Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Since release day on December 7, 2023, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora has been available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. It seems you could only buy and play the Windows version exclusively on the Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Connect, news that many gamers weren’t too keen on, given there’s still one PC game launcher to rule them all. If we’re being honest, that is.
But starting today, you can experience the Na’vi’s stunning open world adventure via Valve’s ubiquitous Steam platform—just as the good Lord intended.
I’m guessing Ubisoft finally grew tired of all the ridiculous exclusivity and is ready to make some more bioluminescent Pandoran cash, which means: “Hey, now you can play our game in other places! Isn’t that cool?” Still no Switch port, though. Come on, Ubisoft. It’ll be a healthy development challenge trying to squeeze these gorgeous alien environments onto 7-year-old hardware. It’s not like Nintendo is going to announce the Switch 2 anytime soon.
Regardless, this is timely news, as the title’s first batch of DLC, The Sky Breaker, is due for mass consumption next month on July 16. It’s easy to assume that the new content will be alive and present on the fresh Steam version as well, seeing as the game’s current product page lists both the Gold and Ultimate versions, which each contain the Season Pass, which in turn grants access to both upcoming DLCs.
Everything is also on sale right now, so you can nab the Steam version for 40% off if you’re so inclined. But my big question is: Will this be Steam Deck compatible? There’s no mention of the Steam Deck within the Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora details, and I’ve recently learned that Ubisoft games tend to not play all that nice with the Steam Deck because of the jumping-through-hoops logistics of Ubisoft Connect.
Last week, I acquired a Steam Deck review unit, so I’ll have to fiddle with things to see if I can’t get a copy of Frontiers of Pandora up and running. While I’ve used Steam for ages, I’m new to the PC handheld world, so things should get pretty interesting.
Speaking of, I’ve still got to play through the base game, and with the sales going on, maybe I’ll take the plunge. I’ve got just under a month to make my way through Pandora, and it’s not like I have a hundred other games that need playing, too.