Borderlands vs Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Borderlands blends first‑person shooting with deep RPG progression, set in a sprawling sci‑fi wasteland. Players explore an open world, collect billions of procedurally generated weapons, and team up in co‑op or split‑screen modes. The game’s distinctive cel‑shaded art style and dark humor create a memorable experience, while its skill‑tree system lets each character class develop a unique playstyle. Released in 2009, it remains a benchmark for loot‑driven shooters across multiple platforms.
Shoot 'n' loot your way across the lunar landscape of Elpis, discovering the rise of Handsome Jack between the original Borderlands and Borderlands 2. Experience new ice and laser weapons, vehicles equipped with deadly armaments, and a story that ties together the saga of the Vault Hunters. Play solo or team up with friends in co‑operative mode, exploring open‑world zones, battling the Lost Legion, and building a robot army. The game blends fast‑paced shooter action with RPG progression, all wrapped in a comedic sci‑fi setting.
- Massive variety of weapons keeps combat fresh
- Deep character customization through skill trees
- Robust co‑op and split‑screen support
- Humorous writing and distinctive art style
- Innovative low‑gravity movement adds fresh gameplay dynamics.
- Robust co‑op experience with up to four players.
- Massive variety of weapons and loot.
- Humorous writing and memorable characters.
- Occasional performance drops on older consoles
- Random weapon stats can feel unbalanced
- Limited end‑game content beyond DLC
- Performance issues on older consoles.
- Some missions feel repetitive after extended play.
- Limited end‑game content compared to later titles.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Borderlands
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Alternatives to Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBorderlands offers a cheaper, higher‑rated entry with split‑screen co‑op, while The Pre‑Sequel adds low‑gravity gameplay but costs much more.
Key differences
- •Price: $19.99 vs $59.99 – A is three times cheaper.
- •Unique mechanic: B features low‑gravity movement and lunar vehicles; A does not.
- •Split‑screen support: A includes local co‑op; B only online.
- •Critic scores: A 80/100, B 75/100.
- •Release era: A (2009) is older; B (2014) may have newer content but higher price.
Gameplay & fun factor
Low‑gravity movement and vehicle combat in B add fresh dynamics not present in A.
Platform availability
Both list similar platforms; no specific differences provided.
Price & value
A costs $19.99 versus B's $59.99, offering far better value.
Multiplayer / co‑op
A supports local split‑screen plus online; B only online co‑op.
Content & replayability
Both generate thousands of weapons; end‑game content is limited for each.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both have dynamic difficulty scaling; no specific accessibility data given.
Graphics & performance
A notes occasional performance drops on older consoles; B also mentions performance issues, but higher price suggests newer engine.
Choose Borderlands if…
Budget‑focused players who want split‑screen co‑op and higher critic rating.
Choose Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel if…
Players seeking low‑gravity mechanics and vehicle combat, willing to pay premium.
Common questions
Is the higher price of The Pre‑Sequel justified by extra content?
B adds low‑gravity movement and lunar vehicles, but critic score and end‑game content are lower; price is three times higher.
Can I play with friends on the same couch?
Yes, Borderlands (A) supports local split‑screen; The Pre‑Sequel (B) does not.
Which game received better reviews?
Borderlands has a critic score of 80/100, while The Pre‑Sequel has 75/100.