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Games Like 'Borderlands 2' to Play Next

If you've already spent hundreds of hours roaming around Pandora, celebrate the 10th anniversary of 'Borderlands 2' by checking out these 10 similar games.
by Jon Bitner — 
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Borderlands 2

2K Games

Borderlands 2 is one of the best FPS games of all time, earning a stellar 89 Metascore (along with legions of fans) thanks to its bizarre sense of humor and frantic gunplay. It took the wild mash-up of FPS and RPG mechanics established in the original to new heights — and the franchise continues to thrive more than a decade after its release.

There are a lot of things that separate Borderlands 2 from the competition, but the most obvious is its comic book-inspired art style. Whether you're driving through Boneyard or blasting away enemies in Frostburn Canyon, the action is brought to life with flashy special effects and unique graphics. This helps keep the game fresh throughout its 30-hour runtime, as there's no shortage of distinct locations to discover or eye-catching gear to collect.

Speaking of gear, Borderlands 2 has no problem introducing new items to your arsenal around every corner. A looter-shooter is only as good as its loot — and Borderlands 2 is one of the best. Some of the legendary weapons you'll discover while roaming around Pandora include the Badaboom (which can launch six rockets at once), the Leech (a grenade that restores health after exploding), and the Volcano (a sniper rifle that sets enemies ablaze). Borderlands 2's incredible assortment of weapons makes it tempting to keep forging ahead, as you never know what strange gun could be waiting for you next.

Borderlands 2 is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2022, making it a great time to revisit the iconic shooter. But if you've already spent hundreds of hours roaming around Pandora with your friends (or you've moved on to its sequel, Borderlands 3), there are plenty of games that offer a similar experience.

Here are 10 games like Borderlands 2 to play next, listed by Metascore.


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Destiny 2

Bungie

Destiny 2 (PS4)

Metascore: 85
Best for: Fans of highly polished FPS games
Where to buy:


Also available on: PC, PS5, XB1, XBX

Destiny 2 is a unique combination of the MMO and FPS genres. You'll get to explore a variety of sci-fi inspired locations with other players as you complete hundreds of quests and acquire increasingly powerful gear. The game is best played with a few close friends, as some of the endgame content requires more firepower than a single Guardian can muster. There's also an extremely popular PvP mode if you're the competitive type. Destiny 2 has been around since 2019, but constant updates and a thriving playerbase are great signs for its future.

"A massive and rewarding game that offers the potential for hundreds of hours of fun and discovery with friends." — Game Informer


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Tales From The Borderlands: A Telltale Game Series

Telltale Games

Tales From The Borderlands: A Telltale Game Series (PC)

Metascore: 85
Best for: Fans seeking a unique Borderlands experience
Where to buy:


Also available on: iOS, PS3, PS4, SwitchXB1XB360

If you don't want to leave the Borderlands universe, consider checking out Tales From The Borderlands. Instead of offering heaps of multiplayer chaos, the game is a single-player, narrative driven experience. It takes place between Borderlands 2 and Borderlands 3, giving you a closer look at the story of Rhys, Handsome Jack, and Fiona. Your choices will have a direct impact on the storyline, and with two very different endings up for grabs, it's a game that begs to be played twice. A sequel, New Tales From The Borderlands, will launch on Oct. 21, making this a great time to check out this charming spin-off.

"Hilarious, heartfelt and high-octane, Tales From The Borderlands is a must-play game that sets a new standard for comedy games to come." — GamesRadar+


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The Division 2

Ubisoft

The Division 2 (PS4)

Metascore: 82
Best for: Fans of cover-based shooters
Where to buy:


Also available on: PC, Stadia, XB1

The Division 2 takes place in Washington D.C. following the outbreak of a genetically engineered virus. You'll attempt to rebuild the city with your fellow players, engaging in cover-based combat to eliminate any threats that get in your way. Hundreds of weapons and other gadgets can be found by exploring the city and taking on various missions. They're a bit more realistic than Borderlands 2, and they have a significant impact on your gameplay. If you find yourself immersed in its world, you can check out multiple DLC expansions that dive deeper into its narrative.  

"Tom Clancy's The Division 2 raises the bar for the looter shooter genre. Put simply, it is the complete package." — Gamers Heroes


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Lost Ark

Smilegate

Lost Ark (PC)

Metascore: 81
Best for: Fans of action RPGs
Where to buy:


Also available on: N/A

Lost Ark is a free-to-play MMO played from top-down perspective. You'll travel across the land of Arkesia on a long-winded quest that takes about 40 hours to complete, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Where Lost Ark really shines is in the endgame content, which is filled with challenging PvE and PvP material. You'll also be able to create your own home base (called a Stronghold), upgrade your gear, unlock new mounts, and equip hundreds of unique weapons. Constant updates have allowed Lost Ark to thrive since launching in February 2022, and it's currently one of the most popular MMO games on Steam.

"An absolute blast thanks to its perfect blend of visceral ARPG combat and steady MMO progression." — Digital Trends


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Payday 2

505 Games

Payday 2 (PC)

Metascore: 79
Best for: Fans of high-stakes bank heists
Where to buy:

 
Also available on: PS3, PS4, Switch, XB1XB360

Anyone seeking an intense cooperative experience will find a lot to love about Payday 2. The game sees you and your crew planning and pulling off high-stakes heists. Most levels will have you scout each location as a civilian before letting you dive into the action and try to walk away with millions. Multiple weapons and gadgets are at your disposal, and you'll need to use all of them (along with solid teamwork) to survive. Trip an alarm or alert the authorities, and you'll be shooting your way out of a corner and setting up a new escape plan.

"It's not the desire for cash or gold that'll keep you coming back, but the desire to pull off the perfect heist." — PC PowerPlay


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Tiny Tina's Wonderlands

2K Games

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (PC)

Metascore: 79
Best for: Those who wish Borderlands 2 had more dragons
Where to buy: Epic Games Store
Also available on: PS4, PS5, XB1, XBX

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands is as close as you can get to a Borderlands game. Developed by the same studio, Wonderlands offers just about everything fans have come to love about the series, including its quirky sense of humor, stunning graphics, and bombastic cooperative multiplayer. The big twist, however, is the new fantasy setting and the addition of magical spells to your arsenal. This means you'll be facing off against dragons and goblins instead of bandits and bruisers, and you'll be calling in meteor strikes and shooting ice spikes from your hands instead of throwing grenades. Toss in some high-quality acting from Andy Samberg, Ashly Burch, Wanda Sykes, and Will Arnett, and it's easy to see why Wonderlands earned such great reviews.

"A fantastical reskin of Borderlands filled with charm, humor. and lots of action." — App Trigger


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Far Cry 6 

Ubisoft

Far Cry 6 (PS5)

Metascore: 73
Best for: Fans of open-world chaos
Where to buy:


Also available on: PC, PS4, Stadia, XB1, XBX

The Far Cry games have always been known for their over-the-top action, and Far Cry 6 continues that legacy. This time around you're tasked with overthrowing dictator Anton Castillo and liberating the vibrant island of Yara. Along the way, you'll unlock some ridiculous weapons, including a pistol that can both heal you and light enemies aflame. There's a serviceable story that pushes the action forward, although the main draw is simply running around and causing chaos throughout the beautiful land of Yara. If you get bored of playing solo, you can check out the entire campaign with a friend in co-op.

"Ubisoft has married inspired design with trademark gameplay to great effect. This is the best Far Cry yet." — WellPlayed


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Outriders

Square Enix

Outriders (PS5)

Metascore: 73
Best for: Fans of cooperative looter-shooters
Where to buy:


Also available on: PC, PS4, Stadia, XB1, XBX

Outriders is a fast-paced, third-person action game with mountains of loot. Its bizarre weapons rival that of Borderlands 2, although Outriders doesn't share the same sense of humor. Instead, things are rather bleak: You play as a soldier that's scouting out a new home for humanity after Earth has become uninhabitable due to an extreme climate crisis. Combat is remarkably fast and visceral for a cover-based shooter, as you'll unlock skills that reward you with health buffs for pushing the pace and eliminating foes quickly. The game didn't quite live up to its early expectations, but it remains a solid looter-shooter, nonetheless.

"Not one boring second during battles, and getting new gear never gets tired. Outriders works very well." — Gamer.no


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Warframe

Digital Extremes

Warframe (PS4)

Metascore: 64
Best for: Fans of fast-paced, cooperative action
Where to buy:


Also available on: PC, PS5, Switch, XB1

Despite launching in 2013, Warframe still has a thriving community. The game sees you setting out on an interplanetary journey as you deal with a variety of warring factions. Warframe's complex storyline grows more elaborate every year, but it's the fast-paced, third-person gameplay that has kept the community alive. You'll have access to both melee and long-range weapons, along with a suite of unique skills based on the Warframe you bring into battle. Combat is just about as hectic as anything else in gaming, and it's not uncommon to slay hundreds of enemies before completing your mission.

"The core gameplay, including the variety of suits and weapons, is terrific, and it's reason enough to play this sci-fi shooter." — IGN


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Fallout 76

Bethesda Softworks

Fallout 76 (PC)

Metascore: 52
Best for: Fans of ever-growing online worlds
Where to buy:


Also available on: PS4, XB1

Although it earned an abysmal Metascore at launch, Fallout 76 somehow managed to turn the ship around. Continuous updates fixed its technical issues and added worthwhile content to the MMO, including NPCs, repeatable Expedition missions, and a bevy of story quests and additional gear. In other words, it's the Fallout MMO people have wanted for years. You'll get to explore a wasteland that continues to grow larger with every update and carve out your own little section to call home. The game is a blast solo, but teaming up with fellow adventurers is the best way to see Appalachia and take on its toughest challenges.

"A brave, imaginative, and rewarding exploration, but its true glory is revealed among friends." — Screen Rant