Borderlands Games in Order: A Comprehensive Guide to the Franchise

The Borderlands franchise has captivated gamers worldwide with its unique blend of cel-shaded graphics, looter-shooter gameplay, and witty dialogue. With multiple installments released over the years, it can be challenging to keep track of the chronological order of events. This definitive guide provides an in-depth overview of the Borderlands games in order, offering insights into their storylines, characters, and significant features.

Borderlands (2009)

Key Features:

• Introduced the distinctive cel-shaded art style
• Set on the planet Pandora, where players hunt for Vault artifacts
• Features four playable characters: Lilith, Roland, Mordecai, and Brick

Storyline:

The first Borderlands game follows four Vault Hunters as they journey to the planet Pandora to search for a legendary Vault containing advanced alien technology. Along the way, they encounter dangerous creatures, ruthless bandits, and corrupt corporations.

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel! (2014)

Key Features:

• Prequel to the original Borderlands
• Set on the moon of Elpis
• Introduces Athenas and Wilhelm as playable characters
• Features low-gravity gameplay and oxygen mechanics

Storyline:

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel! delves into the events leading up to the first game, exploring the backstory of Handsome Jack, the charismatic villain. Players join Athena and Wilhelm as they attempt to foil Jack's sinister plans and prevent the rise of the Hyperion Corporation.

Borderlands 2 (2012)

Key Features:

• Sequel to the original Borderlands
• Set on Pandora after the events of the first game
• Introduces a new cast of playable characters: Salvador, Maya, Axton, and Zer0
• Features enhanced graphics and more diverse environments

Storyline:

Borderlands 2 sees the return of the Vault Hunters as they investigate a mysterious broadcast from the late Handsome Jack. The game follows their journey to uncover Jack's true intentions and seek revenge for his actions.

Borderlands: The Handsome Collection (2015)

Key Features:

• Compilation of Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel!
• Includes all DLC for both games
• Optimized for current-gen consoles

Storyline:

The Handsome Collection offers a comprehensive experience of the Borderlands series' second installments, providing players with an opportunity to explore the full story arcs of both games.

Borderlands 3 (2019)

Key Features:

• Third installment in the main Borderlands series
• Set on multiple planets, including Promethea and Eden-6
• Introduces Amara, Zane, Moze, and FL4K as playable characters
• Features over 33 billion procedurally generated weapons

Storyline:

Borderlands 3 expands the franchise's universe by introducing new worlds and characters. The Vault Hunters embark on a quest to find the Destroyer, an ancient evil that threatens to consume the galaxy.

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022)

Key Features:

• Spin-off from the Borderlands series
• Set in the whimsical tabletop RPG created by Tiny Tina
• Introduces a new cast of characters and weapons
• Features chaotic and imaginative gameplay

Storyline:

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands takes players on a fantastical adventure through a tabletop role-playing game that has come to life. The game follows the Vault Hunters as they explore a new realm filled with monsters, magic, and unexpected challenges.

Future of the Borderlands Franchise

The Borderlands franchise continues to grow and evolve, with numerous spin-offs and rumored sequels on the horizon. According to industry analysts, the franchise has sold over 60 million copies worldwide. Gearbox Software, the developer of the series, has hinted at the possibility of future releases, potentially expanding the Borderlands universe even further.

Conclusion

The Borderlands games offer a unique and engrossing experience that combines humor, action, and loot-grinding. With its colorful characters, engaging storylines, and endless replayability, the franchise has secured its place as one of the most popular and enduring in gaming history. As the future of the series remains bright, fans can eagerly anticipate new adventures and challenges within the vast and ever-expanding Borderlands universe.