There is no evidence-backed universal ranking of the Borderlands games, and the right pick depends on whether you want a first-person looter shooter, a choice-led story, or a cooperative game. For the main shooter experience, start with Borderlands 2 or the original Borderlands; for a narrative adventure, choose one of the Tales games. The Handsome Collection is an official bundle of Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel.
Which Borderlands game is best for you?
Think of the franchise as several kinds of experience rather than a single ranked series. 2K’s Pandora’s Box page names six adventures: Borderlands, Borderlands 2, The Pre-Sequel, Tales from the Borderlands, Borderlands 3, and New Tales from the Borderlands.
- Want the main looter-shooter format? Pick one of the numbered games or The Pre-Sequel.
- Want a story-focused adventure rather than a shooter? Try Tales from the Borderlands or New Tales from the Borderlands.
- Want two main-series games together? Look for Borderlands: The Handsome Collection, which the official Pandora’s Box page says includes Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel. Check platform and availability where you buy.
That page’s DLC description is stated as current through September 1, 2023, so it should not be treated as a complete current inventory of downloadable content.
Which Borderlands game should you play first?
If you want to follow the main shooter series from its beginning, start with Borderlands. If you want the two games that come together in the Handsome Collection, play Borderlands 2 before The Pre-Sequel. The official sources establish those games and their collection relationship, but do not establish a definitive best entry or a universal play order.
#1 Best Overall
![Borderlands Collection: Pandora's Box Standard - PC [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Sg3bMiKOL._SL160_.jpg)
- MAKE COMPLETE MAYHEM: Venture across the desert planet of Pandora and the brutal worlds beyond, playing as badass Vault Hunters in search of legendary loot. Every Borderlands game is packed with larger-than-life characters, treacherous worlds, and unforgettable stories.
- GO SOLO OR TEAM UP: Borderlands' intense looter-shooter action gets amped all the way up when you're in a co-op party of up to four players online! Grab your friends and share the joys of firing bazillions of guns, crafting perfect builds, and conquering fearsome bosses!
- EXPERIENCE THE SAGA SO FAR: Whether you're new to the Borderlands or reuniting with old friends, you'll love making Mayhem with the series' eccentric cast. From Lilith's heroic ascension to Handsome Jack's infamous rise and fall, you’ll meet an unforgettable group of bandits, rebels, heroes—and Claptrap, who is also there.
For someone who mainly wants the format associated with the franchise, Borderlands 4 is officially described as a first-person looter shooter. Its FAQ also lists online co-op for up to four players and two-player split-screen on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Those specifics make it a clear option to consider with friends, subject to current platform availability.
Are the Tales from the Borderlands games like the main games?
No: they are narrative adventures, not the same kind of shooter. The official New Tales from the Borderlands FAQ describes New Tales as a choice-based narrative adventure in which players control the fate of three characters. Choose a Tales game if decisions and story are more appealing than looting and shooting.
Rank #2
- Two critically acclaimed Borderlands games in one package - experience Handsome Jack's rise to power in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel and his reign as maniacal Hyperion CEO in Borderlands 2.
- Over $100 in value and hundreds of hours of gameplay: includes all campaign add-ons, playable character packs, level cap upgrades, and assorted combat arenas previously released as downloadable content for both titles, plus dozens of additional chara
- Borderlands: The Handsome Collection supports four different players on a SINGLE split screen - next generation power fully utilized!
- Pick up right where you left off! Transfer your Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, or PS Vita save files onto next-gen with cross-save.
- Explore the mayhem filled world of Pandora and its moon in amazing high definition with smooth high performance frame rates never before seen in Borderlands on consoles. With over 55 editorial awards, enjoy the most critically acclaimed franchise to
New Tales from the Borderlands is not presented in that FAQ as a direct sequel to the original Tales from the Borderlands. The FAQ says it was intentionally made with a fresh perspective, while familiar elements and characters remain. That makes it a possible entry point for players interested in its own story, rather than a required continuation of the first game.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which Borderlands games can you play with friends?
For current, specific co-op details in the available official information, Borderlands 4 supports online groups of up to four and two-player split-screen on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, according to 2K’s Borderlands 4 FAQ. That FAQ lists PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. It describes Switch 2 availability as “coming soon,” so check the current listing before planning a purchase there.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #3
- Shoot and loot as you explore the mayhem-filled world of Pandora in BORDERLANDS 2 and the lunar madness of BORDERLANDS: THE PRE-SEQUEL in BORDERLANDS: THE HANDSOME COLLECTION. Experience the award-winning FPS-RPG series, including its bazillions of guns, trademark cooperative gameplay, and all bonus add-on content, with high performance like never before on a new generation of consoles.
These confirmed details are for Borderlands 4; they should not be assumed to apply to every older game or platform. Check the individual game’s current store page for its multiplayer options and edition before buying.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Two critically acclaimed Borderlands games in one package – experience Handsome Jack’s rise to power in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel and his reign as maniacal Hyperion CEO in Borderlands 2.
- Over $100 in value and hundreds of hours of gameplay: includes all campaign add-ons, playable character packs, level cap upgrades, and assorted combat arenas previously released as downloadable content for both titles, plus dozens of additional character customizations.
- Borderlands: The Handsome Collection supports four different players on a SINGLE split screen – next generation power fully utilized!
- Pick up right where you left off! Transfer your Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, or PS Vita save files onto next-gen with cross-save.
- Explore the mayhem filled world of Pandora and its moon in amazing high definition with smooth high performance frame rates never before seen in Borderlands on consoles.
What should you check before buying?
- Bundle contents: The Handsome Collection is identified as including Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel; confirm the exact platform and version on the listing.
- Borderlands 4 editions: 2K’s FAQ lists Standard, Deluxe, and Super Deluxe editions. Physical availability varies by region: for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, the FAQ lists Standard and Super Deluxe in the US, and all three editions in other regions. Treat that as time-sensitive and check the local retailer’s current listing.
- Platform and stock: Store availability and physical inventory can change. Confirm compatibility, region, and what is included at purchase time.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
