How to Play the Borderlands Games in Order: A Journey Through Chaos and Loot

The Borderlands series is a unique blend of first-person shooter action, RPG elements, and a quirky sense of humor that has captivated gamers since its debut. With multiple games, DLCs, and spin-offs, it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out the best order to play them. This guide will help you navigate the chaotic world of Pandora and beyond, ensuring you get the most out of your Borderlands experience.

1. Start with Borderlands (2009)

The original Borderlands game sets the stage for the entire series. It introduces you to the planet Pandora, a lawless wasteland filled with bandits, dangerous creatures, and, of course, vaults. The game’s unique art style, combined with its loot-driven gameplay, quickly became a fan favorite. Playing the first game will give you a solid foundation for understanding the lore and the mechanics that define the series.

2. Move on to Borderlands 2 (2012)

Borderlands 2 is often considered the pinnacle of the series. It builds upon the foundation of the first game, introducing new characters, a more engaging story, and a villain that has become iconic in gaming history: Handsome Jack. The game also introduces new mechanics, such as the ability to customize your character’s skills and abilities more deeply. Playing Borderlands 2 immediately after the first game will allow you to appreciate the improvements and the continuation of the story.

3. Explore the Pre-Sequel: Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is set between the events of the first and second games. It provides backstory on Handsome Jack and how he became the villain we love to hate. The game also introduces new gameplay elements, such as low-gravity environments and oxygen management, which add a fresh twist to the familiar Borderlands formula. Playing this game after Borderlands 2 will give you a deeper understanding of the series’ overarching narrative.

4. Dive into Borderlands 3 (2019)

Borderlands 3 is the latest mainline entry in the series and brings the story forward with new characters, planets, and a more refined gameplay experience. The game introduces new mechanics, such as the ability to slide and climb, and offers a more expansive world to explore. Playing Borderlands 3 after the previous games will allow you to see how the series has evolved and how the story has progressed.

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

The Borderlands series is known for its extensive DLCs and spin-offs, which add depth to the main games. Some notable DLCs include:

• Borderlands: The Secret Armory of General Knoxx (Borderlands 1 DLC): This DLC introduces new weapons, enemies, and a challenging endgame.
• Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep (Borderlands 2 DLC): A fan-favorite DLC that combines the Borderlands universe with a fantasy RPG setting.
• Tales from the Borderlands (Spin-Off): A narrative-driven game that explores the world of Borderlands from a different perspective.

Playing these DLCs and spin-offs in between the main games will enrich your experience and provide additional context to the story.

6. Consider the Chronological Order

If you’re a lore enthusiast, you might want to play the games in chronological order rather than release order. This would mean starting with Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, followed by Borderlands, Borderlands 2, and finally Borderlands 3. This approach will give you a more linear understanding of the events in the Borderlands universe.

7. Replayability and Endgame Content

One of the strengths of the Borderlands series is its replayability. Each game offers multiple playthroughs with increased difficulty and better loot. Additionally, the endgame content, such as raid bosses and challenge modes, provides hours of additional gameplay. Revisiting the games after completing them once can offer new challenges and rewards.

8. Co-op Play: The True Borderlands Experience

Borderlands is best experienced with friends. The series is designed with co-op play in mind, and playing with others can make the chaotic world of Pandora even more enjoyable. Whether you’re teaming up to take down a tough boss or competing for the best loot, co-op play adds a new dimension to the Borderlands experience.

9. Modding and Community Content

The Borderlands community is active and creative, with numerous mods and custom content available for the games. Mods can range from simple quality-of-life improvements to complete overhauls of the game’s mechanics. Exploring community content can breathe new life into the games and offer a fresh experience even for veteran players.

10. Stay Updated with Future Releases

The Borderlands series continues to evolve, with new content and potential sequels on the horizon. Staying updated with the latest news and releases will ensure you don’t miss out on any new adventures in the Borderlands universe.

Related Q&A:

Q: Can I play Borderlands 3 without playing the previous games? A: While Borderlands 3 is designed to be accessible to new players, playing the previous games will give you a better understanding of the story, characters, and world.

Q: Are the DLCs necessary to enjoy the main games? A: The DLCs are not necessary but highly recommended. They add significant content and depth to the main games, making the overall experience more enjoyable.

Q: Is Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel essential to the story? A: Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel provides important backstory, especially regarding Handsome Jack. While not essential, it enriches the overall narrative.

Q: Can I play Borderlands solo? A: Yes, all Borderlands games can be played solo. However, the co-op experience is highly recommended for the full Borderlands experience.

Q: What is the best order to play the Borderlands games for a new player? A: For a new player, it’s best to play the games in release order: Borderlands, Borderlands 2, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, and then Borderlands 3. This order allows you to experience the evolution of the series and understand the story as it unfolds.