Welcome, fellow gamers! Are you looking for more looter shooter games like Borderlands to fill your gaming time? If so, you’ve come to the right place! At first glance, it may seem that no other must-play game could measure up to this classic franchise.
However, with all the recent advancements in gaming technology over the past few years–not to mention the sheer number of video games released every year–it’s tough for any single game or series to stay on top. With that being said, we’ve compiled a list of 5 incredible looter shooter games that any fan of Borderlands should have a blast playing.
So without further ado, let’s get into our picks for the best games like Borderlands in 2023!
What Makes the Borderlands Franchise So Fun
Without a doubt, the Borderlands franchise has set high standards for the looter shooter genre thanks to its engaging gameplay, looting mechanics, story, and, most importantly, its massive arsenal of weapons.
Borderlands Features an Incredible Number of Gun Combinations and Silly Weapons
Not only do the Borderlands games have an extensive selection of weapons, but they have bizarre and exciting weapons like the Gettleburger that launches burgers at your enemies or the ‘’Gun Gun’’ as known by fans, that fires other weapons.
With thousands of great guns, it is hard to match a game like this; fortunately, just for you, we have decided to make a list of the five best games like Borderlands that will have you up playing countless nights! Buckle up and get ready to find your next favorite looter shooter.
Borderlands Games Have Interesting Characters and Immersive Stories
The Borderlands franchise is not only known to have thousands of crazy and exciting weapons, but it is also known to have great looting mechanics, lovable characters, and massive replayability value. This is true of every Borderlands game dating back to the very first game.
This is especially true for Borderlands 2, with the iconic Handsome Jack villain everyone in the franchise loves. The writing is known to engage with funny and entertaining dialog while keeping the player immersed in the lore and story of the game.
The Art Style in Borderlands is Very Unique and Enjoyable
Beyond the great gunplay, deep looting mechanics, and great characters, the best Borderlands games are also known for their cartoon-shaded visuals. They make it stand out from most first-person shooters with their tremendous and unique aesthetics.
The map and environment design is also a wonder to behold as you explore varied areas — from desert parts of the map to futuristic cities — keeping your gaming session fresh and unique.
Overall, the Borderlands games do a lot of things right while managing to keep them unique, making it one of the best looter shooter franchises in gaming history.
The Top 5 Looter Shooter Games like Borderlands
To put together this list of games, we have carefully selected titles that feature gunplay mechanics akin to Borderlands while also highlighting loot-focused adventures.
We decided to only recommend great games outside of the Borderlands series, so don’t expect a Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands recommendation here.
These terrific options may not be part of the Borderlands series, but they are all imbued with similar mechanics and gameplay styles – each one offering its own unique appeal!
1. Destiny 2 – One of the Best, Deep Adventure Games like Borderlands
This game is the perfect fusion of intense first-person shooter action and an enthralling sci-fi universe, making it one of the most highly-played MMOs around. With a world packed full of mysteries to unravel, this adventure will keep you riveted for hours on end!
In this game, you take on the role of a guardian tasked with protecting humanity and fighting countless alien threats. Destiny 2 provides tons of fun due to its fast-paced and immersive gameplay. Moreover, it offers various challenging activities for players to explore, ranging from raids, strikes, and even PvP combat.
Just like Borderlands, Destiny 2 offers new and veteran players a massive variety of strange, exciting, and unique weapons that can be unlocked by playing the game either solo or with friends. Additionally, the game contains tons of content and loot that give this title a very high replayability value. Players have tons of missions, DLCs, events, and loot to earn.
Finally, Bungie, the game’ developer, constantly adds new events, DLC, and updates to keep the experience fresh and unpredictable for its players. Even still, the base game is tons of fun to play. There is a seemingly endless pool of story missions to go on for players.
Destiny 2 is one of the best games like Borderlands that always offers something new and won’t disappoint you. For more related titles, you may even want to check out our list of the best games like Destiny 2.
Release Date: September 6, 2017
Why Destiny 2 is a Great Game like Borderlands
- First-person shooter
- Fast-paced gameplay
- Looter shooter
- High replayability value
- Interesting and varied universe
- Wide variety of enemies
- Tons of content
- Co-op multiplayer
- Interesting characters
- Great art style
- Rich perk and skill trees
2. Risk of Rain 2 – A Terrific Roguelike that Shares Many Features with Borderlands Games
Risk of Rain 2 is one of the most beloved co-op PvE looter-shooters, thanks to its action-packed play style. You will have to fight vast hordes of various lethal enemies on procedurally generated levels.
The main appeal of Risk of Rain 2 is its challenging nature and diverse gameplay, which gives you and your friends the chance to explore multiple levels, collect tons of items and weapons, and battle your way to victory.
That should sound familiar to fans of the Borderlands franchise, and that is why this is one of the greatest looter shooter games like Borderlands available today!
This game is a bit different, as it features a third-person perspective. Yet, the core gameplay should be very fun and engaging for a Borderlands fan.
Related Article: All Void Items in Risk of Rain 2, Ranked from Worst to Best
Risk of Rain 2 is a Great Roguelike Game with Many Elements Familiar to Borderlands Fans
Furthermore, the game features a wide variety of enemies, bosses, weapons, and equipment that you can equip and use to defeat your enemies.
Because of its two varied and challenging gameplay modes, Risk of Rain will keep you engaged and motivated to keep playing as it is gratifying, leaving you with a high sense of progression and satisfaction.
You can’t go wrong with Risk of Rain 2, especially with friends, as it will keep you entertained for many hours and leave you wanting more the next day. This game is also very loot focused as you try and find better gear to complete the best builds for every Risk of Rain 2 character.
Release Date: March 28, 2019
Why is Risk of Rain 2 a Game like Borderlands?
- Fast-paced gameplay
- Looter shooter
- Interesting and varied universe
- Wide variety of enemies
- Tons of content
- Co-op multiplayer
- High replayability value
- Cartoonish Art Style
If Risk of Rain 2 sounds like a good pick for you, you may even want to check out our related list of the best roguelike games like Risk of Rain 2 for more great choices.
3. Tom Clancy’s The Division 2
The third game on our list is, hands down, one of the most underrated games and one of the best co-op experiences of the last decade.
Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 is an online, co-op, third-person shooter game set in a post-apocalyptic Washington, D.C., where you take on the role of a Division agent tasked with restoring order and protecting innocent civilians from those who wish to overtake the district.
Like the Borderlands series of games, this title offers players great replayability to get higher rewards, loot, and XP. The gunplay is based on cover-shooter mechanics mixed with abilities that provide variety and teamwork to the experience making it perfect for playing with a coordinated group of friends.
Furthermore, this third person action title has some of the most realistic and impressive visuals of the last generation of video games. combined with mind-blowing audio and excellent level design. Not only this, but the main story keeps everyone engaged as players explore the ruins of a ravaged Washington, D.C., filled with lethal threats.
The Division 2 is a great game that can offer dozens of hours of play with your friends, and has a dedicated community of gamers across most gaming platforms. This game also provides a strong sense of progression as you unlock and loot various gear, abilities, and skills as you progress through the game.
Try The Division 2 now with your friends! Any true fan of the Borderlands series is sure to enjoy this game.
Release Date: March 12, 2019
Why The Division 2 is a Top Game Pick like Borderlands
- Looter shooter
- Great OST
- Rewarding gameplay
- PvE combat
- Wide variety of content
- Co-op multiplayer
- Gorgeous visuals
4. Far Cry 6 – A More Serious Adventure Game with Looting Mechanics
If you’re looking for an action-packed and thrilling gaming experience, Far Cry 6 is a perfect choice. This exciting first-person shooter game brings together the best of its acclaimed franchise: intense gunfights, fun exploration elements, and a captivating storyline that will leave you wanting more. Far Cry 6 is a great choice for players looking for exciting games like Borderlands.
This title offers an engaging open-world environment in which you have to explore and eradicate the corrupt forces of an evil dictator to progress both in the story and with your character.
Far Cry 6 offers a variety of activities, locations, and secrets, along with a varied cast of characters possessing different abilities that can be adapted to suit your playstyle.
One of the reasons why the Far Cry franchise is excellent is that these games allow players to decide how to approach every scenario with a wide variety of weaponry, gear, and tactics that they can use to fight enemies.
In addition, Far Cry 6 has a great progression system that will allow you to unlock new abilities, better loot, and skills to help you progress through the game and make your experience even more entertaining.
Far Cry 6 promises an exhilarating adventure that will captivate you every step of the way.
Related Article: How to Carry More Ammo in Far Cry 6
Release Date: October 7, 2021
Why is Far Cry 6 a Game like Borderlands
- Looting mechanics
- Good story and lore
- Rewarding gameplay
- Different playstyles
- Co-op multiplayer
- Likable villian
- Interesting weaponry
5. Gunfire Reborn – A Fast-Paced Shooter Game for Borderlands Fans
Gunfire Reborn, like Borderlands, is set in a surreal universe wherein one can fight through various levels to progress in the game while battling hordes of enemies and boss battles.
This title is a fast-paced, first-person shooter with adrenaline-pumping gameplay mechanics. As in Borderlands, you can use tons of weapons and equipment to fight your enemies. There are also some pretty cool legendary weapons to choose from. You’ll definitely need them if you crank up the difficulty to reincarnation difficulty.
Moreover, progressing through the game will let you unlock new enemies, equipment, and looting options to keep the experience fresh. The game features a number of very unique and interesting classes, which is why we created a detailed Gunfire Reborn characters tier list to help you pick the right one for you.
Gunfire Reborn offers an unparalleled gaming adventure, with brilliantly crafted and stimulating levels that will have you coming back for more as you guide your hero through the constantly evolving procedurally generated stages, looking for the best guns in Gunfire Reborn for your unstoppable build.
This upcoming weekend, grab some friends and join in the thrill of Gunfire Reborn for a memorable gaming experience! Enjoy tons of fun with your squad as you take on each challenge together.
Release Date: May 5, 2020
Why Borderlands Fans Should Pick Up Gunfire Reborn
- Looting mechanics
- Progression System
- Fast-paced shooter
- Entertaining gameplay
- Different playstyles
- Co-op multiplayer
- Wide variety of weapons
- Surreal universe
Honorable Mention – Payday 2
Payday 2 is one of the most popular first-person shooters, with more than 50k players per day based on Steam Charts numbers. This game was released a decade ago and still maintains one of the most loyal player bases ever seen in gaming.
The reason this game has become so successful is due to its dedicated developers; Overkill continuously updates Payday 2, with a range of paid and free DLCs, in addition to events and fresh content that appeals to both veteran players and newcomers alike.
Get ready to join forces with your friends or automated bots for some high-octane, first-person shooter action! This game includes thrilling missions such as heists and facing off against increasingly difficult enemies. Prepare yourself for a challenging mission like no other!
Payday 2 Has Immense Success Because of Its High Replayability Value
Another reason why Payday 2 is so great is the variety of possibilities it offers when playing a mission. You can pick from tons of weapons and skills and decide how you want to approach each heist based on its difficulty. It’s not so simple as selecting the same set of best Payday 2 weapons. There are many viable choices depending on the scenario and how you want to approach your heist.
Do you want to go for complete stealth? You can do it! Do you want to go guns blazing? Have at it, or do you want to go all-out brute and fight your way using only melee weapons? Just do it! There are so many great Payday 2 builds to choose from or to create out of your imagination.
Payday 2 is a game you’ll always enjoy, as the content is always fresh and will give you hundreds of hours of gameplay for you and your friends. And, if you think that this may be a great next game for you, you may also want to check out our curated list of the best games like Payday 2 to find other great options.
Release Date: August 13, 2013
Why Fans of Borderlands Games will Like Payday 2
- Likable characters
- Progression System
- Great free and paid DLC for Payday 2 with constant updates
- Many great Payday 2 mods
- Fast-paced shooter
- Melee combat
- High replayability value
- Varied content
- Co-op multiplayer
- Wide variety of weapons
- Tons of skills and abilities to unlock
Final Thoughts on the Best Games like Borderlands
We hope you find your next favorite game in this article, as we have meticulously picked every game for Borderlands fans. Every game on this list has something that will make you feel familiar and at home while still being exciting and original in many other ways.
These games like Borderlands are terrific fun to play, and we hope you will enjoy them as much as we did.
Let us know in the comments what other gaming lists you would like to see, as we are open to suggestions. For more great ideas, check out our list of the most interesting story-driven games like Firewatch. Also, feel free to check out our other guides about more games that you might like too!
Good Luck, and Have Fun!
