Published on September 19, 2025

Top 9 Borderlands Games to Play in 2025 

Choosing the best Borderlands game isn’t simple , every player connects with the series in a different way. Some are hooked by the wild humor and eccentric characters, others dive in for the nonstop loot grind, while many love teaming up for explosive co-op battles. Whatever your reason, one thing is clear: Borderlands has become one of the most iconic names in the looter-shooter genre, blending outrageous storytelling with colorful worlds and thousands of crazy weapons.

In this guide, we’ll rank the top Borderlands games in 2025, giving you quick summaries, platform notes, and buying advice to help you decide where to start (or which one to replay). From the unforgettable Borderlands 2 to the chaotic fun of Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition on PS5, Xbox, PC, and Switch, each game offers a unique experience worth considering.

We’ll also take a look at Borderlands 4, the highly anticipated new Borderlands game, which is still in development. For now, consider it an early preview , this list will be updated once it officially launches.

Best Borderlands Games Ranked :

The Borderlands franchise is packed with memorable entries, but some shine brighter than others. These games highlight what fans love most , the hilarious writing, insane gun variety, and unforgettable co-op chaos. If you’re trying to decide where to start , here are the top choices that stand tall in 2025.

• 1. Borderlands 2 : The Definitive Classic : Borderlands 2 is the game that defined the series for most fans. With its sharp humor, colorful art style, and one of gaming’s most iconic villains , Handsome Jack , it set the bar for all looter-shooters that came after. Every gun feels unique, and the story brilliantly balances jokes with high-stakes action

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• 2. Borderlands 3 : The Ultimate Chaos Ride : With massive maps, faster combat, and millions of gun combinations, Borderlands 3 is a high-energy, modern take on the franchise. It continues the saga with new Vault Hunters, over-the-top bosses, and bigger worlds to explore beyond Pandora. On PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, the Ultimate Edition shines thanks to smoother performance and all DLC included.

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• 3. Tales from the Borderlands : The Storyteller’s Gem : This narrative-driven spin-off proves Borderlands isn’t just about guns. Instead, it focuses on witty writing, emotional character arcs, and smart dialogue choices. Playing as Rhys and Fiona, you’ll navigate betrayal, corporate greed, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments , all while meeting familiar faces like Handsome Jack.

What Makes Borderlands Unique?

The Borderlands games isn’t just another shooter , it’s a series that redefined the looter-shooter genre by mixing RPG depth with chaotic action and unforgettable style. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Iconic Cel-Shaded Art Style
  Borderlands’ signature comic-book visuals with hand-drawn textures make every location feel vibrant and timeless. This art direction gives it a distinct identity compared to more realistic shooters.

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• “Bazillions of Guns”
  Thanks to procedural generation, every weapon is different. From shotguns that fire rockets to rifles that reload by exploding, Borderlands delivers endless variety and surprise in its arsenal.

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• Drop-In/Drop-Out Co-Op
  Whether on PS5, Xbox, PC, or Switch, you can join friends anytime. Up to four players can loot, shoot, and cause mayhem together, making it one of the best co-op experiences in gaming.

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• RPG Progression & Character Classes
  Each Borderlands game introduces four unique Vault Hunters with different skill trees. This system allows players to build characters around their preferred playstyle , whether tanking damage, dealing crit-heavy shots, or supporting teammates.

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• Chaotic Humor & Storytelling
  From Claptrap’s antics to Handsome Jack’s ruthless comedy, the series is filled with sharp writing and outrageous characters. Borderlands thrives on balancing dark plots with absurd humor.

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These elements together explain why Borderlands remains unmatched in 2025 , it’s not just about shooting, it’s about shooting with style, humor, and friends.

Top 9 Borderlands Games to Play in 2025

1. Borderlands 2 (2012, Enhanced Edition & Handsome Collection)

Best Overall Borderlands Experience

Borderlands 2 remains the gold standard of the franchise. With its colorful cel-shaded graphics, hilarious dialogue, and the unforgettable villain Handsome Jack, it’s the game that defined the series for most players. The Game of the Year Edition and inclusion in The Handsome Collection make it easily accessible on **PS4, Xbox One, PC (Steam), and Nintendo Switch (Borderlands 2 Switch / Legendary Collection)*.

• Massive maps full of secrets, loot chests, and hilarious side quests.

• Four unique Vault Hunters, each with RPG skill trees for replayability.

• Still one of the best co-op shooters ever made.

Play Borderlands 2 if you want a perfect balance of story, humor, loot grinding, and co-op chaos.

2. Borderlands 3 (2019, Ultimate Edition)

Best Gunplay & Combat Flow

Borderlands 3 pushes the action further with hundreds of procedurally generated guns and smoother mechanics. While its story isn’t as sharp as Borderlands 2, the game shines with polished combat, huge worlds, and tons of DLC content in the Ultimate Edition. Available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC (Steam, Epic), PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch (Borderlands 3 Switch / Nintendo Switch).

• Over-the-top boss battles and endless weapon builds.

• Supports cross-play multiplayer and split-screen co-op.

• Available on Game Pass (Borderlands 3 Xbox Game Pass) for easy access.

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Play Borderlands 3 if you value fast-paced gunplay, insane loot, and customization over story depth.

3. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands (2022)

Best Fantasy-Themed Co-Op Spin-Off

This chaotic spin-off flips the series into a tabletop RPG-inspired fantasy adventure. Guided by the explosive personality of Tiny Tina, you’ll blast through dragons, goblins, and skeleton armies while looting magical weapons and casting spells. Available on PS5, PS4, Xbox, and PC.

• Flexible class system with multiclassing for creative builds.

• Fresh co-op experience perfect for friends.

• Expands on the fan-favorite DLC Assault on Dragon Keep.

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Play Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands if you want Borderlands gunplay mixed with fantasy RPG elements and hilarious storytelling.

4. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014)

Most Underrated Borderlands Entry

Set between Borderlands 1 and 2, this mid-tier entry explores the rise of Handsome Jack. Taking place on Pandora’s moon, it features low-gravity combat, oxygen management, and quirky humor. Included in The Handsome Collectionand available on PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch (Legendary Collection Switch).

• Unique mechanics like butt-slams and oxygen kits.

• Adds lore depth for Borderlands fans.

• Some pacing issues compared to other entries.

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Play The Pre-Sequel if you’re a lore enthusiast and want a fresh twist on the usual gameplay formula.

5. Tales from the Borderlands (2014) & New Tales (2022)

Best Story-Driven Borderlands Games

For players who prefer narrative over gunfights, Tales from the Borderlands offers an episodic, story-rich adventure. You control Rhys and Fiona, navigating corporate greed, betrayal, and laugh-out-loud humor. The 2022 sequel, New Tales from the Borderlands, continues the format but received mixed reviews. Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox, PC, and Switch.

• Smart dialogue choices that change the story.

• Great humor balanced with emotional depth.

• New Tales has weaker characters, but still fun for lore fans.

Play Tales if you want Borderlands’ humor and characters in a story-first package instead of heavy looting.

6. Borderlands 1 (2009, Game of the Year Enhanced Edition)

The Origin of the Franchise

The game that started it all, Borderlands 1 introduced the world to the looter-shooter formula. While its systems are simpler, the Enhanced Edition updates visuals and performance for modern platforms including PS4, Xbox One, PC (Steam), and Switch.

• Four original Vault Hunters with RPG skill trees.

• Distinctive cel-shaded art that defined the franchise.

• A must-play for series veterans.

Play Borderlands 1 if you want to experience the roots of the series with upgraded visuals and smoother mechanics.

7. Borderlands: The Handsome Collection (2015)

Best Value Collection

If you’re new to the series, The Handsome Collection is the perfect entry point. It bundles Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel with all DLCs in one package, optimized for PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch (Handsome Collection Switch).

• Dozens of hours of content at an affordable price.

• Includes split-screen co-op for up to 4 players.

• Great introduction to Handsome Jack’s storyline.

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Play Handsome Collection if you want maximum value and two of the best games in one deal.

8. New Tales from the Borderlands (2022)

Narrative Spin-Off with Mixed Reception

While the first Tales game was widely loved, New Tales from the Borderlands didn’t quite reach the same heights. It focuses on new characters and decision-based gameplay rather than loot or gunfights. Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox, PC, and Switch.

• Keeps the Borderlands humor and cel-shaded style.

• More cinematic than action-heavy.

• Best for players deeply invested in lore.

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Play New Tales if you’ve already enjoyed the mainline games and want more story content.

9. Borderlands Legends (Mobile, 2012)

Forgettable Mobile Spin-Off

Borderlands Legends tried to bring the series to mobile devices as a strategy-RPG, but it lacked the depth and humor that made the main games shine. Limited release and dated mechanics make it irrelevant in 2025.

• Strategy-style gameplay instead of looter-shooter action.

• No meaningful connection to main games.

• Not worth revisiting unless you’re a completionist.

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Skip Borderlands Legends unless you’re collecting every Borderlands title for the sake of history.

Choosing the Best Borderlands Game in 2025

As of 2025, the ultimate Borderlands journey still starts with Borderlands 2. This fan-favorite blends unforgettable characters, sharp humor, and one of the best loot systems in gaming history. Whether you grab the Borderlands 2 Game of the Year Edition or experience it through The Handsome Collection, it’s the perfect entry point for new Vault Hunters.

For players who want cutting-edge action, explosive combat, and endless build possibilities, the Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition is the way to go. Available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (Steam, Epic, Game Pass), it delivers all DLC expansions, next-gen performance, and cross-play co-op that keeps the chaos fresh.

Nintendo fans aren’t left out either , the Borderlands Legendary Collection Switch and Handsome Collection Switchlet you take Pandora on the go. These handheld ports bring the complete Vault Hunter experience to a portable format, making them ideal for gaming on long commutes or travel.

• New Players → Start with Borderlands 2 or The Handsome Collection for maximum story and value.

• Action-First Players → Pick Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition for next-gen chaos and DLC-rich content.

• Co-Op Fans → Jump into Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands for fantasy-themed fun with friends.

• Lore Hunters → Explore The Pre-Sequel and Tales from the Borderlands for deeper backstory and narrative richness.

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And don’t forget: with Borderlands 4 (the next-gen Borderlands game) on the horizon, now is the perfect time to revisit Pandora, sharpen your skills, and relive the mayhem. Whether you’re chasing loot, chasing laughs, or chasing Handsome Jack, the Borderlands franchise has something for everyone.

FAQs

Q1: Which Borderlands game should I play first in 2025?
Start with Borderlands 2 or The Handsome Collection. They offer the best balance of story, humor, and loot progression.

Q2: Is Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition worth it on PS5/Xbox/PC?
Yes , it includes all DLCs, upgraded visuals, next-gen performance, and cross-play support, making it the most complete Borderlands 3 experience.

Q3: Can I play Borderlands on Nintendo Switch?
Absolutely. Options include:

• Borderlands Legendary Collection Switch (Borderlands 1, 2, and The Pre-Sequel).

• Borderlands The Handsome Collection Switch.

• Borderlands 3 Nintendo Switch.

Q4: What type of game is Borderlands?
Borderlands is a looter-shooter , a hybrid of first-person shooter (FPS) and action RPG. You’ll level up, collect loot, unlock skills, and team up with friends in drop-in/drop-out co-op.