Yes—if this is your first playthrough, play Borderlands 2 before Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel. The Pre-Sequel’s main events happen earlier, but its framing story takes place after Borderlands 2 and assumes you know what happens there. Playing Borderlands 2 first preserves that reveal while letting The Pre-Sequel fill in the backstory of Handsome Jack.
Recommended order for a first playthrough
- Borderlands (optional, for the full series context)
- Borderlands 2
- Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel
The key recommendation is the order of the last two games. A 2019 Push Square guide also advises playing Borderlands 2 first, citing spoilers in The Pre-Sequel’s opening and conclusion: Push Square’s play-order guide.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Borderlands 2 - Xbox 360 (Renewed) | $7.94 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition - Nintendo Switch | $19.93 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection - Playstation 4 | $19.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Borderlands 2: Game of the Year Edition | $57.11 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Borderlands Legendary Collection | $49.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Why the prequel comes after Borderlands 2
There are two timelines to keep straight: the events the player takes part in, and the story frame that presents them. The Pre-Sequel’s playable events occur between the original Borderlands and Borderlands 2. Its framing, however, takes place after Borderlands 2. That later perspective is why release-style play order is the safer choice for newcomers.
The story also explains how Handsome Jack rose to power and became the tyrant encountered in Borderlands 2. 2K describes the game as the story behind Jack and his rise, while Take-Two describes his transformation into the Borderlands 2 villain. See 2K’s Borderlands Legendary Collection listing and Take-Two’s overview of The Pre-Sequel.
#1 Best Overall
- Disc only. Original case and manual not included. Will come packaged in a generic case.
- This renewed game has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear.
If you have already played Borderlands 2
Play The Pre-Sequel next. Its earlier events and focus on Jack provide backstory rather than requiring you to replay Borderlands 2 first. Take-Two’s 2014 release announcement likewise presents it as a standalone origin story centered on Handsome Jack.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What if you prefer strict chronological order?
You can play The Pre-Sequel before Borderlands 2 if you knowingly want to follow the main events in time order. Just understand that chronological order does not match the order in which the story is framed: The Pre-Sequel looks back from after Borderlands 2, so its framing can disclose information intended to land after the sequel. For a first run, preserving that presentation is the better default.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- Includes: Borderlands 2 Main Game, Captain Scarlett and her Pirate?s Booty, Mr. Torgue?s Campaign of Carnage, Sir Hammerlock?s Big Game Hunt, Tiny Tina?s Assault on Dragon Keep, Creature Slaughter Dome
Rank #3
- 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.
Rank #2
- YOUR VAULT HUNTER, YOUR PLAYSTYLE: Become one of four extraordinary Vault Hunters, each with unique abilities, playstyles, deep skill trees, and tons of personalization options.
- LOCK, LOAD, AND LOOT: With bazillions of guns and gadgets, every fight is an opportunity to score new gear. Firearms with self-propelling bullet shields? Check. Guns that grow legs and chase down enemies while hurling verbal insults? Yeah, got that too.
- A MAYHEM-FUELED THRILL RIDE: Discover new worlds beyond Pandora, each featuring unique environments to explore and enemies to destroy. Tear through hostile deserts, battle your way across war-torn cityscapes, navigate deadly bayous, and more!
- QUICK & SEAMLESS CO-OP ACTION: Play with a friend in online co-op, regardless of your level or mission progress. Take down enemies and challenges as a team, but reap rewards that are yours alone—no one misses out on loot.
- Includes: Borderlands 3 base game, Moxxi's Heist of the Handsome Jackpot, Guns, Love, and Tentacles: The Marriage of Wainwright & Hammerlock, Bounty of Blood, Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck, Designer's Cut, Director's Cut, and 30+ cosmetic items.
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.
