How to Play the Borderlands Games in Order: A Guide to Chaos and Mayhem

Borderlands, the beloved looter-shooter franchise, has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide with its unique blend of humor, action, and RPG elements. With multiple mainline games, spin-offs, and DLCs, figuring out the best order to play them can be as chaotic as the game’s universe itself. Whether you’re a new Vault Hunter or a seasoned veteran, this guide will help you navigate the Borderlands series in a way that maximizes enjoyment and minimizes confusion. And remember, in the world of Borderlands, logic is optional—so let’s dive into the madness!

1. Start with the Original: Borderlands (2009)

The first game in the series, Borderlands, introduced players to the planet Pandora, a lawless wasteland filled with bandits, monsters, and, of course, Vaults. Playing this game first is essential to understanding the foundation of the series. Here’s why:

• Introduction to the World: Learn about Pandora, its inhabitants, and the mysterious Vaults.
• Core Gameplay Mechanics: Get familiar with the looter-shooter mechanics, character classes, and skill trees.
• Story Setup: Meet key characters like Handsome Jack (in a minor role) and the Crimson Raiders.

2. Continue with Borderlands 2 (2012)

Borderlands 2 is widely regarded as the pinnacle of the series. It builds upon the original game’s foundation and introduces one of gaming’s most iconic villains: Handsome Jack. Playing this game second is a no-brainer:

• Improved Gameplay: Enhanced mechanics, better graphics, and more diverse environments.
• Expanded Storyline: Dive deeper into the lore of Pandora and the Vaults.
• Iconic Characters: Meet fan favorites like Tiny Tina, Sir Hammerlock, and Claptrap.

3. Dive into Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)

Set between Borderlands and Borderlands 2, The Pre-Sequel offers a unique perspective on the rise of Handsome Jack. While it’s not as critically acclaimed as its predecessor, it’s still worth playing:

• New Setting: Explore the moon of Elpis and experience low-gravity gameplay.
• Character Backstories: Learn more about Handsome Jack and other key characters.
• Fresh Mechanics: Introduce oxygen management and laser weapons.

4. Explore Borderlands 3 (2019)

The latest mainline entry, Borderlands 3, takes the series to new heights with improved graphics, gameplay, and a sprawling interplanetary story. Play this after the previous games to fully appreciate its callbacks and references:

• Expanded Universe: Visit multiple planets beyond Pandora.
• Refined Gameplay: Enjoy smoother gunplay, more customization options, and better co-op features.
• Epic Storyline: Face off against the Calypso Twins and uncover the secrets of the Vaults.

5. Don’t Forget the Spin-Offs and DLCs

The Borderlands universe is vast, and there are plenty of spin-offs and DLCs to explore:

• Tales from the Borderlands: A narrative-driven game that offers a different perspective on the Borderlands world.
• Borderlands Legends: A mobile spin-off that’s more of a strategy game.
• DLCs: Each mainline game has numerous DLCs that expand the story and add new content. Notable ones include Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep (Borderlands 2) and Moxxi’s Heist of the Handsome Jackpot (Borderlands 3).

6. Play Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands (2022)

A standalone spin-off, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands takes the Borderlands formula and adds a fantasy twist. While it’s not directly tied to the main series, it’s a fun addition for fans:

• Fantasy Setting: Explore a tabletop RPG world created by Tiny Tina.
• Unique Gameplay: Combine Borderlands’ shooting mechanics with fantasy elements like spells and melee weapons.
• Humor and Charm: Experience the same quirky humor that defines the series.

7. Consider the Chronological Order

If you’re a lore enthusiast, you might want to play the games in chronological order:

1. Borderlands (2009)
2. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)
3. Borderlands 2 (2012)
4. Borderlands 3 (2019)
5. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands (2022)

8. Tips for New Players

• Play with Friends: Borderlands is best experienced in co-op mode.
• Experiment with Characters: Each game offers unique character classes with different abilities.
• Don’t Rush: Take your time to explore the world, complete side quests, and collect loot.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to play the Borderlands games in order? A: While it’s not strictly necessary, playing them in order will help you understand the story and appreciate the references.

Q: Which Borderlands game is the best? A: Borderlands 2 is often considered the best due to its story, characters, and gameplay improvements.

Q: Can I skip Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel? A: You can, but it provides valuable backstory and context for Borderlands 2 and Borderlands 3.

Q: Is Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands a mainline Borderlands game? A: No, it’s a spin-off with a fantasy twist, but it’s still worth playing for fans of the series.

Q: Are the DLCs worth playing? A: Absolutely! Many DLCs add significant content and depth to the main games.

In conclusion, the Borderlands series offers a chaotic, hilarious, and action-packed experience that’s best enjoyed in order. Whether you’re in it for the story, the loot, or the laughs, there’s something for everyone in this wild and wacky universe. So grab your guns, rally your friends, and get ready to hunt some Vaults!