Avatar Frontiers of Pandora From the Ashes review: A darker yet promising return to Pandora

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With the release of the Fire and Ash movie, along with Frontiers of Pandora's latest DLC, From the Ashes, 2025 ended on a pretty high note for Avatar fans like me. Even if the expansion weren't announced, I'd have still hopped on the title, solely because of the launch of the third-person POV feature. Oh, and there's also a New Game+ mode now.

If you are wondering whether it is necessary to finish the main storyline before experiencing From the Ashes, the answer is no; you may purchase the DLC and access its narrative directly from the main menu. This expansion can also be regarded as an entirely distinct game. Although it is relatively brief, it took me around 18 hours to clear most of its content.

The base game of Frontiers of Pandora was somewhat decent, at least to me. However, From the Ashes improved several aspects, and with a new protagonist and stellar gunplay in the third-person perspective, it got me hooked for most of the playthrough.

Although there are certain drawbacks (which I will elaborate on later), the overarching concept and implementation of the DLC feel appropriate. However, is the $24.99 price tag justified?

All in all, if you love the franchise, it is certainly worth considering. And if your experience with Avatar Frontiers of Pandora was not satisfactory, From the Ashes, along with its updated mechanics, should significantly improve your perception.

From the Ashes is a darker chapter that refines Avatar Frontiers of Pandora

The narrative of From the Ashes takes place in 2170 (Image via Ubisoft)

Along with several significant in-game updates, including a third-person POV option, the new DLC launch of From the Ashes is truly exciting. After buying it, open the game, and you will have the option to choose your journey: the base storyline, which takes place in the year 2169, or the story of From the Ashes in the following year, 2170.

The story of ashes and darkness

While the Frontiers of Pandora From the Ashes expansion starts in a similar setting to the base game, with lush green and beautiful landscapes all around, things change dramatically after a bit. As the Mangkwan Clan (Ash Clan), with the help of the RDA group, burns things down, some parts of the Kinglor Forest start to become dark because of the ashes.

The blazing forest expresses grief, and the overall setting feels heavier and more oppressive. As I played through the quests, the entire map gradually began to incorporate a singed environment, and its supportive narrative struck the right notes. Nonetheless, came across some beautiful habitats that bloom with colorful flowers all around.

While the captivating storyline paired with the gloomy world design can feel somewhat linear, it is not a bad thing. The flow was perfect, with a decent amount of exploration, the side activities, and, of course, So'lek's intriguing quest for vengeance.

So'lek's journey of retribution

The first thing you'll notice after starting your journey in the latest DLC is that you're playing as a new protagonist, named So'lek. He was also a part of the Avatar Frontiers of Pandora's base game storyline. However, So'lek's perspective and overall characteristics felt more fitting than the base game's protagonist.

Experience the story of From the Ashes from So'lek's perspective (Image via Ubisoft)

If you played the base game earlier, there's an option to import your character, the Sarentu, to From the Ashes. That's actually brilliant because that character will be part of the expansion as So'lek's companion for a bit.

So'lek unlocks a unique skill called Warrior Sense that buffs him for a short period of time with prominent abilities. There's an entirely different skill tree for So'lek, and with time, he becomes this powerhouse that can single-handedly wreak havoc among the RDA and the Ash Clan warriors.

As I cleared the quests and defeated some prominent enemies, I received some dog tags, the primary requirement to unlock new skills. With all the mechanics, I didn't have to grind and explore separately to upgrade So'lek's prowess. The viable enhancements can be done simultaneously with the missions, which felt pretty great.

However, seeing all of So'lek's armor and movement mechanics from a third-person perspective greatly enhanced the whole experience. The same goes for Ikran and traveling through the forest while mounted on it.

Combat is satisfying, but repetitive in a way

Sneak behind to perform finishers (Image via Ubisoft)

When So'lek's story is showcased at the start, he possesses all these skills that melt through the enemies. However, with the story progression, you have to start from zero. So, the encounters can feel a bit overwhelming during the initial hours, but overall, it is solid and fun.

The gunplay looks exceptionally well in the new third-person mode, and I felt it makes the combat a bit easier. Taking cover and tracking the enemies are now relatively efficient. But if you want to experience the true rush and excitement of the battles, play the game in the first-person mode.

Wukula of the Ash Clan (Image via Ubisoft)

I really liked the stealth approach this time, and unlocking new abilities in the skill tree helped a lot in that aspect. Sneaking behind the RDA robots and performing So'lek's finishers is peak.

But most of the RDA encounters become repetitive as the story progresses. Well, it would have been unfortunate if the developers had not added the Ash Clan warriors as enemies. They are agile, just like the protagonist, and have a cool set of fighting abilities.

Final thoughts

The world design is a work of art (Image via Ubisoft)

First of all, I believe that the launch of Avatar Frontiers of Pandora back in 2023 was somewhat underrated. While there were some weak points here and there, the world design, open world experience, weapon usage, and numerous other elements were of exceptional quality.

Now, with the new updates in the system, the latest From the Ashes expansion, and importantly, the third-person mode, it just gotten significantly better. Even if you aren't sure about buying the DLC, you should try the base game in the third-person mode once. If you feel good about it, then the journey of From the Ashes will seem even better.

Do not dismiss it as "another Ubisoft DLC..." Instead, I highly recommend that you give it a try. The stoic nature of So'lek, the singed landscape, an interesting antagonist, and great visuals and performance of From the Ashes will certainly exceed your expectations.