Are you a fan of the Borderlands series and curious about the chronological order of the games? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the timeline of all the Borderlands games, including spin-offs and DLCs. Whether you’re a new player looking to start from the beginning or a long-time fan wanting to revisit the series, this article will provide you with all the information you need.
Borderlands (2009)
Let’s begin our journey with the game that started it all – Borderlands. Released in October 2009, Borderlands introduced players to the planet of Pandora and its vast, open-world environment. The story revolves around four vault hunters who embark on a quest to find the legendary Vault and its hidden treasures.
In Borderlands, players can choose from four unique characters, each with their own special abilities and skill trees. The game offers a combination of first-person shooter gameplay with RPG elements, allowing players to level up, acquire new weapons and gear, and complete various missions and side quests.
One of the standout features of Borderlands is its innovative content generation system, which creates a virtually infinite number of weapon variations. This, coupled with the game’s distinctive cel-shaded art style, sets it apart from other shooters in the genre.
The Border Lands (2012)
Next, we have “The Border Lands,” a prequel to Borderlands 2 that was released in August 2012. This game takes a different approach by adopting a top-down shooter perspective, reminiscent of classic games from the 1980s. Despite its retro aesthetic, The Border Lands features the same playable characters as Borderlands 2.
In The Border Lands, players control one of four characters, each with their own unique abilities. Your goal is to survive waves of enemies and accumulate as much money as possible before your life runs out. The game serves as a marketing ploy to give players a taste of what to expect in Borderlands 2.
Borderlands 2 (2012)
Borderlands 2, released in September 2012, is the direct sequel to the original game and takes place five years after the events of Borderlands. The story follows a new group of vault hunters who are recruited by the main antagonist, Handsome Jack, to find another Vault on Pandora.
In Borderlands 2, players can once again choose from a variety of characters, each with their own unique skill trees and abilities. The game introduces new features such as Slag, a new elemental damage type, and the ability to perform a “butt slam” attack. Additionally, Borderlands 2 expands on the loot system, offering a seemingly endless array of guns and gear for players to collect.
Borderlands 2 has received critical acclaim for its engaging story, memorable characters, and addictive gameplay. It remains one of the most beloved entries in the series.
Borderlands Legends (2012)
For iOS users, there’s a version of Borderlands called “Borderlands Legends,” released in October 2012. This game incorporates elements from the original Borderlands and features the same cast of characters. Players take on the role of these characters, strategically positioning themselves on the map to fend off waves of enemies.
Each character in Borderlands Legends has their own unique arsenal of weapons and abilities. The game adds an element of randomness by choosing mission components at random, providing a fresh experience with each playthrough. While it draws inspiration from the original Borderlands, Legends establishes its own identity and offers an immersive and interactive gameplay experience.
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel! (2014)
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel! serves as a bridge between the events of the first Borderlands and the beginning of Handsome Jack’s rise to power. Developed by 2K Australia in collaboration with Gearbox, this game introduces new playable characters and takes place on Pandora’s moon, Elpis.
In The Pre-Sequel!, players control one of several new vault hunters, including Handsome Jack himself. The game introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as low gravity environments that allow for high jumps and improved air control. Players must also manage their oxygen supply while exploring the moon’s surface.
The Pre-Sequel! shares many gameplay elements with Borderlands 2, including the first-person shooter and RPG elements. However, it also offers unique features and additions that set it apart from its predecessor.
Tales From The Borderlands (2014)
Tales from the Borderlands takes a different approach to the Borderlands universe, offering a narrative-driven, episodic adventure game. Developed by Telltale Games in collaboration with Gearbox, this game focuses on the story of two protagonists, Rhys and Fiona, as they navigate the treacherous world of Pandora.
The game consists of five episodes, each offering a glimpse into the lives of Rhys and Fiona as they attempt to find financial success on Pandora. Players make choices that affect the story and interact with familiar characters from the Borderlands series.
Tales from the Borderlands provides a fresh perspective on the Borderlands universe, combining the series’ trademark humor with engaging storytelling. It received critical acclaim for its compelling narrative and unique gameplay mechanics.
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection (2015)
If you’re looking for an all-in-one package of Borderlands goodness, look no further than Borderlands: The Handsome Collection. Released in March 2015, this collection includes remastered versions of both Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel!, along with all the DLC released for both games.
The Handsome Collection offers several enhancements, including improved graphics, higher frame rates, and the ability to transfer saved games between different platforms. It also introduces new features like four-player split-screen co-op and a cross-save feature that allows players to continue their progress on different devices.
With a wealth of content and gameplay options, The Handsome Collection is a must-have for any Borderlands fan.
Borderlands 3 (2019)
After a long wait, Borderlands 3 finally arrived in September 2019. This highly anticipated sequel takes place several years after the events of Borderlands 2 and introduces a new group of vault hunters on a quest to stop the evil Calypso twins from harnessing the power of the Vaults.
Borderlands 3 retains the series’ signature blend of first-person shooting and RPG elements, allowing players to customize their characters, acquire new weapons and gear, and tackle a variety of missions and side quests. The game introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as alternate fire modes for weapons and the ability to slide and climb.
One of the standout features of Borderlands 3 is the sheer amount of content it offers. With multiple planets to explore, a wealth of side quests, and a seemingly endless array of loot, the game provides countless hours of gameplay.
Borderlands: Legendary Collection (2020)
For Nintendo Switch owners, there’s the Borderlands: Legendary Collection, released in May 2020. This collection includes Borderlands, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel!, offering players the opportunity to experience the entire mainline series on the go.
The Legendary Collection takes advantage of the Switch’s unique features, including motion controls and the ability to play in handheld mode. It includes all the DLC released for the three games, providing hours of gameplay for fans of the series.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands (2022)
Finally, we have Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, a spin-off game set in the Borderlands universe. Inspired by the “Assault on Dragon Keep” DLC from Borderlands 2, Wonderlands offers a completely new perspective on the series. While the exact placement of Wonderlands in the timeline is unclear, it features a younger version of Tiny Tina from Borderlands 2.
In Wonderlands, players embark on a fantasy-themed tabletop role-playing adventure, complete with overworld exploration, quests, and combat encounters. The game allows players to create their own characters, choosing from six character classes with unique abilities and skill trees.
While not a direct sequel, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands expands upon the lore and universe of Borderlands, offering a fresh take on the series.
Conclusion
The Borderlands series has captivated gamers with its unique blend of first-person shooting, RPG elements, and irreverent humor. From the original game to the latest spin-off, each entry has added new layers to the world of Pandora and its colorful cast of characters.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the series, exploring the Borderlands games in chronological order can provide a deeper understanding of the story and its characters. Each game offers its own unique gameplay mechanics, storylines, and memorable moments that make the series a beloved franchise.
So, grab your weapons, gather your friends, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the Borderlands!
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