The Borderlands series has been a staple of the gaming world for over a decade, offering a unique blend of action, adventure, and dark humor. With multiple games, spin-offs, and expansions, navigating the series can be overwhelming for new players. In this article, we’ll explore the best order to play the Borderlands games, ensuring you get the most out of this beloved franchise.
Understanding the Borderlands Universe
Before diving into the play order, it’s essential to understand the Borderlands universe. The series is set in a post-apocalyptic world where players take on the role of Vault Hunters, treasure seekers searching for ancient alien technology. The games are known for their cell-shaded graphics, witty dialogue, and over-the-top action.
The Borderlands universe is vast, with multiple planets, characters, and storylines. While each game can be played as a standalone title, playing them in a specific order will enhance your overall experience and provide a deeper understanding of the series’ lore.
Main Series Games
The main series consists of four games, each building upon the previous title’s story and gameplay mechanics.
Borderlands (2009)
The original Borderlands game sets the tone for the series, introducing players to the planet Pandora and the concept of Vault Hunting. The game follows four playable characters – Roland, Lilith, Mordecai, and Brick – as they search for the fabled Vault, a mysterious alien structure rumored to contain untold riches.
Borderlands 2 (2012)
Borderlands 2 takes place five years after the events of the first game and introduces a new set of playable characters – Axton, Maya, Salvador, Krieg, and Zer0. The game’s story revolves around the villainous Handsome Jack, who has taken over Pandora and is searching for a new Vault.
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)
The Pre-Sequel is a spin-off that takes place between the events of the first two games. Players control four new characters – Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap – as they explore the moon of Elpis and uncover the events that led to Handsome Jack’s rise to power.
Borderlands 3 (2019)
Borderlands 3 takes place seven years after the events of Borderlands 2 and introduces four new playable characters – Amara, FL4K, Moze, and Zane. The game’s story follows the Vault Hunters as they search for multiple Vaults across the galaxy, while facing off against the Calypso Twins, a pair of villainous streamers.
Spin-Offs and Expansions
In addition to the main series, there are several spin-off games and expansions that expand the Borderlands universe.
Tales from the Borderlands (2014)
Tales from the Borderlands is a narrative-driven adventure game set within the Borderlands universe. The game follows two characters – Rhys and Fiona – as they navigate the world of Pandora and uncover a sinister plot.
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection (2015)
The Handsome Collection is a remastered bundle of Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel, offering improved graphics and gameplay mechanics.
Borderlands Legends (2012)
Borderlands Legends is a mobile game that takes place within the Borderlands universe. The game offers a unique blend of action and strategy, but is no longer available for download.
Recommended Play Order
So, what’s the best order to play the Borderlands games? Here’s a recommended play order that ensures you get the most out of the series:
- Borderlands (2009)
- Borderlands 2 (2012)
- Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)
- Tales from the Borderlands (2014)
- Borderlands 3 (2019)
This order makes sense for several reasons:
- Story Continuity: Playing the games in this order ensures you follow the story chronologically, with each game building upon the previous title’s narrative.
- Gameplay Mechanics: The series’ gameplay mechanics evolve over time, with each game introducing new features and improvements. Playing the games in this order allows you to experience these changes firsthand.
- Character Development: By playing the games in this order, you’ll get to know the characters and their backstories, making the overall experience more engaging and immersive.
Conclusion
The Borderlands series is a beloved franchise that offers a unique blend of action, adventure, and dark humor. By playing the games in the recommended order, you’ll get the most out of the series, experiencing the story, gameplay mechanics, and character development in a way that enhances your overall experience. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned Vault Hunter, the Borderlands series has something to offer, and with this guide, you’ll be well on your way to exploring the world of Pandora and beyond.
What is the Borderlands series, and what type of games are they?
The Borderlands series is a collection of action role-playing first-person shooter games developed by Gearbox Software and published by 2K Games. The series is known for its unique blend of post-apocalyptic settings, dark humor, and RPG elements, combined with fast-paced first-person shooter gameplay. Players control characters known as Vault Hunters, who are tasked with exploring the planet Pandora and other locations in search of powerful alien technology and treasures.
Throughout the series, players can choose from a variety of playable characters, each with their unique abilities and skill trees. The games also feature a vast array of guns, shields, and other loot, which can be collected and upgraded to enhance gameplay. The series has gained a reputation for its addictive gameplay, colorful characters, and rich storyline, making it a favorite among gamers worldwide.
What is the correct order of the Borderlands games, including spin-offs and DLCs?
The mainline Borderlands games in order are: Borderlands (2009), Borderlands 2 (2012), Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014), and Borderlands 3 (2019). Additionally, there are several spin-off games, including Tales from the Borderlands (2014), a narrative-driven adventure game, and Borderlands Legends (2012), a mobile game. There are also several downloadable content (DLC) packs available for each game, which add new storylines, characters, and gameplay mechanics.
It’s worth noting that while the games can be played in any order, playing them in chronological order will provide the best storyline experience. The games are designed to be standalone, but they do share a common universe and characters, so playing them in order will help to understand the overall narrative and character development.
What are the key differences between the mainline Borderlands games?
Each mainline Borderlands game builds upon the previous one, introducing new gameplay mechanics, characters, and storylines. Borderlands (2009) introduced the series’ unique blend of RPG and FPS elements, while Borderlands 2 (2012) expanded on the gameplay and added a more engaging storyline. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014) took a different approach, focusing on the story of Handsome Jack, a key character in the series, and introducing new gameplay mechanics like low-gravity environments.
Borderlands 3 (2019) is the latest installment in the series, featuring improved graphics, new characters, and a more expansive open world. The game also introduces new gameplay mechanics like multiple planets to explore and a more complex storyline. Overall, each game in the series offers a unique experience, but they all share the same core elements that fans of the series have come to love.
Can I play the Borderlands games on multiple platforms?
Yes, the Borderlands games are available on multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Mac. The games are also available on next-generation consoles like Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5. Additionally, some games in the series are available on Nintendo Switch and Google Stadia. Players can purchase the games digitally through online stores like Steam, Epic Games Store, and the PlayStation Store, or buy physical copies from retailers.
It’s worth noting that some games in the series may have platform-exclusive content or features, so players should check the game’s official website or store page to see what’s available on their platform of choice. Additionally, some games may offer cross-platform play, allowing players to play with friends across different platforms.
How do I choose the right character for my playstyle in Borderlands?
Choosing the right character in Borderlands depends on your playstyle and preferences. Each character has unique abilities and skill trees that cater to different playstyles, such as stealth, melee, or ranged combat. Players can choose from a variety of characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. For example, Axton is a versatile character who excels at medium-range combat, while Zer0 is a stealthy character who excels at close-range combat.
Players can also experiment with different skill trees and builds to customize their character’s abilities and playstyle. The game’s skill tree system allows players to allocate points to different skills and abilities, creating a unique build that suits their playstyle. Additionally, players can switch between characters and builds at any time, allowing them to experiment with different playstyles and find what works best for them.
What is the significance of the Vaults in the Borderlands series?
The Vaults are a central part of the Borderlands series, serving as a driving force behind the games’ storylines and gameplay. The Vaults are ancient alien structures that contain powerful technology and treasures, which are highly sought after by various factions in the game. Players take on the role of Vault Hunters, tasked with finding and opening the Vaults to claim their treasures.
Throughout the series, the Vaults play a key role in the storyline, often serving as a MacGuffin that drives the plot forward. The Vaults are also a source of powerful loot and technology, which players can use to upgrade their characters and equipment. The Vaults are often guarded by powerful enemies and bosses, making them a challenging and rewarding part of the gameplay experience.
Is the Borderlands series suitable for all ages?
The Borderlands series is rated M for Mature by the ESRB, which means it’s intended for players aged 17 and above. The games contain violence, strong language, and mature themes, which may not be suitable for younger players. However, the series’ cartoonish visuals and dark humor may make it appealing to some younger players.
Ultimately, the decision to play the Borderlands series depends on individual preferences and maturity levels. Players should be aware of the game’s content and make an informed decision about whether it’s suitable for their age and sensitivity level. Parents and guardians are also advised to review the game’s content and make a decision about whether it’s suitable for their children.