New Tales from the Borderlands: 5 Things You Should Know

Borderlands is back, and it's bringing a fresh layer of gun-toting know-it-alls and an even bigger Vault to plunder. Once again, Gearbox will pilot this bullet-riddled extravaganza, only without the aid of Telltale Games and its knack for developing stellar choice-based sagas. But what is it, exactly? Just what is this so-called New Tales from the Bordlerlands, and how will it affect the overall narrative that Gearbox has spent over a decade trying to forge?

The good news is, Gearbox Software hasn't exactly been shy when it has come to leaking details about the upcoming game. And from what we've scraped together so far, it's shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of 2022, bar maybe one or two triple-A titles, of course. But what should you know about New Tales from the Bordlerlands?

5. Telltale Games Isn't Involved

It may seem strange, knowing that Telltale Games did, of course, pilot 2014's Tales from the Borderlands, but the fact of the matter is, the episodic-loving studio won't be putting its tools into the sequel. Gearbox Software has, and has openly stated that, contrary to popular belief, New Tales from the Borderlands will be an original project. So why the sudden shift in studios?

Unfortunately, Gearbox failed to enlighten fans on the key details behind the breakup. It is known, though, that Telltale Games is currently working on The Wolf Among Us 2, as well as a video game adaptation of the popular sci-fi show The Expanse. And so, it could be that TT has its hands in one too many pies to absorb the Borderlands sequel. It could also be, of course, that Gearbox is wanting to add a little of its own ingredients to the latest episodic journey. Whatever the case, you probably shouldn't waltz into New Tales from the Borderlands expecting it to be anything like the original.

4. A New Tale Begins

New Tales from the Borderlands is not a sequel to Tales from the Borderlands. On the contrary, it's leaps and bounds ahead of Pandora, and actually serves as more of a sequel to Borderlands 3. And this isn't the only thing that is different, as the latest venture will also shed light on a trio of new characters, and a whole other mythical Vault that players will need to scout out.

New Tales from the Borderlands is set around three unlikely friends: Anu, an altruistic scientist with a sharp eye for gadgetry, Octavio, the dimwitted sibling who longs for fame and fortune, and Fran, a mobility scooter-using frozen yogurt store owner. The trio, all of whom share a common goal of finding a Vault Key to access treasures beyond their wildest dreams, are led on a journey across the planet of Promethea, a place in which weapons manufacturer Tediore has launched an assault in the hopes of seizing control over the planet.

3. It's An Episodic Adventure

Gearbox Software may have banished Telltale Games from the forefront, but the team has still kept a firm hold of some of its tricks. Specifically, the episodic format that every Telltale Game possesses, usually in sets of five, along with a few DLC add-ons. New Tales from the Borderlands will be no different, and will feature five unique episodes to chew through, all of which will be available to download on day one.

As for the length of the actual campaign — now that's another question. That said, if history has told us anything, it's that Telltale Games often favor the two hours per episode formula. And if Gearbox Software is looking to follow suit, then it could be that New Tales from the Borderlands will be approximately 10 hours in length, give or take.

2. Legacy Characters Are Back

For a short while it was believed that New Tales from the Borderlands wouldn't feature any legacy characters. That was, until Gearbox dropped the preview, which went on to reveal not only Borderlands 3's Zane, but Tales from the Borderlands' Rhys, too. And although we don't quite know how involved the two beloved characters will be in the upcoming game, we do know that they'll be making their cameos at some point or another.

The last we saw of Rhys was in Tales from the Borderlands, specifically as the CEO of Atlas. Now, seeing as New Tales from the Borderlands is set on Promethea, Atlas' home planet, it could mean that Rhys will play a key role in the upcoming story. Unfortunately, we can't say the same about Zane, as his only appearance was in the form of an action figure in a mini-game. It's unclear whether or not any of the series' other protagonists will play a part in the tale yet.

1. Platforms, Release Date & Editions

New Tales from the Borderlands will launch on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, and PC on October 21, 2022. As it stands, the game will not be coming to Xbox Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate on launch day.

You can pick up the Pre-Order Bundle of New Tales from the Borderlands, which includes both the Xbox One and Series X|S digital versions, for $39.99. You can also pick up the Deluxe Edition, which includes the Adventure Capital Pack, 10,000 in-game currency, cosmetics for Anu, Octavio, and Fran, and an official FL4K Vaultlander collectible, for $49.99.

For more updates on New Tales from the Borderlands, be sure to follow the official social handle here.

So, what's your take? Are you excited to sink into New Tales from the Bordlerlands this October? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.