Cracking the Vault: The Definitive Borderlands Play Order Guide
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So, you’re ready to dive headfirst into the chaotic, loot-filled world of Borderlands? Excellent choice, Vault Hunter! But with so many games in the series, figuring out where to start can feel like navigating a bandit camp blindfolded. Fear not! As a seasoned Borderlands veteran, I’m here to lay out the optimal play order for maximum enjoyment and narrative coherence.
The Short Answer:
While there’s no single “right” way, the generally recommended order for playing the Borderlands games to fully appreciate the story, character development, and evolving gameplay mechanics is:
- Borderlands (Game of the Year Edition)
- Borderlands 2
- Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel!
- Tales from the Borderlands
- Borderlands 3
- Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands (While technically a spin-off, it features characters and lore heavily tied to Borderlands 2)
- New Tales from the Borderlands
This order prioritizes the chronological flow of the narrative, allowing you to witness the rise and fall of key characters, understand the overarching plot threads, and appreciate the evolution of the Borderlands universe.
Why This Order? A Deeper Dive
Let’s break down why this order works so well:
Borderlands: The Genesis
Starting with the original Borderlands is crucial for establishing the world, introducing the core gameplay loop (shoot, loot, repeat!), and familiarizing yourself with iconic characters like Lilith, Roland, Mordecai, and Brick. While the gameplay may feel a bit dated compared to later installments, understanding the origins of the Vault Hunters and the mysteries of Pandora is essential.
Borderlands 2: The Pinnacle
Many consider Borderlands 2 the series’ high point, and for good reason. It boasts a compelling story, a charismatic villain in Handsome Jack, refined gameplay mechanics, and memorable characters like Maya, Salvador, Axton, and Gaige. Playing this after the first game allows you to fully appreciate the improvements and narrative depth. Plus, experiencing Handsome Jack’s rise to power makes the events of the Pre-Sequel all the more impactful.
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel!: A Villain’s Origin
This game fills in the gaps between Borderlands and Borderlands 2, showing how Handsome Jack transformed from a Hyperion programmer into the ruthless dictator we all love to hate. It features a unique low-gravity gameplay mechanic and introduces new Vault Hunters like Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Claptrap. Playing this after Borderlands 2 gives you vital context to Jack’s motivations.
Tales from the Borderlands: A Narrative Masterpiece
This Telltale Games adventure offers a refreshing change of pace with its focus on story, character development, and choice-driven gameplay. While the gameplay is different, the characters introduced, like Rhys and Fiona, play crucial roles in the wider Borderlands narrative. The game’s events have lasting consequences in Borderlands 3.
Borderlands 3: The Modern Evolution
Borderlands 3 is the most technologically advanced game in the series, boasting stunning visuals, refined gunplay, and new Vault Hunters. It also moves the story forward significantly, dealing with the repercussions of previous games and introducing new threats. Playing this after the others allows you to appreciate the returning characters, understand the complex plot, and enjoy the expanded universe.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands: A Fantasy Diversion
While a standalone spin-off, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands continues the Borderlands legacy with its signature humor and gunplay. It features several familiar faces and storylines, and the events of the game are referenced in later content.
New Tales from the Borderlands
Although not as well-received as its predecessor, New Tales from the Borderlands continues the story with new characters and choices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it really necessary to play Borderlands 1 before 2?
While you can jump straight into Borderlands 2, playing the first game will enrich your experience. You’ll understand the backstory of the original Vault Hunters, the significance of the Vaults, and the overall lore of Pandora. You will be rewarded for having this background knowledge of the Borderlands universe.
2. Can I skip the Pre-Sequel?
You can, but you’d be missing out on valuable character development for Handsome Jack and important plot points that connect to Borderlands 2 and Borderlands 3.
3. What if I find Borderlands 1 too dated?
If you’re struggling with the older mechanics of Borderlands 1, consider watching a story recap video to get the gist of the plot before moving on to Borderlands 2. This is better than missing the core details.
4. Does it matter if I play Tales from the Borderlands before or after Borderlands 3?
Playing Tales from the Borderlands before Borderlands 3 is highly recommended. The characters and events from Tales have a significant impact on the story of Borderlands 3, and you’ll appreciate the cameos and references much more.
5. Is Borderlands 3 good as a standalone game?
Borderlands 3 is enjoyable even without playing the previous games, thanks to its engaging gameplay and stunning graphics. However, you’ll miss out on a lot of the context and emotional impact if you’re not familiar with the characters and story from the earlier installments.
6. Is Borderlands 3 harder than the previous games?
The difficulty in Borderlands 3 is somewhat subjective. Some players find it easier due to the refined gunplay and character builds, while others find the endgame content challenging.
7. Will there be a Borderlands 4?
While Gearbox hasn’t officially announced Borderlands 4, the success of the series makes it highly likely that a sequel is in the works. The story has many open questions to answer still.
8. Is it okay to play Borderlands 3 with friends who haven’t played the previous games?
Absolutely! Borderlands is always more fun with friends, regardless of their experience with the series. The game is designed to be accessible to new players.
9. How long is the gap between Borderlands 2 and 3 in the game’s timeline?
There is a seven-year gap between the events of Borderlands 2 and Borderlands 3, reflecting the real-world time between their releases.
10. What about the Commander Lilith DLC for Borderlands 2? When should I play that?
The Commander Lilith & the Fight for Sanctuary DLC acts as a direct bridge between Borderlands 2 and Borderlands 3. Play it after completing the main story of Borderlands 2 and before starting Borderlands 3 for a seamless narrative transition.
11. Is there a specific order to play the Borderlands 3 DLCs?
While not strictly necessary, playing the Borderlands 3 DLCs in release order (Moxxi’s Heist of the Handsome Jackpot, Guns, Love, and Tentacles, Bounty of Blood, Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck) is recommended to understand the evolving story and character arcs.
12. I’m new to looter-shooters. Is Borderlands a good place to start?
Yes! The Borderlands series is a fantastic entry point into the looter-shooter genre. The gameplay is accessible, the humor is infectious, and the loot is plentiful. It is one of the easiest of the genre to approach as a new player.
13. What makes Borderlands unique compared to other looter-shooters?
Borderlands stands out with its vibrant art style, over-the-top humor, memorable characters, and sheer variety of weapons. The focus on cooperative play and character customization also adds to its appeal.
14. What if I’m more interested in story than gameplay?
If story is your primary focus, consider playing Tales from the Borderlands first. It’s a fantastic narrative experience that will get you invested in the characters and universe. Then, consider watching condensed playthroughs or story summaries of the main games to catch up on the lore before diving into Borderlands 3.
15. Are there any resources for learning more about the Borderlands universe?
Absolutely! The Borderlands Wiki is a comprehensive resource for lore, characters, weapons, and everything else related to the series. The official Borderlands YouTube channel also has story recap videos and behind-the-scenes content. You can also learn a lot about the educational applications of video games, including Borderlands, by visiting the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The GamesLearningSociety.org is dedicated to exploring the intersection of games and learning.
Conclusion: Your Borderlands Adventure Awaits
Ultimately, the best Borderlands play order is the one that suits your preferences and play style. However, following the chronological order outlined above will provide the most complete and satisfying experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the series’ rich lore, memorable characters, and ever-evolving gameplay. So grab your favorite Vault Hunter, load up your guns, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure on Pandora and beyond!