3. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
Release: 2022
The most recent “big” installment in the series was released in 2022 and completely tossed out the space principle. Instead of exploring an alien planet, you explore a fantasy world that has sprung from a Dungeons-and-Dragons parody by Tiny Tina.
The game masterfully fuses the crude Borderlands humor with the fantasy setting, and the gameplay also works in the knight-witch-and-dragon context. There is still plenty of shooting, but there has also been a slightly greater focus on melee weapons and magic.
Additionally, there is a cute mini-map that takes on the role of the open world and connects various levels. A design decision that was unusual and quite bold – like basically the whole idea of this game. If you haven’t played it yet because it doesn’t say “Borderlands” on it: Catch up.
2. Borderlands 2
Release: 2012
We may be in devil’s kitchen here, but Borderlands 2 takes “only” second place in this list. The game achieved something that you can only wish for from a sequel to a successful debut: It improved basically everything compared to Borderlands 1.
I mainly played this game with ZerO, but the other vault hunters also brought cool abilities. The game’s big asset is, of course, Handsome Jack, who rose to become one of the iconic video game villains. But overall, it was the whole package of gameplay, humor, and story – everything simply worked a little better than in part 1.
And it brought one of the best DLCs of all time.
1. Borderlands 3
Release: 2019
Yes, I know. There will be enough people who do not agree, and I understand that. What Borderlands 3 did in terms of story is somewhat controversial and did not sit well with all fans. I would also rate the story weaker than in many other parts.
But: The gameplay is, in my opinion, the best that the series has to offer. Borderlands 3 is fast, exciting, and offers so much crazy, fun loot that you can keep firing it up again and again. Here, however, things like endgame content and updates that came much later after the release also play a role.
The boss fights were incredibly fun and posed quite a challenge. And the DLCs also elevated Borderlands 3 even further – the casino in the “Handsome Jackpot” DLC is one of the best environments ever, while “Guns, Love and Tentacles” flips the mood completely. The Western DLC Bounty of Blood and Psycho Krieg also pushed the game into new directions.
Borderlands 3 was released a full seven years after its predecessor – that there would be a technical development in terms of gameplay was to be expected. However, it also made it somewhat difficult for me to return to older parts of the series. And since I mainly play Borderlands for the gameplay, part 3 lands in first place for me.
What do you think of the series? Which games are your favorites, which did you like less? Let us know in the comments and show us your ranking!
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