The Best Borderlands Games to Play While You Wait for Borderlands 4

In case you hadn’t noticed, we’re pretty excited about Borderlands 4. With new movement mechanics, multi-manufacturer gun builds, and a more open-world structure, this next chapter looks set to shake up the entire franchise. The early hands-on previews have been glowing, and for us, September 12th can’t come soon enough.

The only problem? The wait. And let’s be honest—waiting is hard. Especially when you’ve got itchy trigger fingers and a vault full of nostalgia.

Luckily, this is Borderlands we’re talking about. Sure, an exciting new era is approaching, but there’s no shortage of looting mayhem worth revisiting in the meantime.

Whether you’re craving co-op chaos, deep story beats, or a fresh twist on the formula, there’s at least one Borderlands title that’ll scratch the itch.

So, without further ado, here’s our pick of the best Borderlands games to play while you wait for Borderlands 4.

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Best Borderlands Game Overall: Borderlands 2

If you’re only picking one game before Borderlands 4, make it Borderlands 2. With razor-sharp writing, unforgettable characters, and a perfectly paced story anchored by one of gaming’s most iconic villains—Handsome Jack—this is the entry that nailed the formula.

Even years later, the gameplay holds up beautifully. The skill trees feel meaningful, the loot loop is as addictive as ever, and the world brims with dark humour and chaotic energy. Borderlands 2 also boasts arguably the strongest DLC lineup in the series, including Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep, which later inspired its own spinoff.

Whether you're a returning fan or a curious newcomer, Borderlands 2 is where the heart of the franchise lives—and it’s not to be missed.

Best for Newbies and Co-op Mayhem: Borderlands 3

If you’re coming to the series fresh or just want to squad up with friends for some chaotic fun, Borderlands 3 is the most accessible and co-op-friendly entry in the series. It takes everything the franchise is known for—wild guns, fast-paced action, irreverent humour—and polishes it to a modern shine.

The gunplay is incredibly tight, with a ridiculous variety of weapons and builds across four distinct Vault Hunters. Movement upgrades like mantling and sliding keep combat fast and fluid, and quality-of-life improvements like level scaling and loot instancing mean you and your friends can play together no matter your level or progress.

While the story and writing didn’t land for everyone (especially after the high bar set by Borderlands 2), the moment-to-moment gameplay more than makes up for it. Add in heaps of post-launch content, Mayhem Mode modifiers, and endgame chaos, and you’ve got a perfect co-op playground.

Best for a Fresh Experience: Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands

Want Borderlands with a fantasy twist? Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is a brilliant detour that trades sci-fi for swords, spells, and dragon-fueled nonsense.

Framed as a D&D-style campaign narrated in real-time by Tina herself, Wonderlands leans into chaotic storytelling, colourful worlds, and a flexible class-mixing system that lets you create some wild build combos. It’s a spiritual cousin to Borderlands 3, but with more freedom, more flair, and a lot more fireballs.

If Borderlands 4 is leaning into movement and build diversity, Wonderlands might be the best sneak preview of what’s coming next.

Best for Lore and Backstory: Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel

If you’re a lorehound or love digging into character origins, The Pre-Sequel is a must. Set between Borderlands 1 and 2, it explores the rise of Handsome Jack while also giving underused characters like Athena, Nisha, and Wilhelm their time to shine.

The most morally complex entry in the series, it shows how Jack transitioned from anti-hero to full-blown villain. The lunar setting and low-gravity movement mechanics can be divisive, but if you're in it for narrative weight and worldbuilding, it’s a rewarding ride.

With Borderlands 4 on the horizon, The Pre-Sequel adds context that will make the bigger picture hit even harder.

So… Which Borderlands Game Should You Play While You Wait For Borderlands 4?

That all depends on what you’re after. If you want the full package—story, characters, loot, and legacy—Borderlands 2 is still the soul of the series.

If you're here for co-op fun with modern polish, Borderlands 3 will serve you well. And if you’re itching for something a little different (but no less chaotic), Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is a wildly entertaining detour.

Whichever Vault you choose to raid, one thing’s for sure: you won’t be bored. And the best bit? Every skag you blast brings you one step closer to the mayhem awaiting in Borderlands 4.

Happy looting, Vault Hunters!

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