Borderlands is a series that has captured the hearts of gamers with its unique blend of looter-shooter gameplay, quirky humor, and distinctive cel-shaded art style. With the recent release of the Borderlands movie adaptation, now is the perfect time to revisit the best games in the franchise. In this list, we will rank the top Borderlands games, starting from the weakest to the strongest entry.
At number nine, we have Borderlands Legends, a mobile tie-in to the original Borderlands game released in 2012. While the game attempts to bring the Borderlands experience to a top-down perspective, it falls short in capturing the series‘ signature chaos and speed. Despite its impressive graphics and abundance of loot, Borderlands Legends is considered the weakest entry in the series.
Coming in at number eight is Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, developed by 2K Australia and released in 2014. Serving as a bridge between Borderlands 2 and Borderlands 3, The Pre-Sequel explores the backstory of Handsome Jack and introduces new gameplay mechanics set on Pandora’s moon, Elpis. However, the game feels more like an expansion to Borderlands 2 rather than a standalone title, lacking the same impact as its predecessors.
The original Borderlands takes the seventh spot on our list, marking the beginning of the series in 2009. With its unique blend of FPS and RPG elements, Borderlands introduced players to the world of Pandora and the concept of infinite guns. While the story may be lacking, the game’s scrappy nature and art style laid the foundation for the series‘ success.
At number six, we have New Tales from the Borderlands, a surprise sequel to the 2014 narrative adventure developed by Gearbox and published by 2K Games in 2022. The game follows the escapades of four Vault Hunters on the metropolis planet of Promethea, offering a smartly paced and humorous adventure that expands the Borderlands universe.
Borderlands 3 secures the fifth spot on our list, released in 2019 by Gearbox. While the game improves upon the series‘ gameplay mechanics, it falls short in terms of optimization and humor compared to its predecessors. Despite these shortcomings, Borderlands 3 offers fast-paced shooting and a wealth of loot for players to enjoy.
Tales from the Borderlands claims the fourth position, developed by Telltale Games in 2014. This point-and-click adventure spinoff delves deep into the world of Pandora, delivering a hilarious and heartfelt story that showcases the best of both Telltale and Gearbox’s storytelling prowess.
Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep: A Wonderlands One-shot Adventure takes the third spot on our list, originally released as DLC for Borderlands 2 and later as a standalone game in 2021. Set in a Dungeons and Dragons-inspired world, the game offers a zany and fun-filled experience that captures the essence of Borderlands.
In second place, we have Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, released in 2021 by Gearbox. Building upon the success of Assault on Dragon Keep, Wonderlands offers a hilarious and absurd adventure set in a game of Dungeons and Dragons within the Borderlands universe, featuring a star-studded cast of voice actors.
Finally, at the top of our list is Borderlands 2, released in 2012 by Gearbox. Considered a turning point for the franchise, Borderlands 2 refines the series‘ formula with gorgeous visuals, compelling combat, and a memorable antagonist in Handsome Jack. Despite some dated aspects, Borderlands 2 remains a fan favorite and a standout entry in the series.
In conclusion, the Borderlands series has evolved over the years, offering a mix of humor, action, and looting that continues to captivate players. Whether you’re a fan of the original game or the latest installment, there’s something for everyone in the chaotic world of Borderlands.