Should you play the Borderland games in order?

Should You Play the Borderlands Games in Order?

The Borderlands series has captivated gamers with its unique blend of action, role-playing, and humor. With four main games in the series, it can be overwhelming to decide the best order to play them. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of playing the Borderlands games in order and provide guidance on the optimal playthrough.

Technicality vs. Story: A Key Consideration

The Borderlands series offers two primary approaches to play: technicality and story. Technicality refers to the order in which the games were released, while story refers to the chronological order of the games’ narratives. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages.

Technicality: Play the Games in Release Order

Playing the Borderlands games in release order, Borderlands (2009), Borderlands 2 (2012), The Pre-Sequel (2014), and Borderlands 3 (2019), provides a historical context for the series. This approach allows you to experience the evolution of the game’s mechanics, art style, and story.

Pros:

• Easy to follow: The release order is straightforward, with each game building upon the previous one.
• Developmental context: Playing the games in release order provides insight into the game’s development, allowing you to appreciate the changes and improvements made over time.

Cons:

• Stylized graphics: The earlier games have less detailed graphics compared to the more recent titles.
• Story inconsistencies: The Pre-Sequel’s storyline might feel disconnected from the other games, as it’s a spin-off.

Story: Play the Games in Chronological Order

Playing the Borderlands games in chronological order, Borderlands 2, The Pre-Sequel, Borderlands (2009), and Borderlands 3, provides a cohesive narrative experience. This approach ensures that you’ll experience the story in the intended order, with each game building upon the previous one’s events.

Pros:

• Cohesive narrative: The chronological order provides a clear understanding of the series’ storyline, with each game connecting seamlessly to the next.
• Character development: The games’ characters are well-developed, and playing them in order allows you to appreciate their growth and relationships.

Cons:

• Disjointed mechanics: The games’ mechanics and art styles might feel disjointed, as the series has undergone significant changes over time.
• Story spoilers: Playing the games in chronological order might spoil certain events or plot twists from earlier games.

When to Play the Games in Order

While playing the Borderlands games in order provides a unique experience, it’s not the only approach. Here are situations where playing in order might be beneficial:

• New to the series: If you’re new to the Borderlands series, playing the games in order (chronological or release) provides a comprehensive understanding of the story and mechanics.
• Fans of storytelling: If you prioritize storytelling, playing the games in chronological order allows you to experience the narrative in the intended order.
• Collectors and enthusiasts: If you’re a collector or enthusiast, playing the games in order (release or chronological) provides a sense of accomplishment and allows you to appreciate the series’ evolution.

When to Play the Games Out of Order

On the other hand, playing the Borderlands games out of order can be beneficial in certain situations:

• Casual players: If you’re a casual player, playing the games out of order (in release order) provides a more relaxed experience, with each game building upon the previous one’s mechanics.
• Focus on individual games: If you’re interested in a specific game or character, playing that game without worrying about the series’ overall narrative can be a more enjoyable experience.
• Try the series without commitment: If you’re unsure about committing to the series, playing the games out of order allows you to try them without feeling obligated to complete the entire series.

Conclusion

The Borderlands series offers two primary approaches to play: technicality (release order) and story (chronological order). While both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, playing the games in order can provide a unique experience for new players, fans of storytelling, and collectors. On the other hand, playing the games out of order can be beneficial for casual players, those interested in individual games, and those looking to try the series without commitment. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and the most important thing is to enjoy the Borderlands series in the way that suits you best.

Table: Borderlands Games in Order

Table: Borderlands Games in Chronological Order