CJ Kuzdal

As far as first-person shooter games go, Borderlands really sets itself apart. The franchise has a unique identity and excels in places where other FPS games seem to stumble. Whether you're a fan of the series or not, there are some undeniable aspects that all Borderlands games share that make them an essential part of the FPS genre. No matter what appeals to you in an FPS game, Borderlands is likely to scratch that itch.

If you're jumping into Borderlands 4, but want to play the previous games in the franchise, this is the best order to tackle them. Playing the Borderlands games in release order is also a great option, but to truly immerse yourself in the lore and narrative of the series, playing them in the order listed below will best prepare you for Borderlands 4's story. While this list is intended to inform players on the best order to play the Borderlands games, it will not cover the minor spin-offs.