borderlands

Borderlands commonly refers to the video game franchise developed by Gearbox Software, released beginning with Borderlands in 2009. The series is set on the distant planet Pandora, a lawless frontier where colonists and corporations clash. Noted for its distinctive cel-shaded visuals, humor, and loot-driven gameplay, Borderlands blends first-person action with role-playing elements and cooperative play.

Core gameplay centers on mission-based exploration, character progression, and a large variety of weapons generated procedurally. Cooperative play is a hallmark, with drop-in/drop-out multiplayer supporting players across platforms. The loot system and character classes encourage experimentation and replayability.

Main entries and notable spin-offs include Borderlands (2009), Borderlands 2 (2012), Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014), Borderlands 3 (2019), Tales from the Borderlands (2014) by Telltale Games, and Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022) by Gearbox. The franchise has expanded with downloadable content, cross-media releases, and a dedicated fan base.

Critical and commercial reception has been strong, with praise for its humor, world design, and cooperative gameplay, though some titles faced criticism over narrative pacing or post-launch support.

Geographically, borderlands also refers to borderlands—transitional zones between political borders or cultural regions—often characterized by cultural exchange and instability.