The latest update for Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, titled “Secrets of the Spires,” is now rolling out for players who own the Season Pass. This expansion brings with it a wealth of new content, including fresh achievements to unlock, an expanded map, and an engaging new storyline. With this DLC, the current suite of post-launch content for Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora appears complete, making it compelling to see if these additions elevate its status among the top open-world experiences available on Xbox.
“Secrets of the Spires” has finally arrived, albeit after a brief delay. It marks the second story expansion available to those with the Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Season Pass. This content pack offers five new achievements for Xbox enthusiasts and requires a 17.5GB download for Xbox Series X|S users. Among its standout features are a new area known as the Spires of the Clouded Forest, innovative skills and gear, and a continuation of the game’s storyline. Interestingly, like the previous add-on, players have the choice to dive right into “Secrets of the Spires” without completing the main storyline first.
In this DLC, players will find themselves in epic aerial conflicts set in the towering landscapes of the Clouded Forest, part of Pandora’s Western Frontier. Ubisoft tantalizingly describes it as a new open-world section designed to heighten the thrill of flying aboard your ikran. Players are tasked with disrupting RDA aerial convoys using new ikran skills and a freshly introduced mounted weapon. You’ll also connect with an isolated Na’vi clan, joining them to combat a novel RDA menace in the Spires region. Dive into this vertical wonderland packed with hidden dangers lurking within its canyons and caves.
Let’s delve into the specifics of what “Secrets of the Spires” offers: Dive into an entirely new campaign with side missions and engaging activities. Discover diverse biomes like the Tangled Peaks, Splintered Arches, and Warrior’s Rise. Strengthen your bond with your ikran, unlocking new skills and equipment. Prepare for new aerial challenges and hone your abilities to overcome them. Engage with vibrant flora and fauna, and explore new methods of navigation and resource gathering.
For all platforms, you can now invest skill points to unlock and enhance a variety of new ikran abilities, such as Ikran Smash and Launch. PlayStation 5 Pro users can enjoy the game at a smoother 60 FPS in Quality Mode. With upgrades like increased internal resolution and the integration of PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), the game performs better than before. On the technical front, computer gamers experiencing issues on Windows 11 24H2 can use a temporary fix while a permanent solution is developed. PlayStation 5 users should note a bug where the Menu Narration might not read certain sections correctly if set to a slower reading speed.
While the updates are exciting, some known issues persist across platforms. These include mismatched warning messages in co-op quests, slow-loading map icons, repetitive icon appearances, and occasional audio balance issues during character dialogues in specific quests. Xbox and PS5 users might notice that settings like HDR and custom controls reset after idling for too long. Moreover, players have reported bugs related to co-op credits scenes and specific quest completions.
What lies ahead for Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora remains a question. Ubisoft’s track record in 2024 has been mixed, with their other major title, Star Wars Outlaws, frequently receiving updates to enhance player experience. “The Sky Breaker,” the previous story pack, provided six to eight hours of engagement. It’ll be intriguing to see how “Secrets of the Spires” matches up in terms of playtime.
I’m particularly eager to get back into the game for its ikran elements, yet I wonder how long the magic of Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora will captivate us. While the allure of exploring Pandora might appeal to avid Avatar fans, it’s uncertain how it will stand the test of time. More ikran missions could significantly boost the game’s appeal, as the experience of flying through Pandora was a highlight in our review of the base game. Plus, with aerial battles initially feeling somewhat clunky, this DLC seems set to refine and enhance our ikran gameplay experience.
