Alright Vault Hunters, so you’re staring down the barrel of the Borderlands franchise and wondering where to even begin? There’s no single \\”right\\” answer, but I can break down the optimal playthrough paths, taking into account both narrative flow and gameplay evolution.
The Chronological Order (Story-Focused): This is for those who prioritize experiencing the saga as it unfolds. This order ensures character arcs hit hardest and that callbacks land with maximum impact. Here’s the rundown:
Borderlands (BL1): Start here. It introduces you to the core gameplay loop, the original Vault Hunters, and the wild world of Pandora. While it feels dated compared to later entries, understanding its characters and events is crucial. Think of it as laying the foundation.
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (TPS): Set between BL1 and BL2, this game explores Handsome Jack’s descent into villainy. It offers a unique perspective and adds layers to his character. However, its gameplay mechanics, while interesting, can feel a little clunky compared to BL2. Consider playing this after BL2 for the best appreciation.
Borderlands 2 (BL2): This is arguably the peak of the series. Fantastic story, memorable villains, and refined gameplay. Definitely play this after BL1, regardless of other choices. It builds upon everything established in the first game and elevates it to new heights.
Borderlands 2 VR (BL2VR): If you have a VR headset, this is a fun, immersive way to experience BL2… again. It’s essentially the same game, so it’s entirely optional. Consider it a bonus for hardcore fans.
Borderlands 2: Commander Lilith & The Fight for Sanctuary: This DLC bridges the gap between BL2 and BL3, setting up the events of the latter. It’s important for narrative continuity and contains significant story developments. Make sure you play this between BL2 and BL3.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands: A spin-off that takes place within the Borderlands universe, featuring Tiny Tina as the Bunker Master. While narratively somewhat detached, it introduces new gameplay mechanics and characters. It doesn’t drastically affect the main storyline, so it’s fine to play after BL3.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands DLC (within BL3): Some elements in Borderlands 3’s DLCs directly reference events and characters introduced in Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands. These are subtle, but enhance the experience if played after experiencing Wonderlands.
Tales from the Borderlands (TTB): A narrative adventure game that offers a different perspective on the Borderlands universe. Its story is surprisingly impactful and introduces characters that appear in later games, notably Borderlands 3. Play this before Borderlands 3 for a better understanding of certain plot points.
Borderlands 3 (BL3): The latest mainline entry. It builds upon the gameplay of its predecessors but has a divisive story. Playing it after Tales from the Borderlands and the Lilith DLC will provide the most context and appreciation.
New Tales from the Borderlands (NTTB): A spiritual successor to the original Tales from the Borderlands. While it shares a name and universe, its characters and story are largely independent. It’s safe to play this after Borderlands 3 without missing major connections.
The Release Order (Gameplay-Focused): This allows you to experience the evolution of the franchise’s gameplay mechanics and graphics. However, the narrative might feel disjointed.
Why the Chronological Order Can Be Better: While the Release Order might seem intuitive, playing Borderlands 2 before The Pre-Sequel is highly recommended. The Pre-Sequel spoils plot points from Borderlands 2, and its humor often relies on knowing what happens to Handsome Jack. The chronological order allows you to experience the events leading up to his transformation, which adds more depth to his character in Borderlands 2.
Important Note: Borderlands games are often heavily discounted. If you can’t afford to buy everything at once, prioritize Borderlands 2 and its DLC. It’s the most essential experience in the franchise.
