What‘s the best order to play Borderlands?
As a hardcore Borderlands fan whose played every entry to 100% completion, I often get asked what is the ideal play order for newcomers to the franchise. After all, with over a decade of games spanning multiple planets and featuring over one billion guns (no exaggeration!), it can be daunting to know where to start.
My goal here is make things simple by outlining the best way to experience Gearbox Software’s landmark loot shooter series so you can enjoy its offbeat sci-fi world to the fullest!
Borderlands (2009)
The one that started it all on Pandora. Borderlands established the series‘ trademark cel-shaded art style and bazillions of guns, as well as its dark, quirky sense of humor.
You take on the role of one of four playable vault hunters as you seek treasure rumored to be contained in alien vaults scattered around the wasteland planet. The variety of character builds and randomly-generated loot keeps things fresh and addictive.
Key Features:
- 4 playable characters: Roland, Lilith, Brick, Mordecai
- Co-op for up to 4 players
- Randomized guns with millions of variations
- Missions reward you with weapons and gear for your class/playstyle
- Critical Reception:
84% MetaCritic and Steam scores - Franchise Sales to Date:
58+ million copies
While the original Borderlands lacks the fluidity and features of later series entries, it remains a seminal game that has influenced countless titles over the last decade with its dynamic weapon generation system. Playing it helps you appreciate just how far the franchise has come.
Borderlands 2 (2012)
The series peak that improved on every aspect of the original and delivers a package considered one of looter shooters‘ finest. Borderlands 2 takes you back to Pandora with a mostly new cast as you seek to take down megalomaniacal villain Handsome Jack.
Key Features:
- 4 new playable vault hunters with action skills
- Polished shooting mechanics and wider variety of environments
- Loads of clever writing and side quests
- Post-launch support with major DLC expansions
- Critical Reception:
90% MetaCritic and Overwhelmingly Positive Steam scores - Franchise Sales to Date:
58+ million copies
There‘s good reason Borderlands 2 is often considered one of the best games of its generation. The addictive loot chase paired with refined first-person shooting and compelling narrative makes it a mandatory play for shooter fans. Tiny Tina‘s Assault on Dragon Keep DLC is also hailed as an all-timer.
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)
A side interquel entry developed by 2K Australia that tells Handsome Jack‘s origin tale, with some fun low-gravity hijinks on Pandora‘s moon to mix up gameplay. It utilizes the Borderlands 2 engine.
Key Features:
- 4 new playable characters like Claptrap
- Low-gravity environments and ice/laser weapons
- Fills in backstory between games 1 and 2
- Co-op for up to 4 players
- Critical Reception:
75% MetaCritic and Very Positive Steam scores - Franchise Sales to Date:
58+ million copies
The Pre-Sequel takes flak for feeling a bit too similar to Borderlands 2, but there‘s still a lot enjoyment to be had – especially for hardcore fans eager to see Handsome Jack‘s gradual twist into full villainy. New mechanics like laser weapons and Oz kits add fresh dimension to familiar first-person shooting.
Tales from the Borderlands (2014-2015)
A stellar narrative-driven spinoff developed by Telltale Games set after Borderlands 2. Tales follows Hyperion employees Rhys and Fiona. Choice-based gameplay and an engaging story make it a great change of pace.
Key Features:
- Choice-driven episodic adventure
- Witty writing and new perspective on Pandora
- Cool cameos and backstory on familiar faces
- Light on shooting, heavy on story
- Critical Reception:
90% MetaCritic - Franchise Sales to Date:
58+ million copies
Tales represents a totally different type of Borderlands game, but the top-tier writing and performances breathe exciting new dimension into the universe. Play it in between mainline entries for unique perspective.
Borderlands 3 (2019)
The long-awaited threequel that expands the horizons by taking vault hunting intergalactic. All-new planets beyond Pandora feature varied environment design along with familiar gunplay refinements and bazillions of fresh guns.
Key Features:
- 4 brand new playable vault hunters
- Fluid movement and mantling
- Loot instancing so you don‘t fight friends for gear
- Gunplay designed for current gen consoles
- Critical Reception:
81% MetaCritic and Very Positive Steam scores - Franchise Sales to Date:
68+ million copies
While certain aspects feel familiar to previous games, Borderlands 3 marks a true next-gen evolution for the series – from enemy variety to quality-of-life upgrades that respect your time. It‘s packed to the brim with secrets that reward thorough players. Post-launch DLC provides superb additions.
The Verdict: Ideal Newcomer Play Order
If you‘ve yet to take the vault hunting plunge, I highly recommend playing all Borderlands games in release order for the complete ride, with Tales from the Borderlands optional:
- Borderlands (2009)
- Borderlands 2 (2012)
- Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)
- Tales from the Borderlands (2014-2015)
- Borderlands 3 (2019)
However, I understand not every newcomer wants to play five whole games to catch up!
So if looking to trim the fat, my essential play order would be:
- Borderlands 2
- Tales from the Borderlands
- Borderlands 3
This gets you the best games in the series along with cool interquel narrative starring fan favorite characters like Rhys from 3. I‘d recommend playing Tales in between main entries since it provides awesome pacing between shooting adventures.
Whichever way you slice it, the Borderlands series offers some of the most replayable cooperative first-person shooting around. I hope this guide gives newcomers a better understanding so they can pick the best starting points to jump into Pandora‘s mayhem!
Let me know which Borderlands game is your personal favorite or if you have your own suggested play order in the comments! Happy vault hunting!
