For fans new to the Borderlands franchise, figuring out whether to play the games in order can be a daunting task. The series features multiple mainline titles, spin-offs, and story-driven adventures, each contributing unique elements to the overall narrative and gameplay experience. While it is not strictly necessary to play the Borderlands games in chronological or release order, doing so allows players to follow the storyline and character development more clearly.
Some players may prefer starting with any of the main entries due to similar gameplay mechanics, but the story ties and character arcs make beginning with the original Borderlands and progressing through the series the most rewarding. The addition of narrative-focused spin-offs also enriches the universe but can be approached flexibly depending on the player’s interest in story depth versus gameplay.
Understanding the best approach to experiencing Borderlands helps new and returning players get the most out of the franchise’s rich world and evolving gameplay. This guide offers clarity on how playing the series in different orders impacts engagement and enjoyment.
Key Takeways
- Playing the series in order enhances story comprehension.
- Mainline games share similar gameplay styles suitable for flexible entry points.
- Spin-offs add narrative depth but can be played independently.
Is It Necessary to Play Borderlands in Order?
Playing the Borderlands series in order is not strictly required, but the sequence influences story coherence, character understanding, and gameplay familiarity. Some titles contain spoilers that impact how players perceive key characters and events. The progression in game mechanics also affects player experience over time.
Story Continuity and Character Development
The Borderlands narrative is interconnected, especially across Borderlands, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel. Borderlands 1 introduces essential elements like Pandora, Vault Hunters, and the corporate entity Atlas. It sets foundational lore and characters that appear throughout the series.
Borderlands 2 expands the story with new characters such as Handsome Jack and Tiny Tina. Playing this second allows players to appreciate the development of recurring characters like Lilith and Claptrap.
The Pre-Sequel, though a chronological prequel, reveals how Handsome Jack evolved into a villain but includes spoilers if played before Borderlands 2. Spin-offs like Tales From The Borderlands and New Tales From The Borderlands rely heavily on previous knowledge for full context.
Gameplay Evolution Across the Series
Gearbox Software refined gameplay mechanics with each release. The original Borderlands established the looter shooter format but feels dated and clunky compared to later entries.
Borderlands 2 improved gunplay, character abilities, and enemy AI, becoming the fan-favorite benchmark. Playing it first can set expectations for smoother mechanics.
The Pre-Sequel adds low-gravity mechanics unique to its moon setting but retains gameplay style from earlier games.
Borderlands 3 features the most polished gameplay, enhanced visuals, and expanded weapon variety. Starting with it may make earlier games feel less refined, potentially reducing enjoyment.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands shifts to a fantasy setting with distinct mechanics and stands apart from traditional Borderlands gameplay.
Impact on Enjoyment and Spoilers
Playing the series out of release order can lead to narrative spoilers, especially between The Pre-Sequel and Borderlands 2. The Pre-Sequel’s flashbacks and story details reveal critical plot points about Handsome Jack.
Players unaware of this may lose dramatic impact when reaching Borderlands 2. Characters introduced in earlier titles become more meaningful when experienced in order.
For newcomers, starting with Borderlands 2 still offers solid context and a well-rounded introduction without mandatory prior knowledge. Skipping some spin-offs like Tales From The Borderlands or New Tales won’t severely affect the main storyline and can be approached later.
The gameplay experience and engagement with story often improve by following the release sequence, balancing story flow with evolving mechanics.
Recommended Play Orders for the Borderlands Games
Players should consider how story progression, gameplay evolution, and spoilers intersect when choosing an order to play the Borderlands series. Different sequences emphasize either narrative clarity or technical improvements. Including spin-offs adds complexity, as their connections vary from central to tangential.
Chronological Order Explained
Playing the Borderlands games in chronological story order means starting with Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, set before Borderlands 2. This approach aims to follow the timeline of events on Pandora and Elpis. However, The Pre-Sequel reveals key plot points and character developments from Borderlands 2, specifically around Handsome Jack’s transformation, risking spoilers.
Key Vault Hunters like Athena, Wilhelm, and Nisha appear with different backstories when played chronologically. Understanding hands-on how Jack rises to power can deepen context but may reduce surprises for new players. This order might appeal to those interested in lore continuity rather than initial gameplay flow.
Release Order vs. Story Order
The most widely recommended approach starts with Borderlands (2009), followed by Borderlands 2, then The Pre-Sequel, and finally Borderlands 3. This release order preserves the introduction of characters like Roland, Brick, and Mordecai as they were originally experienced by the community. It also controls spoilers surrounding iconic figures including Handsome Jack.
The gameplay evolves significantly across these titles. Beginning with the original exposes players to the cel-shaded art style’s beginnings and introduces the franchise’s looter shooter mechanics, albeit more clunky compared to later games.
Borderlands 2 is generally considered the series’ high point in storytelling and gameplay polish. Playing it early improves understanding of persistent characters and sets a strong foundation for Borderlands 3, which integrates many returning Vault Hunters and characters from Tales From The Borderlands.
Spin-Offs and Their Placement
Spin-offs like Tales From The Borderlands, New Tales From The Borderlands, and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands have unique narrative and gameplay contexts that affect where they fit best.
Tales From The Borderlands is a narrative-driven title relying heavily on prior knowledge of the main games. It works best after the initial trilogy, especially because it features secondary roles from characters like Rhys and Fiona. Playing it later avoids confusion and enhances appreciation of its story callbacks.
New Tales From The Borderlands takes place after Borderlands 3 but introduces mostly new characters. Its different tone and limited crossover make it suitable at the end of a playthrough to avoid spoilers.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands branches away from the traditional Borderlands world into a fantasy/D&D-inspired setting. Its gameplay is an evolution of Borderlands 3’s gunplay, so it is best enjoyed after experiencing the mainline titles to fully appreciate technical improvements and character references.
