11 Must-Play Games Like Borderlands for Loot & Chaos in 2025
The looter-shooter genre has transformed from a niche gaming concept to a global phenomenon, with the likes of the Borderlands series pioneering a unique blend of humor, intense combat, and addictive loot collection. These games offer more than just shooting mechanics – they provide entire universes of exploration, character progression, and memorable experiences that keep you playing for hundreds of hours.
I love these games for the simple promise of constant discovery. It’s never just about fighting enemies, but the hunt for that next legendary weapon, creating unique character builds, and experiencing the best power fantasies you can find in the medium. I believe that the best looter-shooters are the ones that feel like a playground for creativity and reward you for it.
What sets these games apart is their commitment to player agency. Unlike traditional shooters that limit your expression, the best looter-shooters like Borderlands invite players to experiment, combine abilities in unexpected ways, and truly make the game their own. No matter if you’re one of the hardcore Borderlands fans or a casual looter-shooter enjoyer, this list will have something for you.
Our Top Picks for Games Like Borderlands
These titles promise heart-pounding action, hilarious storytelling, and loot that’ll make your inner collector jump for joy:
- Destiny 2: The Final Shape (2017) – the looter-shooter powerhouse with top-tier gunplay
- The Outer Worlds (2019) – humor and narrative successor for Borderlands fans
- Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 (2019) – Borderlands alternative for grounded tactical action
- Risk of Rain 2 (2020) – chaotic looter-shooter with a roguelike twist
- Dead Island 2 (2023) – zombie looter-shooter with dark humor and visceral combat
Now let’s take a deeper look at the most thrilling games that share the Borderlands’ DNA.
11 Best Games Like Borderlands in 2025
Here are some of the best games that capture the chaotic, loot-filled fun of Borderlands while bringing their own unique twists to the table. Whether you’re after over-the-top action, hilarious dialogue, or that sweet, sweet loot grind, these games will scratch that itch.
Some lean into fast-paced FPS combat, while others blend RPG elements with deep customization, but they all have one thing in common – the addictive thrill of chasing better gear and mowing down enemies in style.
If you love the non-stop action and unpredictable humor of Borderlands, then this list is packed with games that will keep you looting, shooting, and theory-crafting your ultimate build for hours on end.
1. Destiny 2: The Final Shape
| Release Year | Platforms | Developer |
| 2024 | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | Bungie |
Destiny 2 is by far the top looter-shooter in the market. This ongoing ten-year saga still holds its throne mainly due to best-in-class gunplay tightly knit with deep RPG mechanics. This ongoing ten-year saga has only gotten better with time – especially with the recent rework of its loot system and the introduction of The Final Shape DLC, which caps off the next chapter in its epic story that kept me invested even after clocking in more than 1500 hours.
If you love the nearly unlimited gun variety in Borderlands series, then Destiny 2 offers over 1000 old and new weapons on top of randomizing them with dozens of different perks. This title takes it a step further with random-rolled armor and highly adjustable subclasses that completely change how you approach combat. So, if you like infinite loadout possibilities, then Destiny will not disappoint.
While solo play is fun, Destiny 2 is known to be one of the greatest co-op games in the FPS genre. From the intense six-player raids and three-player dungeons that require near-perfect teamwork to the competitive Crucible matches, the game offers something for every player. Of course, the narrative is less self-aware and comical than Borderlands titles, but Destiny’s lore is the definition of how deep the rabbit hole goes.
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2. The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice
| Release Year | Platforms | Developer |
| 2019 | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch | Obsidian Entertainment |
The Outer Worlds is what you get when you launch Borderlands’ humor into deep space. Set in a satirical corporate-controlled universe, the game offers a refreshing take on the looter-shooter genre that introduces player choice and a branching narrative.
The game’s weapon and armor system isn’t crazy, but goes way beyond simple stat increases. Each piece of equipment tells a story, with writing that’s both hilarious and adds to the worldbuilding. Like puzzle pieces that reflect the game’s bizarre corporate satire, if you will. However, the visual gun variety can look a bit too similar to some, but every weapon I tried felt unique enough for me to experiment with modifications and different builds.
The Outer Worlds is an FPS open-world game – you’re not just shooting through linear levels, but exploring planets, interacting with factions, and shaping the outcome of your journey. Whether you’re making moral decisions or just picking fights, The Outer Worlds does a fantastic job of blending humor, action, and exploration in a way that feels fresh and engaging.
If you’re looking to dive into the full experience, the Spacer’s Choice Edition is the way to go. It comes with all the DLCs, including the Peril on Gorgon and Murder on Eridanos expansions, giving you even more content and crazy adventures to dive into. It’s definitely the complete package for anyone looking to fully immerse themselves in this hilarious and chaotic universe.
Grab The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition >
3. Tom Clancy’s The Division 2
| Release Year | Platforms | Developer |
| 2019 | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | Massive Entertainment |
The Division 2 takes the beloved looter-shooter concept and grounds it in a more realistic post-apocalyptic setting. Unlike the more cartoonish Borderlands, this story game offers a serious take on cooperative shooting but doesn’t sacrifice depth or intensity. And if you love gorgeous worlds, the recreations of Washington D.C. and New York City are one of the most beautiful apocalyptic worlds on the market right now.
The elephant in the room is that The Division 2 is a cover-based shooter, where positioning plays a way bigger role than in any Borderlands game. Nevertheless, the expansive RPG elements are so malleable, that you can easily turn yourself into a walking tank and ignore the cover altogether. Better yet, each gear piece, gun, and a huge pile of gun mods can roll with a whole arsenal of perks that easily challenge Borderlands or Destiny build-crafting capabilities.
After completing the main Division 2 story, you can easily sink dozens of hours into complex 8-player raids and, my favorite, the Dark Zone – a PvPvE area with integrated extraction shooter elements where every player encounter is a game of friend or foe.
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4. Risk of Rain 2
| Release Year | Platforms | Developer |
| 2020 | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch | Hopoo Games, Gearbox Software |
After spending some time with it, Risk of Rain 2 is easily one of the most engaging roguelike games in the looter-shooter field I’ve tried. Unlike RPG shooters, such as Borderlands, each run is completely unique, with randomized items, escalating difficulty, and over-the-top boss fights that always kept me on the edge of my seat (quite literally). And most importantly – it’s way deeper than it first seems.
The gigantic item system is where the game starts to show its colors. With this roguelike structure, you can stack numerous different items, creating increasingly ridiculous and powerful combinations. One run might see yourself become a lightning-shooting healer, while next time you’ll start spawning an army of miniature allies with every kill.
Co-op takes the experience a step further. You can join up with up to three friends, with each player’s items and abilities combining in unexpected ways. The game’s difficulty scales with the number of players, creating an interesting mix of challenge and excitement that, I’m sure, will keep you coming back for just one more run.
Best deals on Risk of Rain 2 >
5. Dead Island 2
| Release Year | Platforms | Developer |
| 2023 | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | Dambuster Studios |
Dead Island 2 revives the zombie looter-shooter genre with a vibrant, gory take on the Los Angeles apocalypse. Just like the first installment, you get to choose from a roster of unique survivors, each bringing a unique personality and fight style to the zombie-infested playground. Best of all, it’s one of those games like Borderlands that don’t shy away from dark comedy even when you blast heads left and right.
FPS combat mechanics focus on detailed, physics-based zombie dismemberment and weapon customization. You can modify and upgrade an enormous arsenal of weapons and gadgets never seen before in the series. The “FLESH” system allows for incredibly detailed damage modeling, where zombies realistically break apart based on your attacks and weapons of choice.
The game’s open-world design encourages exploration for side content, with a loot system that keeps you constantly hunting for better gear and materials. Character progression is fairly simplified with skill cards, but keeps enough space to mold your chosen character to your liking. To no surprise, co-op multiplayer is back in the sequel, so multiplayer fans can tackle the zombie apocalypse with friends throughout the whole campaign.
6. Outriders: Complete Edition
| Release Year | Platforms | Developer |
| 2021 | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | People Can Fly |
Outriders is another solid alternative for Borderlands fans looking for a gritty, dark take on the looter-shooter genre. Contrary to some beliefs, it’s not a live service, and just like any Borderlands, it’s fully playable from start to finish as a complete package. Notably, Outriders’ four unique classes are based on different elemental abilities and mostly predetermined roles. Basically, if you’re familiar with the vault hunters of Pandora, you’ll grasp the basics right away.
Just like all mainline Borderlands installments, Outriders’ combat system rewards aggressive play, encouraging you to get close and personal rather than hide behind cover. However, the big difference is the third-person camera and a lot heavier movement, which will make you think twice before going full “LEROY JENKINS” mode. Even then, I still recommend not playing safe, because aggressive weapon and ability combos create truly satisfying cinematic moments.
Once you hit the finish line, the end-game content offers a fair share of challenging expeditions to test your limits or play with friends. Just be sure to grab the Worldslayer expansion to get the most out of your time.
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7. Anthem
| Release Year | Platforms | Developer |
| 2019 | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | BioWare |
Anthem is a stunning sci-fi world where you control customizable exosuits called Javelins. Each suit type – Ranger, Colossus, Storm, and Interceptor – serves as a different class with unique combat and movement capabilities. And to be fair, their gameplay logic felt exactly like Borderlands 2 protagonists.
Anthem’s narrative can be a bit dry compared to some of the best story games out there, but the game’s core loop and combat make up for it quite well. Weapon variety and Javelin modifications are on par with what you’d expect from a triple-A looter-shooter, so creating various character builds is just a matter of the good ol’ grind. But the flying mechanics are what truly set Anthem apart from traditional shooters, and to be honest, I’d recommend this game just for flying alone.
While the game struggled with early access and launch, later updates have fixed most of the problem areas. Now the dynamic world actually changes between missions, with environmental storytelling and hidden secrets rewarding extra exploration. Surprisingly, even with a rough launch, the current Anthem player base is still very active, and finding players for multiplayer activities is a breeze.
8. Warframe
| Release Year | Platforms | Developer |
| 2013 | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, iOS, iPadOS | Digital Extremes |
Warframe, jokingly known as the space ninja simulator, is a long-running free-to-play looter-shooter with an immensely lively community. Here, instead of fixed character classes seen in Borderlands, you’ll be collecting and building up multiple characters called frames, each with distinct abilities that dramatically change the gameplay at its core.
The loot and upgrade progression is one of the most complex systems in the looter-shooter scene. While a little overwhelming at first, it allows you to craft and modify both weapons and frames in virtually countless combinations. In fact, you’ll have to craft most of your arsenal using materials collected in the ever-growing list of missions.
Solo players can easily enjoy their space ninja fantasy alone, but co-op is an integral part of Warframe’s end-game, with four-player missions pushing the limits of teamwork and strategic thinking. And if you decide to stay for the long run, regular updates and major content drops always keep the game fresh with an expanding roster of loot and characters to collect.
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9. Rage 2
| Release Year | Platforms | Developer |
| 2019 | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | Avalanche Studios, id Software |
Rage 2 combines the open-world mechanics of Borderlands with the intense, fast-paced combat of id Software’s iconic FPS shooters. This game throws you into a vibrant, colorful post-apocalyptic map that defies the typical brown and gray palette of similar games, right on par with Borderlands’ unique aesthetic and feel.
Combat mechanics focus on an array of powerful weapons and supernatural abilities called Nanotrites. To make the best of your time, you must combine gunplay with devastating melee attacks and superhuman powers, so aggressive play is the way to go. The weapon variety is solid and upgrade systems create a pretty similar growth pace to what you’d find in the Borderlands’ loot-driven gameplay.
This open world is designed to be a playground of destruction, with vehicle combat, numerous side activities, and a main storyline that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Character progression allows players to adjust their abilities and playstyle, with skill trees and upgrades to play around with for a long while. Rage 2’s crazy humor and over-the-top action is a blast and makes it one of the best FPS games that truly capture the spirit of the Borderlands franchise.
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10. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
| Release Year | Platforms | Developer |
| 2020 | PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S | CD Project Red |
Cyberpunk 2077 is easily one of the best open-world games that offers a deeply immersive shooter experience set in a complex, cybernetic future. The main protagonist – V – is a fully customizable character with extensive skill trees and cybernetic upgrades. Cyberpunk 2077 is a pureblood FPS RPG and this deep character personalization lets you unlock multiple approach options to missions and combat scenarios.
Weapon variety is not randomized but extends well beyond your classic firearms, including tech and smart weapons to experiment with. You can also modify and upgrade weapons and cyberware, creating builds that completely change the rules of combat. The story itself adapts to player choices, with multiple storylines and endings based on your decisions and interactions.
While Night City is not exactly a huge sandbox, it’s incredibly dense and filled to the brim with things to explore or uncover. Side quests often prove as compelling as the main storyline, offering deep and believable characters in all sorts of gameplay scenarios. A few years of updates have significantly improved the game’s performance and added tons of new features, topping it off with universally appraised Phantom Liberty expansion.
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11. Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition
| Release Year | Platforms | Developer |
| 2011 | PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch | People Can Fly, Epic Games |
If you’re hunting for the crazy feel and explosiveness of the Borderlands games, then Bulletstorm will feel right at home. This action FPS game is a true blast from the past, with its classic “skill shot” system, rewarding you for elaborate and creative kills. Even though the game only features 8 weapons, the flexibility of what you can do with them could even put modern games to shame.
Just like Borderlands, Bulletstorm is all about weapons, environmental hazards, and special abilities to create a spectacular show of mayhem. A unique tool that allows players to pull enemies and objects called “The Leash”, is the central mechanic for creating complex and frankly hilarious combat scenarios.
The narrative carries a wicked tone that closely matches Borderlands’ humor, following a group of space pirates seeking revenge. Characters are memorable and manage to deliver both blunt comedy with genuine character moments. Despite being an older title, Bulletstorm is a true cult classic that influenced many future looter-shooter games.
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How I Chose Games Like Borderlands For The List
At the heart of every exceptional looter-shooter lies a perfect blend of three core elements: combat, progression, and reward. These games aren’t just about shooting – they’re about the constant hunt for that next incredible piece of gear or an upgrade that transforms your gameplay. The key components I looked for were:
- Combat mechanics that define the foundation. A great looter-shooter demands fluid, responsive shooting that feels satisfying with every trigger pull. Games like Borderlands set the bar with their over-the-top gunplay that makes each encounter feel unique.
- Loot/build diversity as the soul of the game. I always crave weapons and gear that aren’t just statistically better but can fundamentally change how I approach combat. The best looter-shooters offer guns with unique properties – maybe a rifle that shoots explosive rounds, or a shotgun that transforms enemy kills into health pickups.
- Progression systems that keep me invested. Experience trees, skill customization, and meaningful character builds. The joy isn’t just in killing enemies, but in watching your character evolve with each new piece of equipment or skill point spent.
Ultimately, a great looter-shooter makes you feel like a constantly improving, but always that one drop away from your next game-changing moment. And these games deliver just that.
More FPS Games
If you’ve already played the most popular shooters and are looking for more, there’s no shortage of great FPS games to dive into. Whether you enjoy intense multiplayer action, gripping single-player campaigns, or tactical shooters that test your precision, the genre has something for everyone.
- For those who love fast-paced combat and high mobility, Titanfall 2 is a must-play. Its fluid movement system and mech-based battles make it stand out in the FPS genre.
- If you prefer tactical gameplay, Rainbow Six Siege offers strategic, team-based action where every decision counts.
- Fans of classic arena shooters should check out DOOM Eternal, which brings adrenaline-pumping action and a relentless pace that keeps you on edge.
- Looking for something with a strong narrative? Metro Exodus blends FPS mechanics with survival elements in a beautifully crafted post-apocalyptic world.
- If you enjoy co-op shooters, Left 4 Dead 2 or Deep Rock Galactic will keep you and your squad entertained for hours.
Whether you’re into sci-fi, military shooters, or chaotic run-and-gun experiences, there’s always a new FPS waiting to be played.
FAQs
What is the competitor of Borderlands?
Destiny 2 is the main competitor for Borderlands. It has the same addictive loot but with superior gunplay and a more serious sci-fi aesthetic.
Is Borderlands better than Halo?
It really depends on what you’re after. Borderlands wins hands down for RPG elements and comedy, while Halo is more of a pure shooter experience.
Should I play Borderlands or Bioshock first?
Go with Borderlands if you want cooperative multiplayer and lots of loot. Bioshock is incredible for its story, but Borderlands is a lot more fun.
Which is better, Outer Worlds or Borderlands?
If you’re after chaos and fun, Borderlands is a better pick for gameplay. However, The Outer Worlds offers a more nuanced narrative-driven experience.
