Tiny Tina's Wonderlands - What We Know So Far

Buckle up, "Borderlands" fans, because you're in for some good news. A new spinoff, "Tiny Tina's Wonderlands," was announced during the June 10 Summer Game Fest Kickoff livestream. Not only did fans get a glimpse at an enticing new trailer, but Tiny Tina's voice actor Ashly Burch also shared some additional details about the upcoming game in a brief interview with Summer Game Fest host Geoff Keighley.

Even though Gearbox and 2K tried to keep a tight lid on this announcement, it might not feel surprising to superfans who found out about the possibility of "Wonderlands" through a series of leaks. The hype for the "Wonderlands" reveal has truly been building since May 2021, when Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford took to Twitter to hint that his studio is "working on the big one." Whether he was referring to "Wonderlands" or not, this would-be surprise announcement is still big news for "Borderlands" fans, particularly those who love the controversial Tiny Tina.

Though there's no precise release date at the moment, the trailer shared at Summer Game Fest revealed that "Wonderlands" is slated to come out in early 2022.

2K will publish the game, and it's developed by Gearbox Software. In fact, according to the official "Borderlands" website, Gearbox has been working on the game for the past 10 years, with some stop-and-go along the way. After all that time in development, this game could very well be something special. 

Then again, controversy has been a big part of Gearbox's recent history, which could account for some of the hiccups in development. For instance, "Borderlands 3" employees have spoken out in the last year regarding unfair pay practices.

Despite the issues at Gearbox, all systems are a go for "Wonderlands" as of now. As with most release date windows these days, don't be surprised if delays surface at some point. Either way, the game still looks like it'll be worth the wait — especially if the trailer is any indication.

The "Wonderlands" trailer opens in full cinematic glory with ominous music and the word "Prepare" on screen. Fleeting footage of flames and dragons sets the scene for a somber voiceover. "Fate: it soars on the wind," the voice proclaims. "It rises from the graves. It stalks the ocean floor. You cannot hide from fate, but you can make your own."

The music ramps up as an epic shootout with a dragon unfolds. Perhaps most exciting, the list of the game's stars is revealed. Big names like Andy Samberg, Wanda Sykes, Will Arnett, and of course, Ashly Burch (Tiny Tina herself), will be part of the project. Last but not least, viewers meet a sparkly unicorn with a magical horn. She is, of course, "her royal highness, Butt Stallion."

Just when the trailer seems sure to wrap up on a slightly more serious and impactful note, "Wonderlands" comes across the screen in large lettering, only for Tina to appears and add her name right above it. She rides off on a dragon, bringing the trailer to an end with the reveal of the game's release window.

Though the trailer didn't highlight any actual gameplay, the subsequent interview with Keighley and Burch did. Burch called "Wonderlands" a "high-fantasy take on a looter-shooter." Though it has a lot in common with the mainline "Borderlands" franchise, Burch asserted that "Wonderlands" is "its own, standalone game." As she explained, the new title draws inspiration from "Borderlands 2" DLC "Assault on Dragon Keep," since this story was "beloved by the devs."

According to the official site, "Wonderlands" will feature original mechanics, including spellcasting and deeper character customization. Players will guide an "amazing cast" through a "wacky world" to eventually defeat the Dragon Lord, voiced by Will Arnett. The game will include a full-length adventure campaign, cooperative gameplay for four, and post-game content to keep the good times rolling. With Tiny Tina as the bunkmaster, things are sure to get exciting for "Borderlands" fans and newcomers alike.

As Burch said, "if you love 'Borderlands,' you're gonna find stuff to love in ['Wonderlands'], and if you've never played a 'Borderlands' game, this is a great place to start." More information about "Wonderlands" will be available "hopefully this summer," according to Burch.