iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
For Borderlands-style co-op shooting and loot, start with Borderlands 4. If by “Borderlands MMO” you mean a persistent shared world with evolving activities, try Destiny 2. The Division 2 is the tactical third-person option, while The First Descendant centers on co-op boss battles. These games overlap in shooting, gear, or teamwork, but they are not interchangeable—and Borderlands is not itself an MMO.
What do you mean by “Borderlands MMO”?
The phrase can describe two different things: a Borderlands-like looter-shooter to play with friends, or an MMO-style game built around a persistent shared world and continuing activities. Borderlands 4 best matches the first meaning. Destiny 2 is the clearest fit for the second.
Use combat perspective and feel, whether you want campaign sessions or a shared world, the size and type of group activities, PvP, and how the game is accessed to narrow the choice.
Recommended Free Tools
Best games like Borderlands for co-op looter-shooter fans
Borderlands 4: closest to Borderlands co-op and loot
If you mainly want the familiar mix of shooting, gear drops, and playing through a campaign with friends, Borderlands 4 is the most direct choice. Take-Two/2K describes co-op features including instanced loot for each player, dynamic level scaling, and individual difficulty. Those features are designed to help a group play together without making every player share the same loot or difficulty settings.
#1 Best Overall
The official announcement lists PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. It is a paid game, so check the platform and edition you want before buying. Borderlands 4 editions and platform details.
Destiny 2: best fit for a shared-world experience
If “MMO” means a continuing shared world rather than a self-contained campaign, Destiny 2 is the strongest match in this group. Bungie describes a single evolving world with co-op and competitive activities, including strikes and raids. That makes it a better choice for players seeking ongoing group activities than for someone who simply wants another Borderlands-style campaign.
Rank #2
- Enter the stadium and take part of one of the biggest competitions across 34 sports: from swimming, soccer, extreme bike, weightlifting, trampoline and much more!
- Defend your own country and visit the World: United States, Australia, Japan, France…
- Train yourself alone or compete with your friends!
- An enhanced version of “30 Sport Games in 1”, with revamped design, new games and more customisation!
There is a free-to-play way to start, but that does not mean every expansion is included. Bungie says expansions are acquired separately; the content available in the free entry path can change. Check Bungie’s new-player guide for current access details before choosing what to play.
The Division 2: tactical third-person shooting and co-op missions
The Division 2 suits players who want a tactical third-person shooter RPG with campaign missions, weapons, gear, and endgame progression. Ubisoft also lists co-op, PvP, Dark Zones, and specializations, so it is not a co-op-only experience. You can focus on its co-op activities, but PvP is part of the game’s overall structure.
Rank #3
- Fully optimized for next-gen consoles!
- Experience the game in gorgeous 4K resolution at 60 fps in single-player and online co-op (Only Available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X).
- Add more couch co-op mayhem with support for three- and four-player splitscreen for local multiplayer (Only available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S).
- Copies of Borderlands 3 on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 will include a digital upgrade to the next-gen version of the game (within same console family) at no additional fees.
- For physical discs, this feature is only valid on next-gen console models with disc drives.
For an overview of its modes and gear systems, see Ubisoft’s The Division 2 gameplay guide.
The First Descendant: co-op action and boss encounters
The First Descendant is a third-person action RPG looter-shooter whose co-op focus includes four-player battles against Colossi. Choose it if a group boss-fight loop sounds more appealing than a Borderlands-like campaign or Destiny’s broader shared-world structure. PlayStation’s listing notes optional in-game purchases.
Rank #4
- Officially licensed Borderlands products inspired by the iconic Mister Torgue, featuring tabletop game expansions, collectibles, and themed accessories
- Expand your Borderlands tabletop experience with exciting gameplay content, unique characters, or collectible items designed to complement Mister Torgue's Arena of Badassery
- Great for collectors, tabletop gamers, and Borderlands fans looking to enhance their game nights or display officially licensed memorabilia
- Designed to integrate seamlessly with compatible Borderlands tabletop products while celebrating the explosive personality and style of Mister Torgue
- Features high-quality components and officially licensed designs that capture the humor, action, and unmistakable atmosphere of the Borderlands universe
Check the listing for your platform before installing. Xbox states that Xbox One support ended June 19, 2025; do not assume that older console version remains available.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
How to choose between them
| Game | Best fit | Documented structure | Access note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borderlands 4 | Borderlands-style co-op shooting and loot | Campaign co-op with instanced loot, dynamic level scaling, and individual difficulty | Paid game; official announcement lists PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC |
| Destiny 2 | Shared world and continuing group activities | Evolving world with co-op and competitive activities, including strikes and raids | Free-to-play entry path; expansions acquired separately, and included content can change |
| The Division 2 | Tactical third-person shooter RPG | Campaign, co-op, PvP, Dark Zones, gear progression, and endgame specializations | Check the official product page for current platform and purchase details |
| The First Descendant | Co-op action RPG and boss battles | Four-player Colossi battles | Platform availability varies; Xbox One support ended June 19, 2025 |
- Want the closest Borderlands feel? Pick Borderlands 4.
- Want a persistent world and raids? Start with Destiny 2, while checking which content is included or sold separately.
- Prefer tactical third-person missions? Look at The Division 2, keeping its PvP components in mind.
- Want a group focused on major boss encounters? Consider The First Descendant and confirm current support for your platform.
Is there one best game?
There is no established cross-game statistic or comparable quality score that makes one option universally best. The practical choice depends on whether you value Borderlands-like co-op and loot, a shared evolving world, tactical third-person play, or dedicated co-op boss encounters.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

