the release order or delve into the chronological narrative, the Borderlands saga offers a unique and engaging experience. With its blend of explosive action, compelling characters, and a wealth of lore, the Borderlands universe awaits your exploration.
