Massive Entertainment is turning heads with their latest update for Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, dropping Title Update 1.2 alongside the game’s fresh expansion pack. This timely release comes just a week shy of the game’s first anniversary.
Drawing inspiration from James Cameron’s blockbuster sci-fi films, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora invites players into a lush, open-world adventure. Since its debut on December 7, 2023, this Ubisoft title has been the recipient of numerous updates aimed at enriching gameplay, ironing out technical issues, and boosting stability. The newest update carries on this tradition, introducing a new region while addressing a laundry list of pesky bugs.
Released on November 28, Title Update 1.2 goes hand-in-hand with the second story expansion, Secret of the Spires. This paid DLC whisks players away to the Spires of the Clouded Forest, expanding the game’s universe with a fresh story campaign, a slew of side quests, new activities, skills, and gear. Originally set for a November 26 release, the DLC faced a last-minute delay, attributed by the development team to a critical issue that required immediate attention.
A standout feature of this update is the incorporation of PlayStation 5 Pro support. Gamers on this powerful console can now delve into the vibrant world of the Na’vi at a smooth 60 frames per second in Quality Mode, a significant step up from the regular PS5’s 30 FPS output. Additionally, the PS5 Pro version benefits from higher rendering resolution, thanks to Sony’s innovative PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology. This AI-driven tool enhances image quality, even when games don’t officially support the latest console.
Title Update 1.2 also opens the door for players to spend skill points on unlocking and upgrading a range of skills for their Ikran mount, enhancing aerial maneuvering in the game. This major update tackles a lengthy list of known issues, including quirks that would award players undeserved rewards without completing objectives.
For those eager to experience these enhancements, PC players will need 24.32 GB of free space for the update. Meanwhile, PS5 players should set aside 18 GB, and Xbox Series X/S users will require 17.5 GB to complete the installation.
Diving into the specifics of the patch, Secret of the Spires presents a new map area, the Spires of the Clouded Forest, where players can explore untold biomes, embark on side quests, and engage with new activities. Skills improvements include more options for the Ikran, like Ikran Smash and Flares, all of which promise to add depth to gameplay.
PlayStation 5 Pro users can rejoice in the ability to play at 60 FPS in Quality Mode, with improved resolutions — all thanks to the machine learning prowess of PSSR. However, some issues persist across platforms, such as the uncompleted "Penance" quest and slow map icon loading, which the developers are aware of and working to resolve.
If you’re a Windows 11 24H2 user facing performance hiccups, expect a temporary fix while a more durable solution is on the way. Expect an easier ride with the likes of the updated ikran menus and consistent HDR settings across sessions.
With the ongoing dedication from Massive Entertainment, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora continues to evolve, offering players more layers to explore and challenges to conquer as they protect the world of Pandora.