11 Multiplayer games like Borderlands 2 that you should try

What brings it close to Borderlands 2 is open world exploration, melee combat and a sci-fi setting, and the two track each other on genre, game mode and visuals. To that it adds loot and gear systems, and multiplayer gameplay. They part company on combat and setting: this one brings post-apocalyptic world.

Genre puts it alongside Borderlands 2, and so does loot and gear systems, melee combat, and multiplayer gameplay. The common ground extends to a first-person view. Where the two diverge is setting and combat: magic-based combat and fantasy world.

Its point of contact with Borderlands 2 is deep RPG systems, melee combat and single-player focus. The distance is in setting and visuals — its own ground is puzzle design and fantasy world.

It shares the essentials of what Borderlands 2 does: open world exploration, ranged combat and a sci-fi setting. To that it adds a first-person view and single-player focus. They part company on world: this one brings strong narrative focus.

On paper it is what Borderlands 2 is — open world exploration, melee combat and a sci-fi setting — though the resemblance is mostly at that level. Both also lean on loot and gear systems, and co-op play. The distance is in combat and setting — its own ground is a space setting.

Shelved next to Borderlands 2 for good reason: open world exploration, melee combat and a sci-fi setting. To that it adds loot and gear systems, and single-player focus. They part company on visuals and combat: this one brings tactical combat and post-apocalyptic world.

Shelved next to Borderlands 2 for good reason: open world exploration, ranged combat and a sci-fi setting. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and single-player focus. Where the two diverge is setting and world: a space setting.

Shelved next to Borderlands 2 for good reason: open world exploration, melee combat and a sci-fi setting. To that it adds loot and gear systems, and co-op play. They part company on visuals and combat: this one brings a third-person camera.

Shelved next to Borderlands 2 for good reason: open world exploration, melee combat and a sci-fi setting. To that it adds exploration and discovery, and multiplayer gameplay. They part company on visuals and combat: this one brings tactical combat and post-apocalyptic world.

It meets Borderlands 2 on deep RPG systems, a sci-fi setting and offline play. Where the two diverge is visuals and genre: precision platforming and 2D presentation.

On paper it is what Borderlands 2 is — open world exploration, melee combat and a sci-fi setting — though the resemblance is mostly at that level. To that it adds loot and gear systems, and co-op play. They part company on world and setting: this one brings procedural generation and horror setting.