13 Electrifying Games Like Borderlands To Blast Through in 2025
The Borderlands franchise. The name alone conjures images of vibrant cel-shaded landscapes, eccentric characters with a penchant for chaos, and an unending torrent of ludicrous weaponry. Gearbox Software’s looter-shooter hybrid has carved a unique niche in the gaming world, offering a blend of frantic combat, uproarious humor, and a relentless pursuit of the perfect build. But what if you’ve exhausted Pandora’s vaults and crave a similar experience? Fear not, Vault Hunter. We have compiled a list of 13 phenomenal games that capture the spirit, the loot-driven gameplay, or the overall outlandishness that makes Borderlands such a beloved experience. Prepare to load your magazines, level up your skills, and dive headfirst into these unforgettable adventures.
Beyond Pandora: Exploring the Looter-Shooter Landscape
The appeal of Borderlands isn’t just its core gameplay; it’s the synergistic relationship between its various elements. The intoxicating loop of shooting, looting, and leveling fuels an addiction that keeps players coming back for more. Finding games that nail this formula can be challenging, but several titles have managed to capture the magic in their unique ways.
1. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands: A Borderlands Spin-Off, A Loot-Fueled Frenzy
Developer: Gearbox Software Release Date: March 24, 2022 Platforms: PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
If you’re craving more of that signature Borderlands experience, look no further than Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands. This isn’t just a game like Borderlands; it is Borderlands, albeit with a fantastical, tabletop-RPG twist. Serving as a direct spin-off, the game is hosted within Tiny Tina’s chaotic imagination during a Dungeons & Dragons-style campaign.
A Dungeon Master’s Delight
Tiny Tina acts as the game’s Dungeon Master, guiding you through a series of unpredictable and hilarious scenarios. Expect the same art style, familiar gameplay mechanics, and an avalanche of weapons and gear. The environments are creative, the enemies are quirky, and the humor is pure Borderlands. You’ll engage in a quest for glory and a lot of laughs.
Building Your Legend
Character customization is rich. You’ll create your own hero and delve into a fully-realized fantasy realm. The loot is plentiful, and you’ll always find something new to upgrade, from absurd weapons to powerful enchantments.
2. Fallout 4: Post-Apocalyptic Looting Redefined
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios Release Date: November 10, 2015 Platforms: PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Fallout 4 might not be a direct looter-shooter, but its expansive world, robust crafting system, and endless opportunities for exploration make it an excellent choice for Borderlands fans. While it lacks the cartoony aesthetic of Pandora, the focus on weapon customization and the constant hunt for better gear are undeniable.
A World of Scrap and Scavenging
The Commonwealth is a treasure trove of resources. Every corner of this post-apocalyptic wasteland holds the potential for finding something useful. From modified weapons to unique armor pieces, there is always something to hunt for.
Building Your Sanctuary
Fallout 4 also includes settlement-building mechanics, adding a new dimension to the gameplay. You can create thriving communities and customize your bases.
3. Outriders: A New IP with Familiar Flair
Developer: People Can Fly Release Date: April 1, 2021 Platforms: PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Outriders offers a more direct comparison to Borderlands. Built around a looter-shooter formula, Outriders offers flashy graphics, satisfying combat, and a deep crafting system to keep you engaged.
Brutal Combat, Rewarding Loot
Outriders is a third-person shooter where survival hinges on tactical positioning. The game’s loot system is particularly well-developed, with many weapons and gear drops. The World Tier system allows players to customize the difficulty to suit their needs.
Engaging Story and Customization
Outriders features a compelling narrative that takes you across a mysterious planet. Character customization options help you create a unique playstyle.
4. Destiny 2: Sci-Fi Looter-Shooter with an MMO Twist
Developer: Bungie Release Date: September 6, 2017 Platforms: PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
For players who enjoy the co-op aspects and a constant flow of content, Destiny 2 is a strong contender. The game combines looter-shooter gameplay with MMO elements, offering a massive world to explore and a vast array of gear to acquire.
A Universe of Activities
Destiny 2 offers a variety of activities, from story missions and strikes to raids and PvP battles. There’s always something to do, and the constant influx of updates ensures that the game remains fresh.
The Grind is Real (And Rewarding)
The best loot in Destiny 2 takes time to acquire. The feeling of finally obtaining that perfect weapon or armor piece is what drives players to log back in.
5. Warframe: Space Ninja Looter-Shooter, Free To Play
Developer: Digital Extremes Release Date: March 25, 2013 Platforms: PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
Warframe blends fast-paced action with a deep customization system. The game is free-to-play.
A Universe to Explore
Warframe is an expansive sci-fi experience where players take on the role of space ninjas. The gameplay centers on fast-paced action and collecting loot.
Building Your Arsenal
With a variety of Warframes and weapons, the game has a high degree of build flexibility.
6. Rage: A Post-Apocalyptic Trip
Developer: id Software Release Date: November 17, 2010 Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
Rage is a first-person shooter that delivers a gritty, post-apocalyptic world with a focus on vehicle combat and weapon customization.
A World Ripe with Mayhem
Rage features a post-apocalyptic world filled with mutated enemies, quirky characters, and vehicle combat. The loot system isn’t as extensive as Borderlands, but there are many weapons to equip and customize.
Vehicular Carnage
Rage puts a focus on vehicle combat.
7. Dead Island 2: Zombie Slaying Mayhem
Developer: Dambuster Studios Release Date: April 21, 2023 Platforms: PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Dead Island 2 brings the zombie apocalypse to life in glorious, gory detail. If you’re a fan of the over-the-top violence and weapon customization of Borderlands, you’ll find much to enjoy.
Slaying Zombies, Borderlands-Style
Dead Island 2 offers a detailed weapon crafting system that allows players to create outlandish tools of zombie destruction. The game also features Borderlands-style humor.
Gory Goodness
The game’s graphics and combat are top-notch.
8. The Outer Worlds: RPG Action in Space
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment Release Date: October 25, 2019 Platforms: PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch
The Outer Worlds is an RPG where players explore a distant galaxy. The game prioritizes player choice.
Explore the Galaxy
The Outer Worlds delivers a narrative-driven experience that’s set in a galaxy. As you progress, you make choices.
Make the Story Your Own
You’ll connect with characters and build relationships. The game also features many enemies.
9. Diablo IV: The Ultimate Loot Grind
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment Release Date: June 1, 2023 Platforms: PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
If you’re all about the loot, Diablo IV delivers an experience. The ARPG emphasizes character progression.
An Avalanche of Loot
Enemies constantly drop loot.
Top-Down Action
The gameplay is different, but the story and gameplay loop are engaging.
10. BioShock Infinite: A Colorful Adventure
Developer: Irrational Games Release Date: March 26, 2013 Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
BioShock Infinite features engaging combat.
Columbia’s Secrets
You will discover a floating city.
Combat and Story
The game has varied loot.
11. Far Cry Series: Open Worlds of Mayhem
Developer: Ubisoft Release Date: March 23, 2004 Platforms: PlayStation 3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
The Far Cry series offers an open-world experience.
Open-World Freedom
You can explore expansive environments and engage in combat.
Loot and Humor
The games have many weapons and characters.
12. Gunfire Reborn: Rogue-Lite Shooter
Developer: Duoyi Games Release Date: May 5, 2020 Platforms: PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch, Android
Gunfire Reborn offers a mix of FPS and RPG action.
A Unique Blend
The game has an engaging gameplay loop.
Weapon Variety
The game features hundreds of weapons.
13. Cyberpunk 2077: Futuristic RPG
Developer: CD Projekt RED Release Date: December 10, 2020 Platforms: PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Cyberpunk 2077 provides a futuristic world.
A Dystopian Adventure
You can explore Night City.
Gear Up
The game features many weapons.