All Borderlands games in order of release | Borderlands series

Borderlands series

Number of games: 13

Check out our complete list of all Borderlands games. GG.deals gathers all the titles in one place and shows the best deals for each of them. If you’re a fan of fast-paced first-person shooters with RPG elements, you’ll love this series. It tells the story of Vault Hunters exploring the chaotic world of Pandora in search of legendary treasures. Dive into the Borderlands franchise and get yourself cheap CD keys with us.

What is the Borderlands series about?

The Borderlands series is a popular action RPG-shooter game franchise developed by Gearbox Software and published by 2K Games. The games follow different groups of Vault Hunters, mercenaries seeking mysterious alien vaults filled with powerful weapons and secrets. Along the way, they battle ruthless corporations, insane bandits, and alien creatures in a world full of explosive action and dark humor.

The games are known for their unique cel-shaded art style, cooperative multiplayer, and massive arsenal of weapons. One of the franchise’s trademarks is its procedurally generated loot system, which allows for millions of weapon variations, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting.

When did Borderlands come out?

First released in 2009 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC, Borderlands quickly became a fan favorite due to its combination of first-person shooter mechanics and RPG progression. The franchise has since expanded with multiple sequels and spin-offs. The latest mainline entry, Borderlands 3 (2019), introduced new Vault Hunters, updated gunplay, and an interplanetary setting.

Full Borderlands game series in order:

There are six main games in the Borderlands series, along with several spin-offs and DLC expansions.

Borderlands (2009)
Borderlands 2 (2012)
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)
Borderlands 3 (2019)
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands (2022) (spin-off based on Borderlands 2’s D&D-inspired DLC)
Borderlands 4 (2025)

There are also narrative-driven spin-offs developed by Telltale Games and Gearbox:

Tales from the Borderlands (2014)
New Tales from the Borderlands (2022)

Each of these games expands the lore and introduces new characters while maintaining the series’ signature humor and over-the-top action.

What is the best order to play Borderlands games in?

If you’re a newcomer, you should start with Borderlands 2 (2012), as it refines the gameplay mechanics and features one of the best stories in the series. From there, you can follow the release order or play the games in chronological order for a better understanding of the timeline.

However, the Borderlands timeline follows a chronological order:

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (Takes place before Borderlands 2, showing Handsome Jack’s rise to power)
Borderlands (The original Vault Hunters arrive on Pandora)
Borderlands 2 (Introduces Handsome Jack as the main antagonist)
Tales from the Borderlands (A story-driven spin-off set after Borderlands 2)
Borderlands 3 (Features new Vault Hunters and a battle against the Calypso Twins)
New Tales from the Borderlands (Another narrative-driven spin-off set in the same world)
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands (A standalone game inspired by the Borderlands 2 DLC, set in a fantasy world)

Since most of the games are available on modern platforms, it’s easy to experience the entire Borderlands game franchise on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

The best Borderlands games

Choosing the best Borderlands games is tough, but Borderlands 2 (2012) is often considered the best due to its improved mechanics, engaging story, and memorable villain, Handsome Jack. Borderlands 3 (2019) brought new movement mechanics and refined gunplay, making combat smoother than ever. Tales from the Borderlands (2014) surprised players with its emotional storytelling and humor. The Pre-Sequel (2014) introduced low-gravity gameplay, offering a unique twist on the traditional formula.

Who are the most iconic Borderlands characters?

The most iconic Borderlands character has to be Handsome Jack, the charismatic yet ruthless CEO of the Hyperion Corporation. He serves as the main antagonist in Borderlands 2 and is widely regarded as one of the best video game villains of all time.

Other beloved characters include Claptrap, the annoying yet lovable robot companion, and Lilith, a powerful Siren and key figure in the series. Tiny Tina, the explosives-loving teenager, became so popular that she got her own spin-off game, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands. Other fan-favorite Vault Hunters include Krieg, Zer0, and FL4K, each bringing unique abilities and personalities to the series.

What’s next for the Borderlands game series?

With the success of Borderlands 3 and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, fans are eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Borderlands franchise. Borderlands 4 was released on September 11, 2025. For all the latest information about announcements, and delays keep up with our gaming news section.

The sequel will expand the universe further, featuring new planets, Vault Hunters, and enemies. The story is expected to build upon the events of Borderlands 3, possibly exploring the future of the Vaults, the fate of Pandora, and new threats rising in the galaxy.