Should I Play Tales from the Borderlands Before or After the Pre-Sequel? A Borderlands Timeline Deep Dive
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The Borderlands universe is a sprawling, hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking tapestry of gun-toting action, quirky characters, and vault-hunting mayhem. With so many games in the series, deciding on the optimal order can feel like navigating a minefield of spoilers and missed references. When it comes to Tales from the Borderlands and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel!, the question of which to play first is a common one. The short answer? Play Tales from the Borderlands after Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel! Let’s delve into why that order provides the best narrative experience.
The Narrative Flow: Why Pre-Sequel First?
The core reason for playing Tales from the Borderlands after Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel! (TPS) lies in the narrative structure and the impact of spoilers. While both games can be enjoyed independently to some extent, experiencing TPS first enriches the context of Tales significantly.
The Pre-Sequel’s Place in the Timeline
TPS fills in the gap between Borderlands 1 and Borderlands 2, detailing Handsome Jack’s descent into villainy. It’s a crucial piece of the puzzle for understanding his motivations and the origins of certain characters. Knowing the events of TPS allows you to fully appreciate the references and cameos in Tales from the Borderlands.
Tales from the Borderlands: A Post-Borderlands 2 Landscape
Tales from the Borderlands takes place after the events of Borderlands 2. Therefore, it assumes you have a familiarity with the world and characters established in both Borderlands 2 and TPS. While Tales does a decent job of introducing its own story and protagonists, understanding the broader context of the Borderlands universe, including the fallout from Jack’s reign, deepens the experience. Without knowing the events of TPS, some character motivations and the significance of certain events in Tales may be lost or lessened.
Avoiding Spoilers: A Key Consideration
Although TPS technically occurs before Tales from the Borderlands in the timeline, TPS is framed as a flashback, recounted by Athena after the events of Borderlands 2. This means TPS itself contains some spoilers for Borderlands 2. Playing Tales before TPS won’t spoil TPS, but playing TPS before Tales allows you to have a complete understanding of the characters and their motivations.
Release Order vs. Chronological Order
A common debate in gaming is whether to play games in release order or chronological order. In the case of Borderlands, the release order (Borderlands, Borderlands 2, TPS, Tales) mostly aligns with the best way to experience the story, with a slight modification. While TPS was released before Tales, playing Tales afterwards provides a richer and more satisfying narrative experience.
Gameplay Considerations
Beyond the narrative, gameplay preferences also come into play. Some find the gameplay mechanics of TPS to be less refined than those of Borderlands 2, which could impact enjoyment if played immediately after the latter. However, this is a subjective point, and many find TPS’s low-gravity environments and new character classes to be refreshing.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. But for the most comprehensive and spoiler-free experience, diving into TPS before embarking on Tales from the Borderlands is the recommended path. You’ll appreciate the characters, the references, and the overall story that much more.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the best order to play Tales from the Borderlands and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel!:
1. Does it really matter what order I play them in?
While the games are mostly self-contained, playing Tales from the Borderlands after Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel! offers a richer and more informed experience, allowing you to appreciate character arcs and narrative connections more fully.
2. Will I be completely lost if I play Tales before Pre-Sequel?
No, you won’t be completely lost. Tales tells its own story effectively. However, you’ll miss out on nuances and references that connect it to the larger Borderlands narrative, particularly regarding Handsome Jack and other characters from TPS.
3. Is the gameplay in Pre-Sequel that different from Borderlands 2?
Yes, there are notable differences. The Pre-Sequel! introduces low-gravity environments and oxygen management mechanics, which alter combat and exploration. Some players enjoy these changes, while others find them less engaging than the core Borderlands 2 experience.
4. Does Tales from the Borderlands spoil anything from Pre-Sequel?
Not directly, but the overall context of Tales, taking place after Borderlands 2, implicitly reflects the events of TPS and the rise and fall of Handsome Jack. Playing TPS first helps you understand that context.
5. Should I play Borderlands 1 before either of these games?
Playing Borderlands 1 is highly recommended before tackling either TPS or Tales. It sets the foundation for the entire series, introducing key characters, lore, and gameplay mechanics.
6. Is Tales from the Borderlands just a side story, or is it important to the main Borderlands narrative?
Tales from the Borderlands is a crucial part of the Borderlands canon. It introduces important characters and events that have ramifications for later games, including Borderlands 3.
7. Are the characters in Tales from the Borderlands in other Borderlands games?
Yes, some characters from Tales from the Borderlands appear in Borderlands 3, and understanding their backstory from Tales enriches their role in the later game.
8. Is Handsome Jack in Tales from the Borderlands?
Yes, Handsome Jack plays a significant role in Tales from the Borderlands, even though the game takes place after his death. The events of TPS provide valuable context for his portrayal in Tales.
9. What if I just want to focus on the action and not the story?
Even if you prioritize action over story, understanding the narrative background enhances the overall experience. Knowing the motivations of characters and the history of the world adds depth to the gameplay.
10. Is there a huge difficulty difference between the two games?
The difficulty levels are comparable. Both Tales from the Borderlands (being a narrative adventure game) and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel! offer adjustable difficulty settings to suit different play styles.
11. How long does it take to beat each game?
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel! typically takes around 18 hours to complete the main story, while Tales from the Borderlands is an episodic game, with each episode taking approximately 2-3 hours. The total playtime for Tales is around 10-15 hours.
12. Is there any DLC I should play for either game?
For Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel!, the “Claptastic Voyage” DLC is highly recommended. It adds a significant amount of content and provides additional insight into Handsome Jack’s character. Tales from the Borderlands is a complete story in itself, so no additional DLC is required.
13. Does the order matter for New Tales from the Borderlands?
New Tales from the Borderlands is designed as a standalone experience. However, playing the original Tales from the Borderlands provides a greater appreciation for the Borderlands universe and some recurring themes.
14. Will playing Pre-Sequel before Tales make Tales more emotional?
Yes, understanding the events of TPS and the tragic turn of Handsome Jack will likely make the moments in Tales from the Borderlands more impactful, especially those involving Jack.
15. What is the best order to play ALL the Borderlands games?
The most recommended order for a complete narrative experience is:
- Borderlands
- Borderlands 2
- Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel!
- Tales from the Borderlands
- Borderlands 3
- New Tales from the Borderlands
This order ensures you experience the story in a way that maximizes understanding and appreciation for the characters and events of the Borderlands universe. Remember, enjoying the journey is the most important thing!